Identifying Plaque
Our teeth do not remain white and shiny after a brush or a dental checkup just how we like. Over time, a thin yellowish layer settles on our teeth. This is plaque; it is a white soft mass that comprises of millions of bacteria and remains stuck in-between our teeth and gum lines. As unsightly it may seem, plaque can actually cause serious damage like slow decay of gums and teeth.
Guidelines For Removing Plaque
In order to fight with plaque from being a serious issue, it is easy to persistently follow some daily habits, like brushing and flossing our teeth twice daily. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush is ideal. Replace within 3-4 months, when the bristles start to fray. Consider the use of an electric toothbrush as well.
Flossing before brushing helps to remove food bits that may be stuck.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to:
- Your floss should be 18 inches long. Wrap the ends of the floss around your middle fingers.
- Holding the floss tautly, push gently between your teeth.
- Start moving the floss slowly, in a semi-circular shape, only on one side of the tooth.
- While still pressing against the tooth, make gentle up and down motions making sure not to snap it.
- Repeat these steps and also floss the back of teeth.
When brushing, remember to spend at least 2 minutes on it. Here are some guidelines for effective brushing:
- Don’t put excessive toothpaste on a toothbrush. A pea-sized amount for adults and rice-size amount for children is enough.
- Hold toothbrush against teeth at 45° angle to the gums.
- Now brush back and forth in short strokes.
- Do not forget to brush all surfaces – inside, outside, the chewing surface, and the tongue.
- Tilt toothbrush vertically to brush the inside of teeth.
Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is a great way to prevent decay of teeth, strengthen teeth and eradicate plaque. Swishing 1 tablespoon of coconut oil/olive oil in the mouth for around 20-30 minutes is beneficial. These oils are enriched with fatty acids like lauric acid that helps with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.
Effective Natural Cleanser
According to dental research, people brushing with toothpaste containing baking soda as a primary ingredient made less amount of plaque to grow within 24 hours. Baking soda is an efficient natural cleanser thus, an effective scrubber.
Formation Of Tartar
Ignoring the growth of plaque can be detrimental to health and can combine with salivary minerals to form tartar (calculus). Tartar makes a fertile decay bed where plaque bacteria can breed faster.
Unfortunately, tartar cannot be removed as simply as plaque, by flossing or brushing. It is essential that one appoints a dentist for professional help and care. “Scaling and polishing” technique scrapes away the tartar and makes teeth white and shiny again.
Keeping Tartar And Plaque Away
Regular brushing and flossing habits as well as following a healthy diet and visiting the dentist are important steps that must become habits to prevent plaque forming. Research claims that chewing gum sweetened with xylitol or sorbitol in between meals can also be beneficial.
Using mouthwashes is advisable but smoking and tobacco chewing should be discouraged because they enhance bacterial growth.
In Conclusion…
Being aware of dental care prevents one to fall victim to plaque. Never forget to brush, floss and visit the dentist as they are elementary steps in keeping those teeth strong and white.
In case there’s a dental issue, schedule a doctor’s appointment right away because it not only saves a lot of pain and cost but also is easier to treat in the initial stages.
Keep an awesome oral hygiene.
