5 secrets to fighting plaque

If you've ever wondered why it seems that fighting plaque is a constant battle, that's because it is.  Plaque is the soft and sticky substance that accumulates on, around and between the teeth from food debris and is composed of millions of bacteria.  You can often feel it building throughout the day, especially if you have been consuming lots of sugary foods.  You can fight plaque buildup by taking both preventative measures and staying on top of a teeth cleaning routine. 

If plaque is not removed from the teeth, it can lead to gum (periodontal) disease, tooth loss and cavities.  Gingivitis is a mild and reversible form of periodontal disease that affects only the gums. Untreated, gingivitis may lead to a more serious, destructive form of periodontal disease called periodontitis.  This is characterized by the inflammation of tissue supporting the teeth.

Here are five tips for fighting plaque as part of a regimen for good oral hygiene. 

1.  Make appointments to attend regular dental checkups. Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral exams.  A dentist will be able to advise you on what you can do to improve care of your teeth.

2.  Thoroughly brush your teeth twice a day.  Millions of bacteria live in our mouths and feed off of the food left on our teeth after we eat.  As the bacteria eat away at the remains of our meal, acid is produced.  This acid is what destroys enamel and creates cavities.  Brushing removes bacteria from our teeth so they can no longer make acid.  Make sure to brush for at least three minutes.  Although most people spend less than 30 seconds brushing their teeth, studies have shown that it actually takes two to three minutes to adequately brush your teeth to remove all bacteria feeders.
Also, use a toothbrush with soft bristles. Toothbrushes with medium or hard bristles actually can wear away tooth structure over time.  Replace your toothbrush at least every three or four months.  You can replace it sooner if the bristles become frayed.  Children's toothbrushes often need replacing more frequently than adults' because they can wear out sooner.  Powered toothbrushes with circular bristle heads that rotate in alternating directions have been shown to be better at removing plaque and reducing the risk of gum disease than ordinary manual toothbrushes.

3.  Floss or use an interdental cleaner on your teeth on a daily basis.  The bacteria like to hide between teeth and it can be difficult to reach it all with just a toothbrush.  If left unattended, the bacteria will continue to feed on food and produce harmful acid.  If allowed to remain for a long time, these bacteria cab invade and destroy gum tissue as well as the bones and ligaments which support teeth.  Flossing removes these bacteria from between teeth so they can no longer cause problems.

4.  Eat nutritional food and snacks.  Eat a balanced diet and limit sugary or carbohydrate-loaded snacks.  Candy is not the only food that promotes tooth decay.  Bacteria can also use any food which contains sugars and other carbohydrates to create acid.  This includes fruits, peanut butter, crackers, potato chips, popcorn, and other foods.  Especially harmful can be foods like raisins and peanut butter that stick to teeth where they provide a constant source of energy for bacteria.  In order to protect yourself, brush well after meals to remove both the bacteria and the leftover food particles.  If you can't brush right away, wash the food down with liquids so that less food remains on teeth.  Another alternative could be chewing sugarless gum.  This can stimulates saliva flow which acts as a natural plaque fighting substance.

5.  Use a fluoride toothpaste.  Fluoride helps strengthen teeth and can prevent tooth decay and gum disease.  When looking for a fluoride toothpaste, look for the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal.   The ADA Seal on a product is your assurance that it has met ADA criteria for safety and effectiveness.  You can also look for this seal on toothbrushes, floss, interdental cleaners, oral irrigators, mouth rinses and other oral hygiene products.