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Dentists warn us to fight plaque. Innumerable brands of toothpaste, dental floss, and mouthwash wage war against plaque. But what exactly is this enemy we are up against?

Plaque is mainly bacteria that forms in the mouth, but contains other materials as well. Biology Online defines dental plaque as follows -

A soft, thin film of food debris, mucin and dead epithelial cells deposited on the teeth, providing the medium for the growth of various bacteria.

The main inorganic components are calcium and phosphorus with small amounts of magnesium, potassium and sodium, the organic matrix consists of polysaccharides, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and other components … (Biology Online, “Dental plaque”)

If that definition is too technical, Johns Hopkins defines plaque simply as a sticky substance made of mucus, food particles, and bacteria.

Whatever definition you choose, dental plaque is exceedingly complex, containing as many as 400 types of bacteria. Calcium, a component of plaque that comes mainly from the salivary glands, causes plaque to harden and become difficult to remove from the teeth. Sugar and starches we consume accelerate the growth of bacteria and the development of plaque. (This is an overlooked reason to avoid carbs and sugar in your diet.)

Plaque cannot be eliminated completely, but regular brushing with a fluoride toothpaste, and flossing, are the best defense against plaque buildup.

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If you’re shopping for mouthwash, the variety of choices can be perplexing. Some mouthwashes claim to cure bad breath. Others promise whiter teeth or tartar control. Some tout all natural ingredients, while others have a list of ingredients that look like a chemistry exam.

Make life easy by checking with your dentist. S/he can recommend the mouthwash that will work best for you.

According to the American Dental Association, antiseptic mouthwashes do indeed offer oral health benefits, including reducing plaque, controlling gingivitis (bleeding gums), and yes — killing germs. (Not the germs that cause gum disease, unfortunately.) (more…)