Plaque is that sticky film that forms on teeth, and if it isn’t cleaned off properly it can cause tooth decay and cavities. However, plaque that remains on teeth can cause even more problems – it can form tartar, which is a hardened form of plaque that only your dentist can remove. Left untreated, tartar can lead to gum disease. It is important to stop plaque before it even begins, to keep teeth and gums healthy. Read on for some tips for keeping teeth free of plaque!
Simple ways to get rid of plaque
There are some easy things you can do at home to make sure your teeth are clean:
1. Brush and floss. Of course this is the number 1 way to remove plaque – but it’s not enough just to brush and floss whenever you get around to it. Brush at least twice a day, and floss at least once a day – and make sure you do a very thorough job of it, too. If you are prone to plaque and tartar, you can also try a tartar control toothpaste or make sure your toothpaste has fluoride in it for that extra bit of help keeping teeth clean.
2. Use that orange peel instead of tossing it. Rubbing a bit of orange peel on your teeth is a quick, natural way to fight tartar.
3. Enjoy some sesame seeds. If you like the taste of sesame seeds, you’ll like learning that they can actually help to remove plaque and tartar as you munch on them.
4. Indulge in foods that help to keep teeth clean. Aged cheeses, such as cheddar or Swiss, figs, and lots of fruits and veggies can all help to remove bacteria and plaque from teeth.
Another tip for keeping teeth clean and healthy is to visit your dentist twice a year for a good, thorough teeth cleaning and checkup. Contact Arlington Dental Aesthetics or South Riding Smiles if you are due for a cleaning or if you are having any problems or pain. Call the South Riding office at (703) 527-7705 for an appointment today!
