Stay on top of dental care! How do I prevent plaque formation after dental routine?

Plaque is a sticky, colorless biofilm that consistently forms on our teeth as a result of the interaction between the natural bacteria in our mouths and the sugars found in the foods and drinks that we consume. The main aim of following a dental routine is to remove plaque as quickly as possible after it forms. This is important because if it is left, it will harden into tartar, which appears as yellowish-brown deposits on the teeth. Tartar cannot be removed simply by brushing and flossing. Instead, professional dental equipment is needed to safely remove it from your teeth. Tartar is also sometimes known as calculus.

Although you cannot see plaque, you may be able to feel it using your tongue. It can feel thin, slippery and some patients report that it is almost fuzzy in texture. If you can feel plaque on your teeth, you should try and brush your teeth as soon as you can.

Plaque and tartar cause two main problems – decay and gum disease. Both can be painful and affect the function and appearance of our teeth. In some cases, they can be so severe that teeth fall out or need an extraction, and in the case of gum disease, the consequences are even more severe. This is because advanced gum disease can lead to infection, bone loss and studies have also shown that these patients are also more likely to develop chronic health conditions like diabetes and heart disease.

 

How can I stop plaque from forming?

Plaque is a naturally-occurring substance and this means that it is very difficult to stop it from forming. However, there are things that you can do to minimize the amount that is created and prevent it from building up and causing damage to your teeth and oral health. Some of the steps that you can take include the following:

Make sure you are brushing your teeth as effectively as possible

Brushing will only nip plaque prevention in the bud if it is done regularly and properly. Patients should remember to brush their teeth at least twice each day, once in the morning and once before bed. If you can fit in brushing after lunch too, that will be a bonus! Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and move in a circular motion to ensure that the entire surface area of each tooth is cleaned properly. Pay particular attention to the area where the teeth meet the gums since this is where plaque most often accumulated and where, if left, it can cause gum disease.

Don’t overlook the importance of flossing

Unless you already floss regularly, you may feel that it is fiddly and time-consuming. However, it is the best way to remove any plaque that has formed between your teeth – an area that is very hard to reach with a toothbrush. Try and make time to floss at least once a day. If you don’t get on with conventional floss, look at alternatives such as a floss pick which is where the floss is stretched between two prongs on a handheld device or a water flosser.

Limit your intake of sugary foods

If you have ever drunk sugary sodas, you will notice that your teeth feel slippery or furry after. This is because plaque has already started to form. It is the sugar that interacts with the bacteria in our mouth to produce plaque and plaque acids. Therefore, by limiting the amount of sugar and in particular, free sugar, in your diet, you can reduce the amount of plaque that is made.

Cut out snacks or choose healthy options

Snacking is bad news for plaque formation. This is because we rarely brush our teeth each time we have a snack, and the delay between eating and brushing our teeth can allow plaque to begin to form. Try and avoid snacking as much as possible, but if you really do need to have something, try and choose nutritious foods such as plain yogurt, cheese, or raw vegetables to limit the amount of sugar that you will be eating. Also drink plenty of water with your snack as it will help to wash bacteria and sugars away, limiting plaque formation.

Consider getting sealants

Sealants are thin, plastic coatings that are painted over the chewing surfaces of molars in order to protect them against the effects of plaque acids, which will erode the enamel and lead to decay. Although getting sealants won’t stop plaque from forming, they can stop them from damaging your teeth.

For more advice on preventing plaque formation, please don’t hesitate to contact our experienced dentistry team.