For Clean, Shining Teeth

DENTAL ISSUES

After consuming a meal or snack that contains sugar, the bacteria in plaque can generate acids that harm tooth enamel. Repeated attack by bacteria can cause the enamel to break down, which eventually results in cavity. Plaque, if not removed thoroughly, with daily brushing and cleaning between the teeth, will solidify into calculus or tartar. If this happens, brushing the teeth becomes difficult.

How To get rid of plaque

When your teeth is covered with a sticky film of bacteria that forms constantly on the surface of the teeth and in between the teeth, it is called plaque. Plaque causes tooth decay and gum disease. After consuming a meal or snack that contains sugar, the bacteria in plaque can generate acids that harm tooth enamel. Repeated attack by bacteria can cause the enamel to break down, which eventually results in cavity. Plaque, if not removed thoroughly, with daily brushing and cleaning between the teeth, will solidify into calculus or tartar. If this happens, brushing the teeth becomes difficult. Although everyone gets plaque, it can develop more than usual when you are consuming a lot of sugary or starchy foods or drinks; you have a history of head and neck radiation; you have dry mouth due to medication like antidepressants and you smoke regularly.

When your teeth feel muddled, it is an indication of plaque. Other indications of plaque are bad breath, dull white or yellowish teeth, swollen and red gums or bleeding during brushing and sensitive teeth.

When tartar builds up above the gum line, the gum tissue may swell and become more prone to bleeding. This leads to gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease. Plaque or tartar can also cause severe gum infection (periodontitis); tooth decay and loss and tooth infection (abscessed tooth). The best way to avoid plaque formation is to stick to good dental habit.

Steps to remove plaque

Once the plaque turns into tartar, it become very difficult to remove. Taking care of your teeth daily is the best way to prevent your teeth and gum from damage. You can follow these easy methods that can help you get plaque off your teeth.

Brush Your teeth twice daily

As brushing reduces the number of bacteria which remains in your teeth surface, brushing your teeth two times a day is the best way to remove plaque. While brushing your teeth, make sure that you brush the front and back surface of your tooth. Use a fluoride-based toothpaste and a toothbrush with soft bristles.

Floss between your teeth once a day

When you floss before brushing, it helps loosen the plaque. Brushing it off becomes easier this way.

Use mouthwash two times daily

After brushing your teeth and flossing in between them, use an anti-bacterial mouthwash. In some mouthwash, fluoride and other active ingredients are found that can help prevent or treat gingivitis and plaque build-up. But mouthwash should not be used in place of brushing or flossing your teeth.

See your dentist

You should see your dentist every 6 months, because you might overlook some of the plaque in between your teeth and along your gum line. Your dentist can assist you in cleaning any plaque you might have missed, identify any gum disease symptoms, and provide possible treatments.

Eat nutritious food

Dietary adjustments also help cut down plaque. Reduce consumption of acidic foods, sugar, and starches. Eat nutritious food and snacks like plain yogurt, raw vegetables, fruits, cheese.

To maintain a good oral health, consistency is very important. It is never late to start a good oral hygiene plan. When you take better care of your teeth, plaque and tartar will build up less on your teeth. Maintaining a good oral hygiene in the long run will keep your teeth heathy. When you suspect that plaque or tartar has built up, visit your dentist as it may be a cause of a dental problem. The sooner you address the problems of your teeth, it will cause less harm. If it is left unchecked it can have a really big impact on your quality of life.