Plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth, is a major cause of cavities and gum disease. If you don’t remove plaque regularly, it can harden into tartar, which is even more difficult to remove and can lead to serious dental problems.
Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do to remove plaque from your teeth. Here are five scientifically proven methods:
1. Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day
This is the most important thing you can do to remove plaque from your teeth. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing your teeth twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste. Brush for at least two minutes, making sure to reach all surfaces of your teeth.
2. Floss Once a Day
Flossing is essential for removing plaque from between your teeth, where your toothbrush can’t reach. The ADA recommends flossing once a day, preferably before you go to bed. Use a piece of floss about 18 inches long. Wrap the floss around your middle fingers and gently slide it between your teeth. Move the floss up and down several times, then remove it and repeat with the next tooth.
3. Use Mouthwash
Mouthwash can help to kill bacteria in your mouth and remove plaque. The ADA recommends using a mouthwash that contains fluoride. Rinse your mouth with mouthwash for at least 30 seconds, then spit it out. Do not rinse your mouth with water after using mouthwash, as this will wash away the fluoride.
4. Eat a Healthy Diet
Eating a healthy diet can help to prevent plaque from forming on your teeth. Foods that are high in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, help to clean your teeth and remove plaque. Avoid sugary foods and drinks, as these can feed the bacteria in your mouth and lead to plaque formation.
5. Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Visiting your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings is essential for maintaining good oral health. Your dentist can remove plaque and tartar from your teeth, and they can also check for cavities and other dental problems. The ADA recommends visiting your dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
There are a few common mistakes that people make when trying to remove plaque from their teeth. These mistakes can actually make the problem worse, so it’s important to avoid them.
- Brushing too hard. Brushing your teeth too hard can damage your enamel and gums. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush gently.
- Not flossing. Flossing is essential for removing plaque from between your teeth. If you don’t floss, the plaque will build up and eventually lead to cavities and gum disease.
- Using mouthwash too often. Using mouthwash too often can dry out your mouth and make it more susceptible to cavities. The ADA recommends using mouthwash once a day, preferably before you go to bed.
- Eating a sugary diet. Eating a sugary diet can feed the bacteria in your mouth and lead to plaque formation. Avoid sugary foods and drinks, and choose healthy snacks instead.
- Not visiting your dentist regularly. Visiting your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings is essential for maintaining good oral health. Your dentist can remove plaque and tartar from your teeth, and they can also check for cavities and other dental problems.
Benefits of Removing Plaque
There are many benefits to removing plaque from your teeth. Plaque can cause cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems. Removing plaque can help to:
- Prevent cavities
- Prevent gum disease
- Improve your oral health
- Give you a brighter smile
- Boost your confidence
How to Stand Out
If you want to stand out from the crowd, you need to do more than just remove plaque from your teeth. You need to go the extra mile and take care of your oral health in every way possible. Here are a few tips:
- Brush your teeth three times a day instead of twice.
- Floss twice a day instead of once.
- Use a mouthwash that contains fluoride.
- Eat a healthy diet that is low in sugar.
- Visit your dentist every three months for a checkup and cleaning.
By following these tips, you can achieve and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile for life.
