Dental plaque forms daily on every person’s teeth and can eventually cause decay. Plaque buildup is a thin film of bacteria that sticks to your teeth and releases acids each time you eat and drink.
With the proper daily habits and routine, you can keep your smile clean by preventing dental plaque from accumulating. Here are 5 things you can do to halt plaque buildup.
1. Brush and Floss Daily
Sometimes the most simple solutions are among the most effective.
For example, twice-daily brushing and once-daily flossing help clean plaque from your teeth before it can harden. Use toothpaste that contains fluoride helps to fight plaque-causing bacteria and strengthen protective tooth enamel at the same time.
Additionally, gentle daily flossing enables you to clean the hard-to-reach crevices below your gumline that brushing misses.
2. Choose an Electric Toothbrush to Eliminate Plaque Buildup
A regular toothbrush may not remove plaque efficiently if you have significant buildup. Electric toothbrushes are superior to standard brushes at cleaning away stubborn plaque.
If your teeth require a lot of scraping during dental cleanings, an electric toothbrush is a great tool to reduce plaque between visits to your dentist.
3. Get a Dental Cleaning Every 6 Months
Dental cleanings can eliminate stubborn plaque that daily brushing and flossing cannot. While daily oral care slows plaque buildup, professional cleanings are necessary at least once or twice yearly to thoroughly clean your teeth.
4. Eat Healthy Foods
A nutritious diet helps your teeth stay healthy with high vitamin content and minimal sugar. Foods that are great for your oral health include:
- Poultry
- Fish
- Dairy products
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Legumes
Processed foods such as cake, candy, and potato chips stick to your teeth and feed plaque bacteria more than healthy foods do.
5. Drink More Water
Just as eating whole foods and minimizing sugar is a good idea, so is drinking more water.
Sugary drinks are one of the worst plaque-causing culprits.
Since beverages wash over every surface of your teeth, sugar-filled drinks feed unwanted bacteria in every part of your mouth.
For the cleanest smile, choosing water over other beverages most of the time will reduce the presence of dental plaque.
Final Thoughts
Dental plaque buildup can harden into tartar and harm your oral health. The good news is that excessive plaque is preventable with these 5 daily habits.
At HomeCare Dentists, we help our patients receive the dental care they need in their homes’ comfortable surroundings. Schedule an appointment now by giving us a call or filling out our online form.
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