How to Control the Buildup of Plaque
Maybe it seems like an inconvenience to go to the dentist to have your teeth cleaned since you already brush them, but dental cleanings get down deeper than just brushing. Plaque buildup can be a contributing factor to bleeding gums and gum disease. Good dental hygiene is one of the most important aspects of your overall health. Having regular dental checkups and dental cleanings on a consistent basis is key in the fight against plaque buildup and gum disease. Your dentist in Vancouver can help you minimize the plaque on your teeth so that you will have a healthier dental outlook. Some of the ways you can help prevent plaque buildup include:
1. Use Mouthwash
Using mouthwash is a good dental hygiene habit overlooked by many people. Rinsing with an American Dental Association endorsed mouthwash after brushing is one way to fight plaque buildup between dental cleanings.
2. Floss Daily
Floss gets between your teeth to help remove that stubborn plaque buildup and food particles that brushing can miss. It might help you remember to floss if you do it right before or right after brushing at least one time each day. It doesn't even need to be around the time you brush your teeth as long as you floss every day. Good dental hygiene is a combination of brushing, flossing, getting regular dental checkups, and any other preventative measures you and your dentist decide on.
3. Brush Your Teeth At Least Twice a Day
The old rule about brushing three times a day has been adjusted over the years, largely to fit better with most people's busy daily lives. The rule followed by most dentists now is to make it a habit to brush at least twice a day. This can help save you years of pain and suffering due to gum disease and decayed teeth. Even twice a day brushing will help reduce the plaque buildup on your teeth and reduce the chances of it calcifying into tartar.
4. Stick to a Nutritious Diet
Part of good dental hygiene comes in the form of eating a healthy, balanced diet. Vitamins and minerals from a variety of fruits, vegetables, dairy, protein, and any necessary supplements can contribute to the heath of your teeth and bones, including your jaw that holds your teeth. Overloading on sugary foods, whether naturally sweet or with added sugar, can wreak havoc on healthy teeth and add to the plaque buildup in your mouth.
5. Use Toothpaste with Fluoride
Fluoride has been proven to reduce the number of cases of tooth decay. Part of that is the reduction in plaque that can lead to tartar and various gum diseases. Most water in the United States has fluoride in it, but choosing a toothpaste fortified with fluoride is another step towards good dental hygiene.
Call, email, or reach out via our website today at Howe Dental to set up an appointment with our lead dentist in Vancouver. Our friendly team is here to help remove the plaque buildup on your teeth and discuss ways to reduce it in the future.