Dental plaque and caries are among the most widespread dental problems. It all originates from bacterial plaque, a thin biofilm that covers the teeth near the gums. Adequate dental hygiene limits and prevents the formation of bacterial biofilm, but what are the remedies for dental plaque?

Dental plaque is the yellowish layer that forms between the teeth and gums, which is not only bad-looking. Indeed, it can cause disorders such as bad breath, and also affect the teeth more seriously, to the point of making them fall out. Plaque, in fact, promotes the proliferation of bacteria in the mouth and can trigger disturbances such as periodontitis, gingivitis, pyorrhea, gingival recession, caries and abscesses.

What is dental plaque

Dental plaque is a thin biofilm composed of bacteria and food residues that settle on the surface layer of the teeth. Immediately after eating, an aseptic film of saliva and other molecules is formed on the teeth. Although initially harmless, this, however, modifies the surface of the teeth, facilitating bacterial adhesion. Harmful bacteria attach to the film, and these are able to aggregate and proliferate quickly. Dental plaque accumulates and deposits on teeth and gums as limescale on our sink taps, due to poor oral hygiene.

But this does not end here: once formed, the plaque continues its process of colonization of the teeth. While in the first moment it limits itself to attacking the first superficial layer of the teeth, the enamel, in case the problem is not addressed, such situation can favor the formation of tartar and caries, and also of gingival inflammation. Once the bacteria have found a way to stick to the surface of the teeth, they begin to attack it. Tartar is nothing but calcification of plaque, to which phosphates and calcium salts are added.

Caries is a bacterial attack to the pulp of the teeth: if we let bacteria act freely, these are able to dig our teeth to the bone. Similarly to what happens with limescale in our homes, dental plaque is easy to remove during the first stages of its formation, while later it becomes increasingly tough and resistant. Plaque bacteria feed mainly on sugars, preferring sucrose, the notorious white sugar used in our kitchens, but also lactose and starch. We can therefore avoid the formation of plaque, tartar, caries and gingival inflammation with simple precautions. What are the remedies for dental plaque?

• The best solution is certainly to prevent the formation of dental plaque: you need to brush your teeth at least three times a day with a gentle brush, making circular movements for not less than two minutes.
• Use dental floss at least once a day to remove food particles and bacteria. It is in fact necessary to pay particular attention to the interdental space between the gums and the teeth, where plaque is easily nested. The thread should be passed after using the toothbrush and before a complete rinse.
• Consult a dentist or dental hygienist every 6 months for a check-up and a dental cleaning.
• A balanced diet without refined sugars limits plaque formation and prevents caries. Refined sugar is our main enemy, and by not consuming it, we let bad bacteria starve. We should eliminate white sugar and, in general, not overdo with sugar consumption. The best alternatives to refined sugar are Coconut Sugar and Xylitol.
• Raw fruits and vegetables, but also fermented foods help fight plaque. Vegetable fibers help removing food and stimulate saliva production, neutralizing plaque acids. Yeasts and probiotics are good bacteria that fight the causes of plaque.