The problem of dental plaque appears as dark color contamination, which affects the beauty of the smile and factors such as plaque buildup, food interactions, and smoking cause this phenomenon and treating dental plaque requires regular cleaning, good oral care for prevention, and the use of tooth whiteners for lightening.
What is meant by dental plaque?
Dental plaque, also known as superficial buildup or surface stain, is the accumulation of pigmentation and discolouration on the surface of the teeth, as it appears mainly black or grey, and is caused by drinking colored drinks, smoking and poor oral care and regular teeth cleanings and whitening techniques are needed to overcome this problem.
Causes of dental plaque
The causes of tooth blackness are due to several factors, including:
- Drinking colored drinks: Drinking beverages such as coffee, tea, and soft drinks can cause the accumulation of pigmentation.
- Tobacco smoking: Tobacco contains substances that cause pigmentation and contribute to the appearance of dental plaque.
- Poor oral care: Not cleaning teeth regularly leads to the accumulation of bacteria and pigmentation.
- Food deposits: Food deposits can stick to the teeth and turn into plaque.
- Genetic factors: Some people may be more likely to have stains on their teeth based on genetic factors.
- Use of some medications: Some medications can cause tooth discoloration.
To prevent dental plaque, it is recommended to brush your teeth regularly, avoid smoking, and limit the consumption of colored drinks.
Dental plaque treatment
Treatment for tooth blackness depends on the severity of the staining and its causes, and includes:
- Professional dental cleaning: Visiting the dentist to clean the teeth periodically can help remove plaque and pigmentation.
- Use tooth whiteners: Tooth whiteners prescribed by a dentist can be used to lighten the color of teeth.
- Teeth whitening techniques: Techniques such as laser whitening or cold laser can help improve tooth color.
- Changing nutritional habits: Reducing the consumption of colored drinks and tobacco can contribute to preventing the recurrence of pigmentation.
- Daily dental care: Regular toothbrushing, use of dental floss and mouthwash can help maintain dental hygiene and avoid the accumulation of stains.
What is the difference between dental plaque and tartar?
“Toothplaque” and “tartar” are two terms used to describe buildup on teeth, but each refers to a different concept:
- Dental black (Stains): refers to pigmentation and stains that appear on the surface of the teeth as a result of eating colored food and drinks, smoking tobacco, and other factors and it can be treated with professional dental cleaning and teeth whitening.
- Tartar: refers to the hard deposits that result from the accumulation of limescale and bacteria on the teeth and tartar removal requires a visit to the dentist for a professional dental cleaning and removal of these deposits.
In general, while the term “plaque” is used to emphasize discoloration, “tartar” is used to refer to hardened plaque that needs to be removed by oral health care professionals.
Ways to prevent dental plaque
To prevent dental plaque, you can follow several procedures and adopt healthy oral habits and among these methods:
- Regular brushing: Brush your teeth with a soft toothbrush periodically, at least twice a day.
- Use dental floss: Use dental floss regularly to remove waste and plaque between the teeth.
- Use mouthwash: It is preferable to use mouthwash that contains antibacterials to help keep teeth and gums clean.
- Reduce consumption of colored drinks: Avoid consuming large amounts of colored drinks such as coffee, tea, and soft drinks.
- Avoid smoking: Smoking leads to the accumulation of pigmentation and contributes to the appearance of dental plaque, so it is best to avoid it.
- Regular visits to the dentist: Make regular visits to the dentist for professional dental cleanings and oral health assessments.
- Eat healthy food: Eating food rich in fruits and vegetables helps strengthen teeth and gums.
By following these steps, you can effectively maintain dental hygiene and prevent dental plaque.
Home methods for treating dental plaque
There are some home methods that can be used to help treat dental plaque naturally, however, it should be used cautiously and in moderation to avoid negative effects and some of these methods include:
- Baking soda and lemon: Mix a teaspoon of baking soda with a little lemon juice to create a paste and put it on the toothbrush and rub it gently on the teeth to whiten them and the use of this mixture should be limited, as the acids in lemon can erode the enamel in the teeth.
- Olive oil: Use olive oil for gentle rubbing of teeth to strengthen gums and improve dental hygiene.
- Activated charcoal: Activated charcoal powder can be used to whiten teeth. It can be combined with a toothbrush and gently cleaned teeth with it.
- Flower water: Flower water is antibacterial and can be used as a natural mouthwash.
However, be aware that these home methods may not be as effective compared to professional treatments, and some may cause side effects. It is always best to consult a dentist before trying any home remedy to ensure it is safe and effective.
Symptoms of dental plaque
Dental plaque, or discolouration on the surface of the teeth, may appear without obvious symptoms, however, in some cases there may be signs or symptoms that include:
- Change in tooth color: Black or gray color appears on the surface of the teeth.
- Bad breath: Black teeth may be accompanied by unpleasant breath odor.
- Change in tooth texture: The accumulation of pigmentation can change the texture of the teeth and make them appear rough or not smooth.
- Formation of pigmentation between the teeth: Pigmentation may appear between the teeth, especially in the narrow spaces between them.
- Gum recession: In some cases, there may be an impact on gum health accompanied by the accumulation of pigmentation.
Please note that tooth discolouration may be caused by other factors such as tooth decay or gum problems and if you are concerned about tooth color or have symptoms, it is best to consult a dentist for accurate evaluation and diagnosis.
In conclusion, dental plaque appears as discolorations that may affect the appearance of the smile, although there may be several home methods to mitigate its effect, consulting a dentist for effective treatment and continuing daily dental care remains the best option for maintaining the health and beauty of your smile.
