Preventing Plaque Buildup: A Resourceful Guide

Do you know what’s growing on your teeth? Plaque is a sticky, colorless film that forms on teeth. While you may not be able to see it, you may be able to feel it. If you’ve ever experienced a “fuzzy” feeling on your teeth, it’s probably plaque buildup. Typically, carb-heavy food, sugary snacks, and starches are responsible for creating the most plaque in your mouth. Eventually, the bacteria in plaque can eat away the enamel on teeth, causing decay and cavities to form. To keep your teeth in tip-top shape, there are a few things the best family dentistry in Houston, TX recommends doing.

Brushing

The best way to prevent plaque buildup is to brush your teeth at least twice a day. Invest in a good, soft, rounded-tip bristled toothbrush, and replace it every six months. Use at least a pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste to gently scrub each one of your teeth. Pay close attention to the space near your gums. If you eat a particularly starchy or sugary food, it’s a good idea to brush immediately after.

Flossing

It’s estimated that nearly 32 percent of Americans never floss their teeth. When you don’t floss you miss cleaning about 40 percent of the surface of a tooth. For that reason, flossing is so important. Without flossing daily, plaque buildup is inevitable. Take the time each morning and evening to floss in between each tooth. Take the floss all the way up to where the tooth and gums meet to ensure that no bacteria are missed. Be sure to floss each side of every tooth.

Diet

Because starchy and sugary foods fuel the bacteria that create plaque, it’s important to avoid them when possible. Eating a healthy, balanced diet is critical to the health of your teeth. In fact, there are foods that you can eat to improve the condition of your mouth. Instead of reaching for potato chips and dried fruit, snack on yogurt, celery, and cheese. These items help to remove food particles while also building up the calcium in your teeth.

Visit Your Dentist

Plaque happens to everyone. The best way to ensure that it doesn’t lead to more serious problems is to visit your dentist bi-annually. During your visit, your teeth will receive a deep cleaning and examination. If any issues are detected, your dentist will take immediate action to ensure that the integrity of your teeth isn’t compromised. Don’t skip visits. Your teeth can’t afford it!

While plaque is natural, there are plenty of things you can do to reduce its appearance. Through good oral health habits and regular visits to your complete family dentistry in Houston, TX, you can keep your teeth looking great.