Dental Plaque Treatment | Causes, Treatment, Cost
Dental caries is a common problem in India, affecting around 65% of the population. It is often caused by plaque buildup, which in turn is caused by poor oral hygiene. If you have persistent bad breath and red, swollen gums, chances are, you have dental plaque. Left untreated, it could lead to several gum diseases, including gingivitis. Learn more about dental plaque treatment, including cost and recovery time:
What Is Dental Plaque?
Dental plaque is a thin, sticky film of bacteria that’s formed on the teeth. It contains bacteria formed by residual food mixed with saliva. The bacteria in your mouth feed on the sugar and carbohydrates found in food debris to create a sticky and acidic film called plaque. While it is normal for plaque to be formed after eating food, you must brush your teeth and rinse thoroughly to get rid of it. When left alone, it becomes tartar, i.e., plaque that has hardened. This appears off-white or yellow and later turns brown. At this point, it cannot be removed by brushing or flossing and needs professional cleanup. It is probably plaque if you run your tongue over your teeth and have a fuzzy feeling.
What Causes Dental Plaque?
Poor oral hygiene, including not brushing and flossing your teeth, causes plaque. You must rinse your mouth thoroughly after eating sugary or starchy food like milk, bread, pasta, fruit, etc. The bacteria in your mouth feed on the sugar and carbs, causing plaque.
Plague could lead to dental cavities, gum diseases like gingivitis, tooth loss, and tooth infection when left unattended.
Dental Plaque Treatment
Proper dental hygiene includes visiting the dentist at least once a year for professional cleaning. If, during a visit, the dentist finds plaque buildup, he may suggest applying dental sealants to prevent plaque from forming on the teeth. Dental sealants are protective coatings that protect the surface of the teeth from bacteria buildup. The sealants are made of plant-based resin or glass ionomers. The dentist may recommend dental sealants if your teeth are prone to decay because of misaligned teeth or other problems.
If plaque is formed by dry mouth, the dentist may recommend eliminating the underlying problem to eliminate the symptom. Dry mouth treatments include medications like pilocarpine to increase natural saliva production. The dentist may also suggest sucking ice cubes, chewing gum, and drinking plenty of water.
Sometimes, fluoride treatments are advised for patients at risk of tooth decay due to other dental complications. The dentist may also suggest an antibacterial mouthwash to reduce plaque.
At-Home Dental Plaque Treatment
You can manage dental plaque at home by following rigorous oral care. You must brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss well before bed to loosen any bits of food that can be brushed away. Use a soft brush to remove the plaque and do it evenly and gently. Also, replace your brush regularly.
Oil pulling is an effective treatment that helps remove bacteria-causing plaque buildup. Coconut and sesame oil are two of the most common oils used for oil pulling. You must do this on an empty stomach, and don’t forget to throw the oil after swishing it around the mouth for at least 20 minutes every day.
Another effective at-home dental plaque treatment is brushing the teeth with baking soda as it is a natural cleanser and an abrasive, therefore good for scrubbing.
As for dental plaque treatment cost, it largely depends on the treatment provided. But generally, it takes a few rupees to invest in a good brush and floss. You can even make your natural mouthwash at home using lemongrass oil mixed with water.
Dental plaque treatment recovery also depends on the treatment. But root planing and scaling can leave your gums soar for some time.
Contact us if you are looking for a dental plaque treatment hospital in India. Schedule an appointment with us for the best dental treatment in India if you suspect you have a problem with dental plaque or tartar buildup.