How to Treat Plaque

Getting rid of plaque is part of good dental hygiene. Plaque can start forming on your teeth as soon as four hours after brushing. The sticky, clear deposit of bacteria develops after saliva combines with starches and sugar from the foods and liquids you consume. Not treating plaque weakens your teeth, and increases your risk of gum disease and tooth decay. To treat plaque there are several things you can do, ranging from properly brushing your teeth to chewing gum.

Things You'll Need

• Floss
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Plaque-disclosing product
• Mouthwash
• Vegetables and fruit
• Chewing gum

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Instructions

• 1

  Floss your teeth at least once a day to get rid of plague stuck between your teeth. Floss before brushing your teeth using about 18 inches of floss. Wind the floss around the middle fingers of both of hands with approximately two inches of floss between them. Slide the floss between all your teeth and make a back-and-forth sawing motion, following the shape of each tooth. Use a fresh section of the floss for each tooth.

• 2

  Brush your teeth for two minutes in the morning and before bedtime to help remove plaque. Use a fluoride toothpaste and a toothbrush with soft bristles and a small head. Brush both the inside and outside surface of your teeth, along with your tongue. Focus on the area where your teeth meet your gum line.

• 3

  Apply a plaque-disclosing product to your teeth according to manufacturer's instructions. Plaque-disclosing products give you an indication of the effectiveness of you flossing and brushing routine. They come in the form of tablets, liquids and swabs. When the product touches your teeth, it dyes the plaque red, allowing you to remove it by brushing.

• 4

  Swish mouthwash between your teeth for about a minute to help prevent plaque. Follow packaging instructions and dilute the mouthwash if recommended. Use mouthwash that is alcohol-free to avoid dry mouth, which can lead to tooth decay.

• 5

  Snack on foods that are natural teeth cleaners. Raw vegetables and fruit, such as celery, carrots and apples, promote saliva flow which washes away plaque and cleanses your mouth.

• 6

  Chew sugar-free gum after meals to neutralize acids that cause plaque buildup and to promote saliva flow.

• 7

  Sip water all day long to keep your mouth moist and to promote salivation.