Dental plaque is unsightly, but what is most concerning is that as it builds up, it can affect your oral health and overall wellness too. The bacteria in plaque form a film on your teeth that can cause cavities and gum disease, leading to infections throughout your body.
While the link between oral health and overall health is increasingly being recognized and embraced, several factors lead to plaque build-up on your teeth.
Let’s look at how to get rid of dental plaque and what you can do to lessen plaque buildup and maintain oral health.
Make Brushing and Flossing a Daily Routine
Knowing how to get rid of dental plaque is essential for keeping your mouth healthy. One of the most effective ways to do this is to make brushing and flossing a daily routine.
It doesn’t matter whether you brush and floss your teeth once in the morning or at night. Just be sure to do it at least once a day.
Proper brushing techniques are also important. Use slow circular strokes to reach deep between each tooth, ensuring you spend at least two minutes brushing. Make sure to floss behind all of your top and bottom teeth and use a fresh section of floss for each tooth so as not to reintroduce any plaque.
Follow a Healthy Diet
Having a healthy diet is one of the best and most important ways to get rid of dental plaque. Eating enough fiber from fruits, vegetables, and cereal help to reduce the risk of plaque buildup. Foods rich in calcium and magnesium, such as milk, yogurt, and cheese, are also beneficial for teeth and promote remineralization.
Eating probiotic foods, such as kefir and sauerkraut, can also help reduce the risk of plaque buildup. Avoiding sugar and processed foods can also help keep plaque away.
Utilize Special Dental Products
A good place to start is by brushing with a special plaque-fighting toothpaste. Many kinds of toothpaste contain active ingredients like triclosan and zinc that help reduce plaque formation.
Flossing is also important. Choose interdental brushes or flossers specifically designed to reach plaque between the teeth and gum line.
There are also special mouth rinses that can also help reduce plaque. Some products target the plaque-causing bacteria directly and cause them to die off, while others coat the teeth and help to keep plaque away.
Visit the Dentist Regularly
There is no substitute for visiting your dentist regularly to maintain good oral health and get rid of dental plaque. It’s important to visit your dentist twice a year, or more if prescribed, to have your teeth professionally cleaned.
Regular visits to the dentist allow them to check for any signs of cavities or infection, adding to the prevention of further plaque buildup. Implementing Preventative Dental Care, regular dentist visits, and a good dental hygiene routine at home will aid in preventing and properly treating plaque.
Learn How to Get Rid of Dental Plaque Today
Dental plaque can be a pesky thing to ensure you are rid of. However, with proper daily brushing and flossing, regular dental cleanings, and a healthy diet, you can easily maintain plaque-free teeth. So take the time now to get rid of dental plaque and maintain healthy teeth and gums for years to come!
Do you now better understand how to get rid of dental plaque? Make sure to check out some of our other posts for more!
