How to Avoid Plaque on Teeth

According to the American Academy of Periodontology, plaque is a colorless and sticky film that forms on your teeth regularly. Bacteria thrive in plaque and as they do, they give off acids that irritate your gums and decay your teeth. To maintain good oral health, here’s what you need to know about how to avoid plaque formation on your teeth.
 

Pick Your Foods Wisely

The type of food you eat determines the rate at which plaque forms on your teeth. Bacteria love starchy and sweet foods. As they consume these food particles, they excrete acids that harm your teeth and gums. To prevent plaque from forming, eat fewer of these carbohydrate-rich foods, and brush your teeth after each snack or meal. Drinking a lot of water also helps remove the remaining food particles in your mouth.
 

Brush Daily

Regular brushing for two minutes every day helps clear away plaque that collects on your teeth. The scrubbing motion also removes the food particles that help form plaque. Dental experts say that you should brush your teeth in two different directions. Brushing the front and the back of your teeth helps strip off the plaque. In case you find it difficult to brush using a traditional toothbrush, you can use an electric toothbrush. The ultrasonic vibrations from an electric toothbrush assist in shaking off the plaque and food particles.
 

Choose a Fluoride Toothpaste and Mouthwash

Experts recommend fluoride mouthwash and toothpaste because they have triclosan that fights bacteria in plaque. Fluoride also aids in repairing and even preventing damage to your enamel.
 

Keep Your Dental Appointments

Make sure you see your dentist every six months. During your checkups, your dental expert can see how your teeth and gums are doing. You will also undergo professional teeth cleaning that will remove plaque and calculus (tartar). Keeping your dental appointments can prevent plaque from taking over your mouth.

Floss Daily

Gargling mouthwash and brushing your teeth usually aren’t enough to clean in between the narrow spaces between your teeth. Flossing is the most effective way to clean those gaps. The American Dental Association considers flossing as a crucial part of daily dental care. Through flossing, you can get in between teeth and dislodge stubborn food particles.
 

Rinse Thoroughly

After brushing and flossing, make sure that you rinse your mouth well. Doing so can flush out the dislodged food and plaque particles from your mouth.
 

Ask for a Dental Sealant

When you visit your dentist, ask for the right dental sealant for your teeth. These sealants are thin and made of plastic. Your dentist will paint the dental sealant on your teeth that you use for chewing. The special coating can protect them from plaque, tooth decay, and cavities.
 

Plaque can develop into tartar or calculus if you don’t remove them or prevent them from forming. At Castro Valley Dentistry, we can help prevent plaque formation through our highly efficient dental cleaning treatments. We can also guide you in your oral care at home to prevent plaque in between dental appointments. Please visit our clinic in Castro Valley, California, for a one-on-one consultation. You are also welcome to call us at 510-674-0900 if you want to set an appointment or make inquiries about plaque prevention.