Saliva causing plaque - any experience of this?

[eloid]

My husband took my six year old to the dentist today who was impressed with her teeth and how we are cleaning them, but said there was a build-up of plaque behind the middle teeth on the lower jaw.

He said this wasn’t due to cleaning issues but rather her saliva was likely causing it and she may have similar problems with her molars that will come through soon (because these teeth are all located near saliva glands).

He said it shouldn’t be too much of a problem but she may need to have regular cleaning by the dentist as a child and as an adult to keep problems at bay.

I’m happy that he cleaned them for her so all fine for now, but my husband couldn’t quite remember the detail about the problem with her saliva and I’m interested to understand better...

Does anyone have experience of this themselves or with their children?

My dentist has told me the same, I get a scale and polish every six months but the only bit that needs scaling really is the bottom two middle teeth, no matter how much I try and keep on top of it. Hasn't caused any issues.

That's where the main salivary gland is and everyone has the same problem, make a conscious effort to really get there with the brush and have a clean at the dentist if needed. Very good patient having a scale at that young age!

That’s good to know that it can be managed, Inwood. Thank you!

Sorrythisname - Yes, she was really good apparently (got two stickers as a result!). He said he’d noticed it might be an issue at her check up six months ago and judging by the build up this time thought she may be more prone to it than most? He said now he’s cleaned those teeth he’ll assess it again at next check up. Will make sure we get them cleaned as needed. I have a bit of a fear of the dentist which I’m very much trying not to pass on! I panicked when my husband told me (not in front of daughter) so just want to have a bit of an idea about what to expect!

Those wee interdental brushes might be helpful if it's the 2 bottom front teeth. My dd is also prone to build up there, not helped by wearing railtracks on her teeth at the moment.

I hadn’t thought of that, Demented... I only started flossing when I was an adult! When do people generally introduce flossing to their kids?

I have wee floss harps and interdental brushes as they are easier for children to use. I buy unbranded out discount chemists or own make supermarket stuff.

This is normal.
We all form plaque on our teeth. What your daughter has is calculus (tartar). This is plaque that is calcified by saliva salts and won’t come off with brushing. It needs to be scaled off.
Better brushing and interdental cleaning can reduce this buildup.

Thanks AnnaMaria. Yes, I understand it’s normal but as I said, my dentist said he thought my daughter might be more susceptible to it than others, some people are apparently. I wanted to hear from people with experience of that so I know how that might affect my daughter. My dentist assured my husband that it wasn’t due to bad brushing (although of course we need to be vigilant with that).

Some people have more salts in their saliva, simple as that.
It will affect her by needing to be very vigilant with oral hygiene and visit dentist/ hygienist for scaling regularly- usually every 6 months in adulthood.

I've got a friend with this problem. He needs to have regular cleanings with the hygienist, every 3-4 months, otherwise it becomes visible.