How to Eliminate Plaque

Plaque is a buildup of yellowish-white residue that attaches to the mouth's interior surfaces. Plaque can cause serious health issues like tooth decay, cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. Without daily dental hygiene plaque buildup can harden and form tartar, which is more difficult to remove. Although there is no way to completely prevent plaque development, personal steps can be taken to reduce or remove plaque buildup on your teeth and gums. It begins as simple as brushing your teeth regularly. If you are still concerned about plaque buildup, ask your dentist about more complex procedures. Use the following guide to learn how to eliminate plaque from your mouth.

Things You'll Need

• Toothbrush
• Fluoride toothpaste
• Floss
• Interdental cleaner
• Antibacterial mouthwash

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Instructions

• 1

  Brush your teeth with a toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste at least once a day for three minutes. Move the toothbrush in an up and down motion instead of side to side motion to remove plaque more effectively. Ensure you brush your gum line as well as all the contours of your teeth. Brush your teeth after every meal to better guard against plaque buildup but remember thorough brushing shows better results than the number of times teeth are brushed. Replace your toothbrush at least three to four times a year.

• 2

  Clean between your teeth with waxed or unwaxed floss once a day to remove plaque caught between teeth that brushing cannot remove. Ensure you floss between all your teeth. Use an interdental cleaner instead of floss if it is more comfortable for you.

• 3

  Use a whole mouth water irrigation system to help clean your mouth but only when paired with regular brushing and flossing; plaque clings too strongly to teeth to be removed by this system.

• 4

  Use an antibacterial mouthwash twice a day to eliminate plaque-building bacteria from your mouth. Ensure your antibacterial mouthwash offers no less than 12-hour protection.

• 5

  Eat a balanced diet low in sugar to reduce your mouth's plaque production. Consume less or eliminate snacks and candy between meals. Drink beverages that are low in sugar or sugar-free. Use a straw when drinking sugary drinks. Chew sugar-free gum and mints.

• 6

  Schedule regular appointments with your dentist for oral exams and professional teeth cleanings. Speak to your dentist if you have concerns about plaque buildup. Ask your dentist about dental sealant, which is a thin coating of plastic that can help shield your teeth directly from plaque if you are still concerned.