Tooth decay: Dentist reveals how you can protect your teeth
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In total two-thirds of adults have visible plaque on at least one tooth, and most of us have around six teeth with plaque on them. Plaque forms on your teeth every single day, but a regular and thorough dental routine will get rid of it. Express.co.uk reveals how to clean plaque off your teeth, according to the experts at Colgate and Dental Care.
Plaque, also known as biofilm, is a layer of bacteria buildup on your teeth and it can be very damaging.
Most of us eat carbohydrates every single day, and these foods feed the plaque bacteria and cause it to produce acids.
The acids produced can weaken your enamel, which is the stuff that protects your teeth from chipping, cracking, extreme temperatures and chemicals.
This increases your risk of developing cavities and painful infections such as abscesses, and it also gives your teeth a yellow tinge.
Plaque builds up when your saliva, food and fluids combine and it sticks between your teeth and along the gums.
That’s why plaque can cause the early stages of gum disease, gingivitis and bad breath.
Plaque hardens and becomes tartar, which makes your gums swell and bleed.
Removing plaque every single day is important because it allows you to protect and preserve your smile and dental health.
How to clean plaque off teeth – the three daily steps
According to Colgate, plaque removal is simple with good oral hygiene.
The experts said: “Getting rid of that sticky biofilm is easy.
“Thoroughly cleaning all surfaces of your teeth, between your teeth and under the gumline, can help remove the food debris that feeds bacteria.
“When plaque has hardened into tartar, also known as calculus, you must visit your dental hygienist to remove it, as normal brush and flossing will not.”
Here are the three crucial steps to preventing plaque buildup.
Brush your teeth
You should brush your teeth at least twice a day or after every meal.
Colgate advises brushing for at least two minutes to prevent bacteria buildup and decay.
The advice reads: “It doesn’t take a lot of pressure or vigorous brushing to remove plaque.
“Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to brush each tooth will help remove buildup and food debris.”
You must brush all surfaces of your teeth, including the inside of the teeth and the teeth right at the back of your mouth.
Change your diet
Remember bacteria love carbohydrates found in sweets, soda, or snacks, so you may need to keep an eye on what you’re eating and when.
Colgate’s site explains: “Reducing the amount of these foods and drinks, along with brushing and cleaning between your teeth, is crucial to keeping plaque under control.
“Limit sugary or starchy foods and drinks too especially snacks.”
Floss
Cleaning between your teeth and under the gumline is crucial for biofilm and plaque removal and can help prevent gingivitis and tooth decay, the team at Colgate pointed out.
They said: “There are several kinds of products that will clean in those hard-to-reach places.
“Traditional dental floss can curve around your teeth to clean every side of each tooth.
“Water flossers use a water jet to clean between the teeth.
“Dental picks can reach between the teeth if you have braces or another barrier to flossing with dental floss.”
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