Tips from your Methuen MA Dentist on How to Avoid Plaque
Your Methuen MA dentist has some advice for his patients on how they can avoid a plaque buildup. Plaque is a thin sticky film made up of food particles and bacteria. It sticks to the surface of teeth and can eventually lead to dental decay.
1. Brushing
Your Methuen MA dentist reminds you to brush twice daily, for two minutes each time. Brushing helps to remove about 65% of the bacteria from your mouth and can help you to avoid plaque buildups. If you do not brush your teeth as recommended the plaque will buildup and can eventually transform into tartar.
Tartar is a hardened form of plaque and it is very difficult to remove. If your teeth are covered with tartar you will most likely need to visit your Methuen MA dentist to have them or a dental hygienist remove it.
Dr. Sandler also recommends using a soft-bristled toothbrush and using toothpaste containing fluoride. Be sure when brushing to get every area of your mouth.
2. Flossing
Flossing will help to clean the remaining 35% of your mouth that brushing cannot clean. Unfortunately most toothbrushes cannot adequately clean between the teeth.
Your Methuen MA dentist recommends flossing at least once a day to clean between your teeth and along the gum lines. Flossing helps to freshen breath, prevent cavities, and prevent periodontal disease.
3. Use a Mouth Rinse
Mouthwash and mouth rises are 2 different things. A mouthwash will help to freshen your breath, but a mouth rinse will help to reduce the bacteria found in plaque.
Your Methuen MA dentist recommends swishing mouth rinse in your mouth twice a day for 30 seconds each time. You should try to make mouth rinse a regular part of your oral health routine.
4. Avoid Sticky Foods and Foods High in Sugar
Your Methuen MA dentist advises you to avoid sugary foods and beverages. The bacteria in plaque feed off of sugar, and as a result, produce acid. The acid byproduct is what will damage your enamel and result in dental decay.
The more you avoid sugar, the less food you are providing for these bacteria. Sticky foods are also bad for your teeth because they are harder to remove; the faster you remove food particles from your teeth, the less likely you will be to get cavities.
5. Visit your Methuen MA Dentist as Recommended
The ADA recommends visiting your dentist once every 6 months; however, some people may need to go more often. Be sure to keep up with your dental checkups if you wish to have a clean and healthy mouth.
Visiting your Methuen MA dentist as recommended will allow them to remove and plaque and tartar buildups—even with careful brushing and flossing some plaque will most likely remain in your mouth.
If you are in need of a dental checkup, or if you would like to schedule an appointment for a different procedure contact your Methuen MA dentist today by calling (978) 683-3343.
