You start the day off with a thorough cleaning of your smile; your mouth feels fresh and clean. However, by the end of the day, your teeth feel gritty, and your breath is stale. What’s going on here?
The short answer is: plaque. Keep reading to get the long answer!
As you go throughout your day oral bacteria grow and develop in your mouth. These bacteria are found in the sticky film that coats your teeth and gums—this is plaque. Bacteria in plaque go to work weakening and infecting teeth and gums.
There is no way to totally stop plaque production—it’s simply a byproduct of daily life. So, it is crucial that you keep up with your preventive dental routine in order to minimize the amount of plaque-related damage to your smile.
Our Toluca Lake dentists have put together this short primer on different components of a preventive oral hygiene plan:
- Brushing
The general recommendation from the American Dental Association is that patients brush their teeth every morning and every night. You want to brush your teeth for at least two minutes, using small circular motions to gently buff plaque from your dental enamel.
- Flossing
For most dental patients, the best time to floss is at night, right before you brush your teeth. Flossing helps to remove plaque from those hard-to-reach spots between your teeth, and to dislodge plaque from your gum line.
- Mouth rinse
Some people benefit from incorporating a mouth rinse into their daily routine. There are many formulations available, including those that are designed to strengthen enamel, freshen breath, neutralize bacteria, and combat dry mouth.
- Semi-Annual Cleanings
Again, following the recommendations of the ADA, patients of all ages should complete professional cleanings every six months or so. These appointments allow our team to clear away accumulated plaque and tartar, treat any emerging oral health issues, and screen your smile for signs of oral cancer.
Every preventive treatment plan is personalized to suit the patient’s unique needs. To schedule a consultation with our Toluca Lake dentists, give us a call!