Have you ever run your tongue over your teeth, and they felt a little fuzzy? A coating if you will? That fuzzy coating is what we refer to as biofilm, also known across the dental industry, as dental plaque.
It's the collection of many organisms working and living together in a group design structure, called the “extracellular matrix”. This structure of organisms to share available resources with each other, and function as one large organism when needed.
How does Biofilm Thrive?
Just like any other living organism, biofilm thrives because it's able to feed. That's right! Your biofilm is eating every single time and morsel that you eat. These bacteria grow on any type of wet surface, including your mouth. The biofilm that our dental professionals talk about are ones that have become large enough for our oral surgeons to see with their naked eye.
How to Combat Plaque
There are ways you can combat plaque at home in between your routine oral exam appointments at our office. The main one is to practice good oral hygiene on a daily basis. We recommend you use a fluoride-based toothpaste and floss at least once a day after your final meal. To brush your teeth properly, be sure you are starting in the back of your mouth with your molars on top.
When brushing, use short strokes in a circular motion, but don't apply hard pressure. From there, gradually move to the front of your mouth and get the back of your upper teeth in the process. Repeat these steps at least 1-3 times on your bottom teeth, and then rinse with a mouthwash of your choice. We recommend purchasing one designed to help fight plaque.
If you have concerns about maintaining proper oral hygiene at home, feel free to come in for a consultation or give us a call at (425) 616-0620 to get answers to your immediate questions. Our experienced staff is on standby.
Dental Blog | Dentist Edmonds, WA | Perrinville Family Dentistry Dr. Jacky from Perrinville Family Dentistry is offering this blog as a resource to the community. Click here to learn more about procedures, home care, and more! Perrinville Family Dentistry, 7533 Olympic View Dr. Suite C Edmonds, WA 98026 \ (425) 616-0620 \ perrinvillefamilydentistry.com \ 12/1/2023 \ Page Terms:dentist \
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Have you ever run your tongue over your teeth, and they felt a little fuzzy? A coating if you will? That fuzzy coating is what we refer to as biofilm, also known across the dental industry, as dental plaque. 
Gary J. Jacky, DMD