Have you have noticed plaque build-up during the day? Your teeth may start to feel dirty, or even the famous ” fuzzy feeling”, and it can be distracting. And it is very bad for your teeth.
But have you ever wondered why it happens. And how you can eliminate plaque buildup?
What you feel on your teeth is actually the bi-product of the bacteria that live in your mouth. Plaque develops when foods and drinks that contains sugars and starches (carbohydrates), come in contact with your teeth. This includes milk, soft drinks, fruits, cakes, or candy. Carbohydrates are very popular in substances we consume. Normal bacteria that live in our mouths thrive on these foods and produce acids as a result. These acids are the things that cause cavities.
What Can You Do To Help Prevent Plaque Buildup?
There are several things you can and should do to reduce the plaque that builds up from your mouth:
- Brush twice a day. Brush your teeth twice a day or whenever you eat foods that are high in sugar or are “sticky,” such as raisins, cookies or candy.
- Get regular dental cleanings. A registered dental hygienist will do a thorough cleaning and remove the plaque that has built up on your teeth and check for any problem areas.
- Use a mouth rinse. Use an ADA approved mouth rinse to kill the bacteria after brushing. Follow this up with a fluoride rinse, since the acid in the mouth rinse can also be damaging to the teeth.
- Make healthy food choices. Limit sugary drinks, junk food and candy to reduce the amount of sugars the bacteria could live off of.
Knowing what is causing the plaque and that it causes the acid that causes tooth decay is important. It will help better inform your choices, and hopefully alter your behavior so that you reduce the plaque on your teeth, and get you on your way to a healthier mouth.
Read more about our dental services and how to have healthier teeth.
