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Children have all of their 32 permanent teeth by the time they’re 14. This means that those permanent teeth must last for the rest of their lives! That’s why they must do their best to protect and preserve their teeth. One of the main ways is to fight off plaque.
The office of White Plains & Larchmont Pediatric Dentistry has a well-established reputation for providing high-quality care and compassionate service. We are an excellent one-stop solution for children’s oral health. Whether it’s time for a back-to-school checkup, a routine cleaning or correcting an issue, we’re your resource for the best in modern pediatric dentistry.
Telling your child about all the ways that plaque can cause significant dental damage is a great motivator. Here are the nitty-gritty facts!
Plaque is a film that sticks to your teeth. It has no redeeming qualities. It spurs cavities and gum disease. This soft, fuzzy film starts to form within mere hours after you brush your teeth. If you don’t brush and floss thoroughly at least twice a day, plaque will harden and become tartar, and only a dental professional can remove it.
Plaque is oral bacteria that easily converts carbohydrates, starches and sugars into acids. Plaque’s stickiness lets those acids adhere to tooth enamel, which can be dissolved by those acids and diminish the tooth’s mineral structure. The oral bacteria can also irritate and inflame gums to the point where they bleed and become sore and swollen—the nascent form of gingivitis.
Plaque and tartar can lead to periodontitis and tooth loss. When that dastardly duo builds up around and under gum lines, the gums recede, which makes pockets in which bacteria collect. Frequent infections and inflammation easily lead to periodontitis and the destruction of the bones that support the teeth. Yikes!
We at the office of White Plains & Larchmont Pediatric Dentistry are enthusiastic about treating your child’s oral health. In addition to our high-quality, comprehensive dental care, we have a welcoming, patient-focused environment in which all patients and their parents feel at ease. Please call us today for an appointment!
By White Plains Pediatric Dentistry
January 2, 2025
