Skip to content

Tips for Avoiding Plaque

Plaque is your mouth’s enemy. It is a film of bacteria that forms on your teeth, and produces acid as it mixes with sugar from foods and drinks you consume. Over time, these acids destroy your tooth enamel and lead to decay. Plaque can also form under your gums and affect both the gum tissue and the bones supporting your teeth.

So how can you avoid getting the plaque that causes these problems? Here are some helpful tips.

Brush

Use a fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth at least twice a day. Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush all of your tooth surfaces, as well as your tongue.

Floss

As much as many people don’t want to, flossing your teeth every day is important in getting rid of plaque between your teeth and at your gum line.

Eat healthy foods

Some foods help keep plaque off your teeth. Munch on apples, cucumbers, carrots, and other raw vegetables and fruits. Crunchy foods like these will help clean your teeth while filling you up and giving you helpful nutrients.

Avoid junk food

On the other hand, limit the amount of junk food that you eat. Sugary drinks and foods introduce sugar into your mouth that will stick to your teeth and lead to plaque formation.

See your dentist

Even if you practice good oral hygiene, some amount of plaque usually forms. It hardens to become tartar, which can only be properly removed by your dentist. Dental checkups every six months will help you keep plaque under control, and a healthy smile on your face.

Schedule your appointment at our Louisville dental office

Bill Smythe DMD footer logo
office-hours-icon

Office Hours

Mon – Thu: 9-4
Fri: Closed

adult dentist near me – best cosmetic dentist near me – best dentist near me – cosmetic dentist near me – dental care near me – dental cleaning near me – dental clinic near me – dental implants near me – dental places near me – dental practice near me – dentist around me – dentist close to me – dentist near me – dentist near me now – dentist nearby – dentist office near me – dentists near me taking new patients – family dentist near me – female dentist near me – find a dentist near me – general dentist near me – good dentist near me – kids dentist near me – local dentist near me – my dentist near me – top dentist near me – top rated dentist near me – dentist open near me