Steps to Plaque Prevention

Plaque isn’t just the enemy of a beautiful smile — it’s also the enemy of your oral health.

Plaque can form a film that discolors your teeth and can even erode them over time, as well as to cause your gums to become inflamed or recede.

That’s not cute.

Plaque can also lead to all kinds of dental health issues, such as gum disease and gingivitis. If left unchecked, plaque can damage the teeth or even the bone that supports it. You can lose teeth and experience major problems with your teeth and mouth.

Everyone gets plaque, but you can avoid some of these issues by practicing good oral hygiene . Plaque is a sticky film that contains microorganisms and bacteria, and it can cover your teeth and get into the areas between the teeth and even below the gum line. It can cover all areas of the teeth and gums.

If plaque is not dealt with, it can allow for the proliferation of bacteria in the mouth, and it can harden and turn into tartar.

Fortunately, it is relatively easy to keep your mouth free of plaque. Here are some simple things you can do to prevent plaque buildup:

Brush Every Day

Of course, the first place you need to start for good oral hygiene is to brush your teeth every day.

You should brush your teeth at least twice a day — after breakfast and after dinner. However, it is even better to brush after every meal if you can.

Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and a good toothpaste with fluoride. A hard-bristled toothbrush will irritate the gums and contribute to recession, so a softer brush is better. The fluoride in the toothpaste will provide additional protection against tooth decay.

Use both circular motions and short, back-and-forth motions while brushing. Brush for at least two minutes, or about the time that it takes to sing your ABCs twice in your head.

Floss Every Day

Many of us struggling with flossing, but it essential that you do it every day. Flossing helps to get particles of food and plaque that are stuck between your teeth or around your gum line. Food and plaque allow bacteria to propagate, which can contribute to gum disease and other oral health problems.

Make sure you floss every time you brush. Do not force floss into a tight space as doing so could cause the floss to cut into your gums and injure them.

Use Mouth Rinse Every Day

Mouth wash only helps to freshen breath, but mouth rinse helps to kill the bacteria that contribute to plaque and other oral health problems.

Look for an antiseptic mouth rinse and use it every day as part of your brushing and flossing routine. Swish the mouth rinse for at least 30 seconds twice a day. Not only will you get fresh breath and a really clean feeling, but you’ll also reduce the risk of plaque and bacteria in your mouth.

Avoid Sugar

Bacteria love sugar. Bacteria eat sugar and proliferate rapidly. Eating a lot of sugar is a sure way to increase the amount of plaque in your mouth.

Sugar is also sticky, so it clings to your teeth. You can’t just drink a glass of water after your dessert and call it good. You will have to completely brush and rinse to clean it away.

However, the best way to avoid the risks that come with sugar consumption is to cut sugar out completely. You should also limit sticky, starchy foods like bread and potatoes since these turn into sugar once digested, and chewing is the first stage in digestion.

See Your Dentist Regularly

No matter how good you are doing with your daily dental health routine, you need to see a Glendale dentist for a regular dental exam. Your dentist will discover issues before they can become big problems, such as slight gum recession that could be a sign of early gum disease or small cavities before they can get bigger and contribute to root damage.

Your dentist can also remove plaque and tartar that has built up and is too hard to remove with regular brushing and flossing.

Make an appointment for a dental exam at least twice a year to optimize your oral health.

Practicing these steps will help you keep plaque to a minimum and ensure that you have a beautiful and healthy smile for many decades to come.

Aesthetic Dentistry of Arrowhead in Glendale Arizona is there to help you along the way. Our dentists offer a complete range of Glendale dental services, from the routine dental exam to more intensive interventions, such as dental implants and gum therapy. We also offer cosmetic and restorative dentistry services for those who want to improve their smile, including veneers and braces. Call us today to make an appointment for your next dental exam or to set up a consultation about corrective services.

Dr. Greg Ceyhan – Aesthetic Dentistry of Arrowhead

17100 N 67th Ave, Suite 500
Glendale, Arizona 85308

Phone: (623) 979-1515
Fax: (623) 878-1811
Office Hours: Monday-Friday: 8am-5pm
Website: https://www.drgregceyhan.com