Preventing Dental Plaque

You almost certainly have dental plaque as you read this, especially if you’ve eaten recently. Generated by foods and drinks, plaque is the bacterial film that builds up on teeth. Without removal, plaque leads to tooth decay and gum disease.

The beginnings of plaque are unavoidable. But you can minimize its affects with prompt removal. Brushing and flossing are critical to staying plaque-free. In, addition, there are plaque-heavy foods and drinks you can avoid to increase your protection.

Brushing

You should brush your teeth at least twice a day, preferably morning and night. Some people like to mix in brushings after meals, which is fine as long as you wait at least 30 minutes after eating. Brushing any sooner risks pushing the acid content of what you just ate into your enamel, causing erosion.

Brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush or an electric one, and brush for at least two minutes.

Flossing

It’s hard to remove food particles from between the teeth by brushing alone. If these particles are allowed to linger they can breed bacteria in a hurry. Floss at least once a day or better yet, after every meal. Try to avoid candy and soda, as their sugars bring an avalanche of bacteria.

Mouthwashes

At your next tooth cleaning, ask your dentist about dental-grade antimicrobial mouthwashes. Otherwise, you can buy good ones at any pharmacy. Rinse at least once a day or after meals to generate a plaque-free environment and better breath. It’s advisable to pick a mouthwash that’s non-alcoholic, as alcohol dries out the mouth and leaves it vulnerable to bacteria.

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