How To Fight Plaque

Plaque is a dirty word in most dental spaces, but it’s also unavoidable. The sticky, slimy substance that builds up quickly, if it’s not removed, can create unpleasant emotions when it’s uttered around most people. That’s because plaque is responsible for bad breath and tooth decay –Two things no dental patient wants to be diagnosed with. 

Still, while you can’t prevent plaque, Grimes Dentistry is here to tell you that there are actions you can take to fight against its effects on your teeth. 

What is Plaque? 

Plaque is made up of tiny bacteria that stick to your teeth. While it may sound gross to think of bacteria growing in your mouth, the truth is that it is ever-present. Plaque especially likes food that is high in sugar or carbohydrates. But it’s not just candy and sweets; bread is one of the most contributing factors in creating plaque within your mouth. Every time you eat, the bacteria multiply. The bacteria digest the food remnants in your mouth and produce an acid that begins eating at the enamel on your teeth. 

The real problem occurs when plaque remains on your teeth for several days. The substance will harden and form into tartar, the number one cause of bad breath and yellow teeth, along with other dental issues. Once tartar forms, the only way to get rid of it, is to have a dentist scrape it off with specialized tools. 

How Can I Fight Against Plaque Buildup? 

Even though plaque is unavoidable, there are some helpful ways to keep it from turning into a more severe problem. 

Brushing Your Teeth

Let’s get the obvious out of the way. You’ve been told your whole life that brushing your teeth is essential, and it is. Brushing your teeth twice a day helps to prevent tartar from forming. In addition, brushing away new growths of bacteria helps it not have a chance to build up into a more problematic situation. Your dentist will suggest brushing twice daily because of the rate at which plaque grows. Every time you eat, plaque multiplies. Brushing after every meal is ideal, but twice a day provides an excellent defense against the invasive substance. 

Floss

Flossing is another word you have probably heard multiple times throughout your life, and for a good reason. Your toothbrush has difficulty reaching those crevices between your teeth where plaque likes to hide. These spaces are especially susceptible to tartar buildup because the plaque will remain here unless removed. Flossing is the only way to reach these smaller spaces. Without it, you’ll need to visit the dentist more often so they can scrape away the layers of tartar that have been created there. 

Consider Your Food

The plaque will feed on any food, but you can make it harder to multiply by choosing foods with low sugar content. For example, candy and bread provide plaque with an all-you-can-eat buffet. In addition, when you eat low-sugar foods, the sticky substance has a challenging time multiplying and becomes more manageable with regular brushing. 

Make Regularly Scheduled Visits With Your Dentist

You don’t have to fight plaque alone. Your dentist can give you suggestions and regular cleanings to ensure that plaque and tartar don’t take over your teeth. Scheduling regular visits with your dentist will let them keep a close eye on what’s going in your mouth and point out any irregular activity going on in there. At Grimes Dentistry, we take pride in providing quality care for our patients. Plaque doesn’t stand a chance when we get involved. So call Grimes Dentistry today to schedule a check-up and cleaning. We’ll ensure that plaque and tartar stay at the bottom of your worry list.