You have probably seen plaque fighting toothpaste or mouthwash, but do you really know what plaque is and why it is important to avoid? Plaque is a buildup of acid that is the result of foods high in carbohydrates being left on the teeth. The bacteria found in the mouth thrive on foods such as milk, baked goods, or candy. As the bacteria feeds on the residue left behind on teeth from these foods, it creates an acid that builds up and become plaque, which is actually a thin film on the surface of teeth. Plaque buildup can lead to tooth decay and gum disease, so it is very important to control it.
Preventing Plaque
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure; the cliché is very true when it comes to your oral health and hygiene. Your best bet is to prevent plaque from building up in the first place. You can prevent plaque with a few simple preventative measures. You should brush your teeth at least twice per day, focusing especially on the area where the tooth meets the gum. You should also floss your teeth once per day and use an antibacterial mouthwash. You should also see your dentist every six months for a cleaning and thorough examination.
Resolving Plaque
If you already have plaque buildup, there are some things that you can do to remedy it. Here are some of the most common and effective home remedies:
- Oil pulling, which is pulling coconut or similar oil through the teeth for two minutes before rinsing the mouth.
- Brush with a baking soda based toothpaste, either store bought or homemade.
- Paint your teeth with the gel from the aloe vera plant and leave on for 10 minutes before rinsing with water.
- Rinse your mouth with white vinegar and salt.
If plaque remains unresolved with these measures, you should see your dentist for a thorough cleaning. If left untreated, plaque build up can become tartar, which is a hard deposit on the teeth. Tartar is much harder to remedy, and you will need to see your dentist for treatment.
If you have plaque buildup, or if it has been more than six months since your last trip to the dentist, contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment.
How to prevent tooth plaque explained by Dr. Beata A. Carlson at Natural Dentistry
What is tooth plaque?
Plaque is a buildup of acid that is the result of foods high in carbohydrates left on the teeth.
As bacteria feed on the residue left on teeth from foods, it creates an acid that becomes plaque when built up.
How to prevent plaque built up?
Brushing your teeth at least twice daily, focusing on the area where the tooth meets the gum will prevent plaque from building up.
You should also floss your teeth once per day. Visit your dentist every six months for a cleaning and thorough examination.
What are the remedies available to get rid of plaque?
Here are some of the most common and effective home remedies:
– Oil pulling, which is pulling coconut or similar oil through the teeth for two minutes before rinsing the mouth.
– Aloe Vera is an ingredient in some oral products like toothpastes. You can use these type of products on a regular basis to prevent or treat gum disease caused by inflammation or bacteria.
– Paint your teeth with the gel from the aloe vera plant and leave on for 10 minutes before rinsing with water.
– Rinse your mouth with white vinegar and salt.
– Drinking Aloe Vera juice is another way you can incorporate Aloe into your dental care routine.
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