As you move through your day, a bacterial film, called plaque, develops on your teeth and oral tissues. Plaque leads to all kinds of health problems like cavities and gum disease (not to mention inconveniences like bad breath!). In order to protect your smile, it is important that you minimize the amount of plaque that is able to sit on your smile. Our Toluca Lake dentists are here to tell you about steps you can take to battle plaque accumulation.
Keeping up with your dentist-recommended oral hygiene routine allows you to clear plaque away on a daily basis. Brushing and flossing gets rid of plaque before it has a chance to calcify on your enamel and turn into tartar.
Another thing that you can do is to vigorously rinse your mouth with water after eating or drinking. This simple action dislodges dental debris and leftover food that would otherwise ramp up plaque production.
You can also make some dietary decisions that will minimize plaque production. Keep in mind that foods and drinks that are rich in sugars and refined carbohydrates feed oral bacteria and increase the amount of plaque in your mouth. On the other end of the spectrum, when you snack on crunchy, and water-rich vegetables (like carrots and celery) you disrupt plaque and help your body product plenty of bacteria-neutralizing saliva.
Semi-annual professional dental cleanings are also crucial for limiting the amount of damage the plaque can cause. During these cleanings our team is able to clear away tough-to-reach plaque than you can’t get to at home. Using professional dental tools, we are also able to clean calcified tartar off of your smile.
Even if it has been a long time since you have come in for a dental appointment, please feel free to give our Toluca Lake dentists a call. We are here to help you achieve a strong and healthy smile!