These days it takes more than just an apple a day to keep your teeth healthy. Plaque buildup can quickly lead to things like cavities, tooth decay and gum disease. To help keep your teeth strong and healthy, here are 5 secrets to keeping plaque from forming:
1. Brush daily.
Brushing regularly is a major part of your overall dental well-being. Brushing at least once daily will suffice, but the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing a minimum of twice a day. This helps remove plaque and deters future plaque from forming. For best results, be sure to use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush your teeth, tongue, gums and inner cheeks.
2. Use mouth rinse.
Although the two terms are commonly interchanged, mouthwash and mouth rinse are actually two different products. Mouthwash is used primarily for purposes of freshening breath. On the other hand, mouth rinse is designed to reduce the amount of bacteria in the mouth. This helps stop plaque formation.
3. Floss often.
While flossing may not be your favorite thing to do, it has some great benefits. Cleaning the space between your teeth on a regular basis can have a huge bearing on your oral health. If you have difficulty reaching certain parts of your mouth, ask your dentist to recommend some alternatives. Floss aids, inter-dental brushes and air-flossing devices can be used for these purposes.
4. Visit the dentist regularly.
In addition to detecting plaque buildup and cavity formation, the dentists at Westmount Dental Centre, or similar high quality dental clinic can help you make a plan to combat gum disease. Depending on how well you care for your teeth, your dentist may recommend visiting more or less frequently. Generally, most dentists recommend visiting twice a year for cleaning.
5. Stay away from sugary, sticky foods.
When it comes to your oral health, all foods are not created equally. Sticky, sugary foods often cling to your teeth and become difficult to remove. Snacks like granola bars, raisins and other starchy foods can harm teeth and cause tooth decay. If you must eat these foods, be sure to brush as soon as possible. The faster you are able to remove these foods from your teeth, the smaller the chance that cavities will develop.
Over time, plaque buildup slowly eats away at the enamel of your teeth. If left alone, this can lead to cavities and tooth decay. Developing good oral hygiene habits your best defense against these dental issues. Following these 5 simple tips will have you well on your way to strong oral health.
