Those
teeth are the only ones you’ll ever going to have in your lifetime so you
better play hard and make certain that your mouth is in good shape. And one way
of making sure of that is keeping plaque at bay.
Plaque,
which is due to bacteria accumulation, destroys your teeth and cause tooth
decay by releasing acids in your mouth when it interacts with tooth-unfriendly substances
To make it worse, plaque can harden into tartar if left hanging
around for days. So keep your teeth plaque-free. Fight against plaque attack
with these effective ways.
Locate plaque using some disclosing tablets. Because plaque is practically invisible, using disclosing tablets or
applying green food coloring to your teeth will help you get rid of it. They
work as staining agents so you can easily spot the plaque and clean them with a
toothbrush.
Brush your teeth. Evidently, regular
brushing is your first line of defense against plaque. Brush in circular
strokes at least twice each day for 2-3 minutes with a soft-bristled brush and
fluoride toothpaste. Pay close attention to each tooth to ensure that you are
not missing any. And don’t forget to include your tongue. Its surface can be a
breeding ground for bacteria and plaque if left untreated so make sure to give
it a good scrub.
Floss daily. Toothbrush alone will not get rid of plaque, especially in those
gaps between your teeth. Here’s where flossing comes into picture. Dentists recommend flossing once daily to help remove the
plaque buildup in the crevices of your teeth.
Use a
Mouthwash. Swish your mouth with an antimicrobial rinse that contains
plaque buster ingredients such as zinc citrate and fluoride after flossing and
brushing. Be warned, though, some mouthwashes can cause irritation. So ask your dentist which kind is best for you.
Eat your
veggies and avoid starchy or sugary foods. The next time
your tummy grumbles, don’t reach for a bag of chips and a soda. Those kinds of
substances have high levels of sugar and acid which can cause stains and
plaque. Instead, munch on vegetables like celery and carrots. They’re low in
acid and sugar, so you’re sure they won’t add up to the plaque or stains in
your teeth.
You may also want to
consider eating cheese, apples or melons after a meal. Cheese balances the pH
level in your mouth, while an apple or melon helps naturally clean your teeth
and prevent gum bleeding.
Use baking
soda. Go natural by applying a home-made plaque removal on your affected
teeth. Simply mix a small amount of baking soda with a pinch of salt and you’re
set to dab and scrub it on your teeth with a toothbrush.
Get
professional cleaning. Even the most rigorous dental hygiene habits should be
backed up with a thorough cleaning and evaluation by your dentist. So benefit from your semi-annual
dental visits by having your teeth checked out and cleaned.
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