How to Get Rid of Plaque and Why Is It Important?
You might have noticed that after a dental cleaning, the teeth look sparkly clean and white, but they turn yellow and dull over time. This yellowish color is caused due to plaque, which is a film caused due to bacteria. Plaque accumulates on the teeth above and below the gum line. The plaque deposit, in the long run, can damage your teeth and gums. Therefore, it is important to get rid of plaque to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
What is the Best Way for Removing Plaque?
The easiest way of removing plaque is by brushing the teeth at least twice every day. However, brushing alone is not enough, and you need to floss your teeth as well. You must use a soft-bristled toothbrush for brushing and replace it every 3-4 months. An electric toothbrush can also be a good choice for cleaning your teeth as it can be more effective in removing the plaque as compared to a regular brush.
It is said that flossing before brushing is the right thing to do so that the bits of foods and plaque can be washed away. According to the Rochelle dentist near you, the right way of flossing is as follows:
- Take 18 inches of floss and wrap one end around each of the middle fingers.
- Hold the floss between the thumbs and forefingers and then gently push the floss between two teeth.
- Now, move the floss into a ‘C’ shape on the side of one tooth.
- Rub the floss up and down gently and continue to press it against the tooth. You must be careful about not jerking the floss.
- Repeat the process for all your teeth and take care to floss behind the back of the teeth as well.
Tips for Brushing Teeth
- The dentist in Rochelle says that take a pea-sized amount of toothpaste on the toothbrush for adults and children, and the amount should be the size of a rice grain.
- The toothbrush should be held at a 45-degree angle to your gums.
- Move the toothbrush back and forth and make gentle strokes in the same width as each of your teeth.
- Brush all the outside surfaces, inside surfaces, and chewing surfaces of the teeth. You must brush your tongue as well.
- For the inside of the front teeth, tilt the toothbrush vertically and make small up-and-down strokes.
Dentist says that plaque accumulates again quickly after you brush, and some people recommend other at-home treatments for removing plaque buildup such as baking soda and oil pulling.
Why Is It Important to Clean Teeth and Gums?
According to the dentist plaque and tartar, if left uncleaned, can lead to cavity and decay in the long run. Plaque deposited above the gum line is not good for your dental health as the bacteria present in it can irritate and damage your gums. Over time, this can lead to gum disease.
When the gum disease is in its initial stage, it is known as gingivitis, which can be stopped as well as reversed with brushing, flossing, using an antiseptic mouthwash, and dental cleaning at the dental clinic.
In severe cases, it can reach a condition where pockets form between the gums and teeth and get infected by bacteria. This advanced stage of gum disease is known as periodontitis. It can affect not just your oral health but can also lead to other health issues such as kidney and heart diseases, dementia, and pre-term birth in pregnant women.
Significance of Dental Cleaning
Dental cleaning plays a crucial role in getting rid of plaque and tartar. You must see the dentist every six months for a dental cleaning. The dentists or hygienists will clean your teeth thoroughly and help in achieving clean and sparkling teeth.
They have special toothbrushes and toothpaste that help in getting rid of the plaque and stubborn tartar. You can get rid of the plaque, which is not possible to remove at home because your brush can’t reach in between the teeth and back of the mouth. Once the cleaning is done, they will also polish your teeth.