Everything You Need to Know About Dental Plaque

Dental plaque, it’s our teeth’s worst nightmare. It’s the main reason many of us suffer from oral heath problems most often related to tooth decay in some form. Tooth decay stems from dental plaque. It’s the reason your dentist wants you to stay on top of brushing and flossing all of the time.

So exactly what is dental plaque? Plaque is the dental biofilm that covers your teeth after a chemical reaction in your teeth takes place. Dental plaque forms on the teeth when your body begins breaking down the foods you consume when chewing. The carbohydrates from these foods mesh with the bacteria in your mouth to form the dental plaque, which must be cleaned away at least twice a day to keep it from getting out of control.

The chemical reaction occurs with carbohydrates, which is why sugary foods are frowned upon in the eyes of your dentist; they help cause the formation of plaque. There are a few things you can do to keep dental plaque from overtaking your mouth:

-Brush twice a day and floss at least once (preferably after every large meal consumed you should brush and floss).

-Use toothpastes that feature fluoride as it has shown to reduce plaque in the mouth.

-Your toothbrush can only do so much at home, visit your dentist twice a month in order to have any remaining plaque (which may have hardened into tartar) scraped off with the necessary tools.

-Replace the sugary snacks with something a little healthier such as fruits, vegetables, and plain yogurts.

Do your part, follow our above advice on oral hygiene, and you should be able to keep your plaque down to healthy levels.

Las Vegas General Dentist Explains Common Root Canal Myths

A root canal is a general dentistry procedure that is commonly performed by an experienced dentist, or a specialist known as an endodontist. Root canals are required to salvage your tooth when the tooth’s pulp becomes damaged or decayed. There are a few common root canal myths that simply put, aren’t true.

Common Root Canal Myth #1

People believe that root canals are a time-consuming procedure requiring more than one visit. This isn’t true. Our Las Vegas dentist can complete the entire root canal procedure in about 1-2 hours depending on each individual’s case. The procedure is also completed in one visit. However, because a portion of your tooth is lost from the procedure, most patients typically opt to receive a dental crown. In this case, another appointment is needed to fulfill your crown.

Common Root Canal Myth #2

Some believe the process is a painful one. If you feel pain during your procedure, then we can assure you that something is wrong. The procedure is performed under a local anesthesia that numbs the area that will be receiving the root canal. Our dentists make sure you are completely numb before the procedure starts. You may experience different sensations during the procedure, but you won’t experience pain.

Common Root Canal Myth #3

Some dentists may request that you have a tooth extracted instead of opting for a root canal. This is unnecessary. It is always better to try and save as much as your tooth as possible before deciding to pull it. Modern dentistry offers a lot in terms of dental implants, but your natural teeth always reign supreme over artificial teeth.

Common Root Canal Myth #4

Long ago, research was performed that concluded root canals resulted in illness. This is merely a theory that has not been validated through scientific evidence linking root canals and disease. Root canals actually save you from illness by destroying harmful bacteria that has spread deep into your tooth.

All in all, a root canal procedure is designed to help your teeth and better your oral hygiene. Don’t let false information that has spread over the years prevent you from believing otherwise. When in doubt, ask your family dentist for more information as they have spent countless hours studying research, technique, and safety regarding dental procedures.