5 DIY Plaque Prevention and Removal Tips

We all know that plaque and tartar buildup on teeth are bad and that they can lead to issues like cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease. But do you know what plaque is? It is a byproduct of eating foods that are high in carbohydrates and often, failing to clean teeth properly. When you consume a lot of carbs you create a food source in your mouth for bacteria, which feast on them and produce acids that leave a sticky film on your teeth and eat away at your enamel, opening your teeth up to major problems.

But there are a number of ways you can deal with plaque buildup, and you can even take steps to prevent it from coming back. Here are a few removal and Plaque prevention tips that will help your teeth to remain healthy and look great.

1. Skip the sweets. Controlling your diet is one of the easiest ways to combat plaque and tartar buildup, and it starts with cutting back on the starches and sugars that count as carbohydrates. Sugar, in particular, is terrible for your teeth, not to mention your overall health. Sure it gives you a boost of energy that feels good for a few minutes, but the empty calories of sugar don’t really provide you with nutritional value. And processed sugar, in particular, leads to weight gain and other issues, in addition to harming your teeth. So if you’re looking to prevent plaque, cutting sugar out of your diet as much as possible is a good first step.
2. Amp up dairy intake. Just as some foods are detrimental to the health of your teeth, others can help to keep your teeth strong and prevent plaque buildup. Dairy products provide the levels of calcium that strengthen your bones, including teeth. And studies have shown that eating cheese can help to balance pH levels in your mouth, reducing damaging acidity. You might also want to think about drinking plenty of water, which supplements your mouth’s natural rinse, saliva.
3. Don’t just brush. It’s really not enough to brush your teeth twice a day if you want to ward off plaque and tartar buildup. Since food particles can get stuck between teeth and under the gum line, areas where most toothbrushes can’t reach, you really need to floss and rinse daily, as well. When you have a comprehensive mouth-care routine, you can definitely reduce the occurrence of plaque.
4. Use fluoride toothpaste. You may not have used fluoride since you were in grade school, but purchasing toothpaste that contains it is a good idea if you have problems with plaque. Fluoride helps to fight bacteria, and in the low doses present in toothpaste, you should see only positive results, rather than adverse side effects that may occur with higher doses. If you have any concerns, simply speak to your dentist before using a new product.
5. Visit your dentist regularly. There’s only so much you can do on your own when it comes to plaque prevention and reduction. If you value yourdental health, it is therefore in your best interest to visit a reputable dental office in your area for regular check-up and cleaning. This will help to ensure the best possible dental health.