How to Avoid Plaque

Brushing your teeth at least twice a day removes plaque from your teeth.

You only get one set of adult teeth, therefore taking proper care of them can save you pain, time and money. The first stage of tooth decay occurs when the sticky film on your teeth, known as plaque, stores bacteria on your tooth surface. Anytime you eat food, your mouth releases acids for 20 minutes to break down the food in your mouth and stomach. Unfortunately, these acids also feed the bacteria found in tooth plaque, which eats away at tooth enamel. Preventing bacteria and acid will help you limit plaque.

Things You'll Need

• Toothbrush
• Floss

Instructions

1. Brush and floss your teeth at least once in the morning and once at night. Brushing midday also removes plaque buildup from breakfast and lunch. Ask your dentist for tips on proper brushing and flossing techniques to ensure maximum efficacy.

2. Reduce snacks between meals, especially those with lots of sugar and carbohydrates. Plaque feeds on sugar and carbohydrates, thereby decreasing the amount of "plaque food" ultimately decreases the amount of plaque.

3. Visit your dentist for professional cleanings regularly. Only your dentist can determine the efficacy of your plaque prevention measures.

4. Brush your retainer and mouth guard with toothpaste before and after inserting them in your mouth. The porousness of a retainer and mouth guard makes them breeding grounds for sticky plaque and bacteria.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep a travel-sized toothbrush and toothpaste in your bag so you can prevent plaque buildup any time of day.

• See your dentist if routine brushing and flossing are painful or cause bleeding.

References

• American Dental Association: Plaque
• National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research: Plaque - What is it and how to get rid of it?
• Nemours Kids Health: Going to the Dentist
• American Dental Hygenist Association: FAQ
• Gordon Honig Orthodontistry: Retainers