All About Plaque (Biofilm)

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What’s That Fuzzy Stuff? Understanding Dental Plaque (Biofilm)

You brush, you floss, yet that fuzzy feeling can sometimes return on your teeth – that’s dental plaque, also known scientifically as biofilm. Understanding what plaque is, why it’s harmful, and how to control it is fundamental to maintaining good oral health. At Practice 32 in Colorado Springs, managing biofilm is the primary focus of our expert dental hygienists.

What Exactly is Plaque (Biofilm)?

Plaque isn’t just leftover food; it’s a sticky, usually colorless community of bacteria living in a matrix that adheres firmly to your teeth. Think of it like a microscopic bacterial city!

  • It Forms Constantly: Bacteria are always present in your mouth. They start forming plaque within minutes after you brush.
  • It Feeds on Sugars: Bacteria in plaque consume sugars and starches from your diet.
  • It Produces Acid: As bacteria metabolize sugars, they release acids that attack tooth enamel, leading to cavities.
  • It Irritates Gums: Bacteria also produce toxins that inflame your gums, causing gingivitis (red, swollen, bleeding gums) and potentially progressing to periodontitis (gum disease with bone loss).

Plaque vs. Tartar (Calculus)

If plaque isn’t removed regularly through brushing and flossing, it absorbs minerals from your saliva and hardens into tartar (also called calculus).

  • Tartar is Hard: Unlike soft plaque, tartar cannot be removed by brushing or flossing at home.
  • Tartar Irritates Gums: Its rough surface irritates gums and provides more surface area for new plaque to attach, worsening inflammation.
  • Professional Removal Needed: Only a dental professional (like your hygienist at Practice 32) can remove tartar using specialized instruments.

How Practice 32 Manages Biofilm (Plaque)

Our approach targets biofilm directly and effectively:

  • Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT): This modern protocol uses a disclosing agent to make invisible biofilm visible. Then, AIRFLOW® technology employs a gentle spray of warm water, air, and fine powder to disrupt and remove biofilm thoroughly from all tooth surfaces, even areas traditional polishing might miss.
  • Home Care Education: We teach you the most effective brushing and flossing techniques to disrupt plaque formation daily before it causes harm or hardens into tartar.
  • Tartar Removal: While GBT removes young calculus, any remaining hardened tartar is gently removed using specialized ultrasonic (PIEZON®) or hand instruments.

By focusing on complete biofilm removal, we aim to prevent the cavities and gum disease that would require treatment from a dentist at a general dental practice.

Control Plaque for a Healthier Mouth

Consistent daily home care combined with regular professional hygiene appointments is the key to controlling plaque and maintaining oral health.

Schedule your biofilm management appointment at Practice 32 in Colorado Springs! Call 719-427-4733 today.


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Lisa.
Lisa.★★★★★

I highly recommend Practice 32. Olivia is very knowledgeable. She has state of the art equipment and takes the time to explain what she is doing, explains how to properly floss and how to take the best care of your teeth. Very different from any other teeth cleaning I’ve ever experienced! Definitely check out Practice 32!

Jerome
Jerome★★★★★

When I went to Practice 32, I found Olivia to be very professional and friendly. The office was immaculate, beautifully decorated and calming. Olivia spent more time than any other dental hygienist I had been to explaining her process and how to better care for my teeth…

Joe
Joe★★★★★

Not only are my teeth super clean, I learned so much in how to properly clean my teeth. Trust me, I thought I knew what I was doing but Olivia showed me the way!! If you want great care and knowledge, go see Olivia. Wouldn’t go anywhere else!!

Michelle
Michelle★★★★★

This was the most pleasant and relaxing dental cleaning that I’ve ever had. Olivia was patient and kind, and explained the process and the equipment. I found it both interesting and informative! I appreciate that she was also able to take X-rays, which can be sent to my new dentist. Olivia will be my hygienist from here on out. Thank you!

Rose
Rose★★★★★

Olivia is a wonderful! This is the first time I’ve used the guided biofilm therapy, and my teeth felt so much cleaner than a traditional cleaning. Highly recommend!

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Olivia and her team are amazing. This was my 2nd visit to Practice 32 and their welcoming environment, coupled with their professional dental care make it very easy for me to highly recommend them.
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