Ways to Fight Dental Plaque

If you haven’t brushed for a while, don’t be surprised to feel a sticky and slimy substance when you run your tongue on your teeth. This colorless biofilm of enamel-destroying microorganisms is called plaque. Although nothing can stop plaque from forming, a dentist in Lake Worth, FL, can help you prevent it from sticking around too long until it hardens into tartar.

How to Prevent Plaque Buildup

Regular Brushing and Flossing

Dental health experts recommend brushing twice a day and flossing once daily. While you’re at it, be sure to brush for at least two to three minutes while using the correct brushing pattern.

Moreover, it’s best to brush with gentle, circular motions while holding your toothbrush at an angle of 45 degrees to your teeth. You can further improve your chances of fighting plaque buildup by brushing each tooth’s front, back, and chewing surfaces.

Rinse with Antiseptic Mouthwash

While antibacterial mouthwash specifically targets bacteria, antiseptic mouthwash covers a broad spectrum of harmful microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi. With regular use of antiseptic mouthwash after brushing, you’ll wash away food particles and cavity-causing microbes.

Change Your Toothbrush Every Three Months

You’ll want to use a toothbrush with a set of bristles that are strong enough to clean away sticky plaque. For this reason, you should change your brush heads or toothbrush every three months. Besides being useless at cleaning teeth, frayed, yellowed, and bent bristles will cause damage to the tooth enamel that doesn’t grow back.

Chew Sugar-free Gums After Meals

Studies show that chewing ADA-approved, sugar-free gums for around 20 minutes after a meal helps eliminate food particles floating around the mouth that contribute to plaque buildup. Additionally, it neutralizes the acidic contents in the mouth by increasing saliva flow.

Looking for a Dentist in Lake Worth, FL?

Since Dr. Miguel Ferrer, DDS, brings over two decades of experience to the dental chair, you can rest easy knowing that your care is in great hands. Contact our office today to make an appointment.