If you’ve ever felt a fuzzy buildup on your teeth while licking them with your tongue, that pesky buildup is called plaque. Plaque contains bacteria, which following a meal or snack containing sugar can release acids that attack tooth enamel, eventually contributing to tooth decay and gum disease when left untreated. Plaque that is not removed with thorough daily brushing and flossing can eventually harden into tartar. When tartar accumulates, only Dr. Fredrick saw and his team of hygienists can remove it.
Plaque is a sticky, colorless film of bacteria that constantly forms on our teeth and along the gum line. Plaque that is not removed from around the gum line can cause inflammation and irritation to the gums around your teeth. Red, puffy or bleeding gums can be the first signs of gum disease and if not treated, the tissues holding the teeth in place are destroyed and the teeth are eventually lost. In addition to practicing a proper oral hygiene routine, it is important to schedule professional cleanings twice a year to prevent plaque from getting worse.
If you have plaque buildup and are due for a dental checkup, please give us a call. To learn about other services we provide at our practice, visit www.fredrickshawdds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Fredrick Shaw in Austin, TX, call 512-451-7491.
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