Upon waking up each day, you might often find a yellowish layer coating your teeth. This not only gives an unpleasant appearance and sensation but also contributes to the infamous “morning breath.” This dental plaque is a common occurrence every morning, though its extent varies among individuals. To learn more about how plaque build up affects your teeth, talk to yourdentist in Katy, TX. In the meantime, here are some things you should know about excessive plaque buildup.

Understanding Dental Plaque

Dental plaque is essentially a biofilm composed of living bacteria that accumulates on the surface of your teeth. It’s important to remember that your mouth and body naturally harbor various bacteria types. However, the bacteria in dental plaque are particularly detrimental to your dental health.

The acid produced by plaque when you eat or drink can erode your tooth enamel, lead to gingivitis and tooth decay, and potentially cause gum disease. Although regular brushing and flossing are common practices to remove plaque, there’s an additional concern.

Hidden Plaque Formation

Plaque also develops in less visible areas, such as beneath the gum line. While your dental hygienist plays a crucial role in eliminating plaque from your teeth and gums, maintaining regular dental check-ups at least twice a year is vital for effective plaque management.

Factors Leading to Excess Plaque

Certain factors might contribute to your heightened susceptibility to plaque, such as:

• Consuming a diet rich in sugars
• Experiencing dry mouth syndrome
• Smoking or alcohol consumption

If you’re experiencing significant plaque buildup, consider scheduling more frequentteeth cleanings in Katy, TX. Preventative care can go a long way toward avoiding more serious dental health problems later on.

Don’t overlook your plaque-related issues. If you feel you have excess plaque buildup, contact us for an appointment for a cleaning and for lifestyle changes that may reduce the formation of plaque.