Five secrets to fighting plaque

Fighting plaque is not only important, but can be a little hard to reach. Here are five secrets to fighting plaque. Plaque is the colorless, sticky bacterium that attaches to your tooth's surface.

The food we eat, the fluid we drink, and our saliva mixes together to create these bacteria, which collect on our gums and teeth. This plaque is the main cause of the periodontal gum disease.

Preventing plaque and dealing with any build up takes five simple secrets to deal with it.

Flossing
Brushing
Using a plaque fighting toothpaste
Rinsing with a bacteria fighting mouth wash
Eating a balanced diet

Flossing

Use an 18-inch piece of floss, wrap it around your two index fingers, smoothly slide the floss between your teeth, and take care not to snap or cut the floss into your gums. Now move the floss back and forth to remove any particles, and bacteria that are sitting between the teeth. The best way to hold the floss is in a C-shape around the tooth. This helps to pull the bacteria out. Use a fresh piece of floss when the piece you are using is worn or dirty.

Brushing

Brush your teeth in a slightly circular back and forth motion that cleans the inside and outside of each tooth. Also, be sure to brush the chewing surface of each tooth. Brush along the gum line. Gum disease starts at the gum line; so cleaning thoroughly will help with that. However you want to brush gently on the gum line so that you are not damaging or irritating the gums. Brush the back molars, brush your tongue, and then rinse with cool water.

Using a plaque fighting tooth paste

Plaque fighting toothpastes contain fluoride, and anti-microbial agent, and sodium hexametaphosphate, which is a stain fighting and tartar fighting substance. The ADA recommends this type of paste to remove plaque, and prevent cavities.
Rinsing with bacteria fighting mouthwash or rinse

Using an anti-microbial rinse or mouthwash with cetylpyridinium chloride can help by attracting the bacteria and helps kill the germs that cause plaque and bad breath.

Eating a balanced diet

A balanced diet helps prevent plaque and tooth decay. This will also help keep your gums healthy. If the plaque is not brushed away the teeth will decay faster. Eating foods less in sugar and carbohydrates will also help to not have as much bacteria on the teeth. A diet that is high in vitamins and minerals and other essential nutrients are very important for the life of your teeth. The fluoride that is in the healthy foods, and by drinking water with fluoride is also a plaque and decay fighting product.

The foods that are needed for strong teeth, and healthy teeth are dairy products rich in calcium, fresh fruits and vegetables. It is important to avoid any sticky, sweet and acidic sodas that will strip away enamel on your teeth.

Most important when you are fighting plaque is to make regular dental appointments for teeth cleaning and care. The cleaning from the dentist can assist with the removal of plaque and tartar, his way to prevent further problems of tooth, gum and bone disease.

Use these five secrets to remove plaque, and you will find that you not only have a healthier smile, but also save money overall on your dental care and future dental problems.