Mornings are great. They signal the beginning of a brand new day where anything is possible. Then there’s that odd moment when you fully wake up and feel a slippery/ fuzzy coating over your teeth. This is dental plaque. The good news is that we all get it and when removed properly it causes no issues. The weird news is that this slippery coat over your teeth is, in fact, a community of living microbes.
Plaque is fairly easy to remove. We will go over how to do that in a moment. Having said that, we do want to share with you that when plaque is not removed properly, it can harden into an off-white or yellow substance which then turns into tartar. Tartar builds up in the front, back, and sides of the teeth, as well as along your gum lines. It can cause bigger issues when left untreated such as tooth decay, gingivitis, and other undesirable problems. Thankfully there are some steps you can take to prevent this. Here is how you can easily remove plaque and keep your smile and your oral hygiene thriving.
Brush Your Teeth
Brushing your teeth twice a day is the first step to removing plaque and preventing further issues. If you are susceptible to tartar build up, we always recommend that you brush your teeth after eating sugary foods. Remember, you should brush your teeth for at least two minutes each time to make sure you get all the plaque out from each tooth.
Floss Your Teeth
Tooth brushing is great but it only gets the front and back of the teeth. Plaque can accumulate between your teeth where your brush won’t be able to reach. Flossing is the best tool available for cleaning these areas at home. Try to make it a habit to brush and floss during the same time. Yes, this means flossing at least once a day.
Swish Your Mouth
Sometimes plaque gets in places that the brushing and flossing can not access. Using a mouthwash to swish can help prevent buildup and it is also a great source to reduce gingivitis. There are many alternatives for mouthwashes out there. We are always happy to recommend the best alternative for your specific needs during your dental cleaning appointment.
Bi-Annual Dental Cleanings
Bi-annual (twice per year) dental cleanings are super important for your oral health. Any plaque that has been hard to remove on your own can be removed by a professional during your dental cleaning appointment. Our team is experienced in removing dental plaque during the cleanings in addition to also assessing your oral health. We are also happy to teach you the proper way to brush your teeth at home during your appointment so that you can effectively remove plaque on your own until your next visit.
Your mouth is the entry to your entire body. When plaque is left untreated it can create bigger issues. As we mentioned above, plaque is a community of living microbes. When left untreated, not only can it turn into tartar but it can also make its way down your digestive system. Proper brushing, flossing, swishing, along with bi-annual professional cleanings will ensure that your oral health is top notch and avoid other issues in the future!
We would be glad to assist you with keeping your mouth healthy and your teeth vibrant. If you are due for a dental cleaning, please do not hesitate to contact us to book an appointment with our team.
