Fight Back Against Plaque
- Posted on: Feb 15 2017
Plaque forms when a mass of bacteria gathers in your mouth and sticks to your teeth after eating or drinking. If it isn’t removed in a timely manner, it can form a hard substance on your teeth called tarter, which can result in oral complications like gingivitis and periodontitis. The good news is there are simple guidelines you can follow to fight back against plaque.
Brush Daily
Use a toothpaste containing fluoride to rid your mouth of plaque, prevent tooth decay and strengthen your teeth. And brush effectively. It’s important to concentrate on brushing using small, circular motions, carefully brushing each tooth with a soft-bristled brush.
Floss Regularly
Keeping up on your flossing routine is crucial to helping get rid of plaque between your teeth where cavities are more likely to develop. Take the floss between your index fingers and thumbs, and thread the floss between and across each tooth, forming a “C” with the floss and reaching up to the gum line for optimal results. Flossing once a day is good, but twice a day is ideal.
Drink Water
Water is an excellent way to wash away food particles from your mouth. After you eat, drink water to discourage bacteria from living off the food you eat. And be sure you’re drinking plenty of water each day, not only for good oral health but for good overall health.
Chew Sugarless Gum
The mechanics of chewing sugar-free gum and the flavor of the artificial sweeteners stimulates saliva flow and helps rinse away acids that can harm tooth enamel. And sugar-free gum contains Xylitol, which prohibits bacterial growth by making it difficult for bacterial to stick to your teeth and cause tooth decay.
Visit Your Dentist
Be sure to stay on top of your dental visits to make sure you’re doing everything you can to a healthy mouth. It is recommended that you visit your dentist twice a year for regular checkups and cleanings.
To learn more about maintaining good oral health, or to schedule your next dental visit, contact the office of Paul Covell, DDS online or by calling 713.943.9832. We are located in Pasadena, TX and look forward to hearing from you!
Posted in: Dental Health
