Controlling Dental Plaque

Dental plaque is a sticky, colorless film that may form on the surface of your teeth.  Some people may be more prone to dental plaque than others. For example, people taking certain medications, those who eat lots of sugary foods, and those who do not implement a healthy oral hygiene regimen are more prone to dental plaque than others. It is vital to prevent the buildup of dental plaque to protect your teeth over the course of your lifetime. So, let’s take a closer look at how to you can control your dental plaque to prevent build up.

Step I: Tooth Brushing. It is best to brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day, for two minutes each session, to prevent plaque build up. It is wisest to brush your teeth just before you eat or at least an hour after you eat.  Electric tooth brushes offer an advantage over manual tooth brushing for plaque buildup. You must also floss your teeth after brushing to rid yourself of food caught between your teeth.

Step II: Maintain a healthy diet. This means limiting the amount of starches and sugars that you eat. This will help protect your teeth.  It’s also wise to refrain from in between meal snacks. It’s wise to drink plenty of water each day too.

Step III: Go to your dentist for a professional dental cleaning every six months or more often when recommended. In some cases, a professional dental cleaning is the only way to remove difficult plaque buildup.  While you are there, inquire about dental sealants.  Dental sealants can be applied to your teeth to prevent tooth decay which is the results of plaque buildup.

When dental plaque does noticeably form, it is important to seek out professional treatment. There are remedies that your dentist can offer to prevent long term plaque buildup. When left untreated, plaque buildup is a leading cause of tooth decay, gum disease and bone loss in the supporting bone structure.

If you are interested in general dentistry or cosmetic dentistry, contact Austin Dental Spa.