Understanding Root Canal Procedures

How To Prevent Plaque On Your Teeth

6 January 2023

Diane Mason

Plaque is a material found on teeth. It's sticky and leads to decay, but it's also common. However, your teeth will be healthier if you can prevent plaque from staying on your teeth too long. The trouble is determining how to prevent plaque from developing on your teeth. There are ways to prevent plaque from harming your teeth, but it might take some discipline and work. Here is a guide to help you learn how to reduce plaque and prevent it from harming your teeth. 

Brush before bed

Most people know they should brush their teeth twice daily, but they might not realize how vital nighttime brushing is for their teeth. Throughout the day, you eat food. Bits and pieces from this food can stick to your teeth. It can also hide between your teeth and in other places in your mouth. The food particles contain bacteria, which leads to plaque. By brushing your teeth at nighttime, you remove the bacteria from your mouth.

However, brushing alone isn't enough. You must brush properly and long enough. Additionally, you must floss your teeth to remove the bacteria from between your teeth. The first step in proper brushing is brushing for two full minutes. You can set a timer if necessary. Secondly, you must brush in all directions. For example, brush your teeth with up and down strokes. Next, brush with side-to-side strokes. Then, brush at different angles. If you brush properly, it will take you the full two minutes. You can talk to your family dentist to learn more about proper brushing habits.

Eat right

The second thing a family dentist might suggest is eating right. The foods you eat play a role in the amount of plaque you have on your teeth. The worst things to eat are candy, bread, and junk food. The best things to eat are fruits and vegetables. Candy, bread, and other junk food contain sugars and starches, which tend to add more plaque to teeth. Thus, switching your diet can help you prevent plaque from developing in your mouth.

Visit your dentist

The final thing a family dentist will suggest is attending routine dental visits. Regardless of how hard you try to prevent plaque, it will still form on your teeth. But visiting a dentist helps you remove it. In addition, the techniques they use for teeth-cleaning procedures remove the plaque you can't remove yourself. As a result, you should visit a family dentist at least twice yearly to prevent plaque.

Contact a local family dentist to learn more. 

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