How to Remove Tooth Plaque
Your mouth is home to various forms of bacteria. When you eat and drink sugary products, these sweets convert into fermenting carbohydrates. The bacteria turn the carbohydrates into acids, which is harmful to your teeth. The acids formed by plaque result in tooth erosion, which may cause cavities to develop. In severe cases, tooth abscesses can form. Proper oral hygiene can help prevent damage to your teeth.
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Things You'll Need
- Cotton swabs
- Green food coloring
- Dental floss
- Water pick
- Toothbrush
- Fluoride toothpaste
- Water
- Cup
- Mouthwash
Instructions
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Use a cotton swab to highlight areas of plaque. Place a few drops of green food coloring on a cotton swab. Rub the swab on your teeth. Green will appear where plaque is present.
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Floss can pick out food debris. Guide dental floss between your teeth. Pay close attention to the gum line to help pick out food debris. Flossing daily helps remove plaque buildup between your teeth. Using a water pick can also help remove food particles.
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Brush twice a day. Brush your teeth twice daily using small circular motions. Begin at the back of your teeth and work your way to the front. Brush your teeth for two to four minutes.
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Rinse your mouth with water. Use a mouthwash.
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Tips & Warnings
Use a wax-based dental floss if regular floss gets trapped between your teeth.
Brushing directly before bedtime will prevent plaque from sticking to your teeth, according to World Dental.
Switch out your toothbrush every three months.
Getting a routine dental cleaning as recommended by your dentist can help keep your teeth healthy.
Never force dental floss between your teeth. You can snap the floss forcefully onto your gums, resulting in bleeding.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Teeth and Mouth image by Sujit Mahapatra from Fotolia.com series object on black - ear cotton image by Aleksandr Ugorenkov from Fotolia.com Dental floss image by lefebvre_jonathan from Fotolia.com elecrtic toothbrush image by Wayne Abraham from Fotolia.com
