When you hear the word “plaque” in a dental context, know that we’re not talking about that memento or award you may get from your school or company. While it’s spelled the same way, dental plaque is an entirely different thing. Dental plaque is the sticky substance that forms on your teeth and around your gum line from bacteria. If you’ve noticed that your teeth feel a little fuzzy when you run your tongue over them or if they’re more yellow than they normally are, then that could be plaque.
Aside from wanting to get rid of plaque because of how it makes your teeth look and feel, it’s important to remove it before it hardens into a substance called tartar. Tartar is more difficult to get rid of, and only a dental professional with the right tools can do it. On top of that, the more plaque build-up you have, the higher the risk you are of damaging your teeth and gums. Here are some tips for reducing plaque:
Keep Up with Your At-Home Dental Routine
One of the best and easiest things you can do in the fight against plaque is following a healthy dental routine at home. Healthy here means brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and using proper technique for both. If you’re not sure whether you’re using the right brushing or flossing technique, ask the team at your dental practice and they can show you exactly how to do it. You may also want to consider adding a plaque-fighting mouthwash to your dental routine as well.
Visit the Dentist Regularly
Speaking of your dental team: You should be seeing them every six months for a routine dental cleaning. During these visits, your hygienist will remove any plaque that’s there, setting a good foundation for keeping your teeth clean and healthy until your next appointment. A dental visit can’t replace all the work you need to do at home, but it’s an important step!
If you have any additional questions, don’t hesitate to ask us! River Vista Dentistry is always here for your smile needs. We are also offering virtual consultations in case you would prefer that at this time to an in-person visit. Call or email us to learn more.