What Are the Causes of Excessive Plaque?
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Not Brushing
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Brushing your teeth is your best defense against plaque and the cavities it causes. As plaque forms on teeth, it creates acids that cause cavities. Regular brushing removes this plaque and reduces the risk of tooth decay. WebMD recommends brushing twice daily with toothpaste that contains fluoride. Always brush before bedtime to curb cavity-producing plaque from forming while you sleep. Cavities tend to form on the teeth toward the back of your mouth, so make certain that you brush these teeth thoroughly.
Not Flossing
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Not flossing your teeth can result in excessive plaque buildup between teeth. Brushing alone will not remove all the plaque that forms on your teeth. Use dental floss or another dentist-approved tool designed to clean between teeth at least once per day.
Avoiding the Dentist
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Avoiding dental visits can result in excessive plaque buildup. Plaque builds quickly, and it is nearly impossible to remove all of the plaque from your teeth, even with diligent brushing and flossing. When plaque builds up on teeth, it hardens into tartar, which requires a professional cleaning to remove. Visit the dentist regularly -- at least once yearly, but preferably every six months -- to remove excessive plaque and tartar that brushing and flossing cannot remove.
Diet
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Eating a large number of foods containing high levels of sugar and starches can contribute to excessive plaque on your teeth. Sugary drinks and snacks cause plaque more readily than foods low in sugar and starch. Consume foods and beverages containing sugar in moderation and brush afterward. Many fruits and vegetables actually help remove plaque on the teeth by cleaning teeth as you eat them, according to WebMD.
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