Plaque is a sticky, colorless bacterial film which sticks to the teeth and gums. When felt with the tip of the tongue, it has a fuzzy feeling and is noticeable when you haven’t brushed your teeth. Plaque is very harmful to your dental health and should not be allowed to build up since it’s made up of bacterial constituents which produce acidic waste. Bacteria is always present inside the mouth, and when the acids released by these bacterial plaque attacks your teeth, they result in serious tooth related problems such as cavities and gum disease.
Plaque quickly transforms and hardens into tartar in the space of a few days if not taken care of very quickly, when this happens it becomes increasingly difficult to remove. So, as a matter of urgency, it is very important to get rid of plaque as quickly as possible. Flossing and brushing your teeth at least twice every day are some of the ways to prevent plaque formation. However, if you would like to protect your teeth from plaque, trying these tips listed below would help you a great deal, or better still if you are around Monrovia, you can contact Dr. Q, a renowned dental health practitioner to help you remove plaque from your teeth;
Using the Correct Brushing Pattern:
Brushing in the correct pattern helps in your fight against plaque. If you’re not brushing the right places might give room for plaque to build up. Brushing for at least 2-3 minutes, and holding the toothbrush at an angle of 45° to your teeth, while brushing with gentle, circular motions would help. Brush the front, back and chewing surface of each tooth to improve your chances of fighting plaque build up.
Chewing Sugar-Free Gums After Meals:
According to recent studies carried out by the American Dental Association (ADA), chewing sugar-free gums for at least 20 mins after every meal helps in preventing tooth decay. Chewing sugar-free gums stimulates the flow of saliva, which neutralizes the acidic contents in your mouth. It also gets rid of the food particles that the bacteria rely upon to feed.
However, Monrovia patients should be aware that continuous chewing of gums could result in pains in the jaw, and you should only chew gums with the ADA seal of approval on it.
Regular Use of Antiseptic Mouthwash:
Regular use of antiseptic mouthwash after brushing or flossing your teeth helps to protect your teeth against plaque. This is because antiseptic mouthwashes can get to areas which your regular toothbrush might have missed. They also help to wash away food particles which and contain ingredients that help protect against gum disease and cavities.
For Monrovia patients with dry mouth, mouthwashes which contain moisturizers helps to improve the flow of saliva.
Regular Consumption of Fruit & Vegetables:
Foods with high sugar and starchy contents such as bread, chips, cookies, chocolate, and candies increase the growth and formation of bacteria in the mouth. According to the reports from The American Dental Association (ADA) vegetables and fruits are excellent for plaque control. Their high fiber and water content help to stimulate saliva production and improves dental health.
Information Is Power:
If you’ve tried all these methods and still have plaque buildup on your teeth, then you need to see a qualified dental practitioner to remove any remaining plaque on your teeth.
If you are in Monrovia and its surrounding cities, contact Monrovia dentist, Dr. Q at (626) 599-9819 to schedule an appointment.
