Plaque can cause major problems along the gumline. It can cause cavities, gingivitis, and even tooth loss. Here are six common bad habits that cause plaque to build up in our hygienic absence:
Drinking too many drinks with excessive sugar or eating too many sweets cause sugar to stick to your teeth. Bacteria are attracted to sugar. As bacteria creep in and consume the sugar, they leave a residue, called plaque.
Not Going to the Dentist
Most dentists recommend a cleaning every six months to ensure that the plaque problem doesn’t get out of control in those hard to reach areas. Avoiding the dentist for regular visits may result in cavities.
Not Eating an Apple a Day
Fruits and vegetables with tough skin act like a toothbrush, in that they can scrape plaque from your teeth naturally. The best part is that it doesn’t even feel like brushing your teeth! Additionally, fruits and vegetables help you keep a healthy immune system so wounds in the mouth will heal more quickly.
Not Using a Mouth Rinse
Plaque builds up in places that we can’t reach with a toothbrush or floss. Not using a rinse will allow plaque to build up along and below the gumline, leading to gingivitis and tooth loss.
Not Flossing Every Day
Not flossing on a regular basis will allow plaque to build up between the teeth, where we cannot reach with a toothbrush. Floss regularly to avoid cavities.
Not Brushing Every Day
At the very least, you should brush your teeth every day. Failure to brush your teeth on a regular basis can lead to consistent plaque buildup, which has been linked to cardiovascular problems in adults.
For more information about how to prevent excessive plaque and tartar buildup, contact us at Plaza Dental.
Dr. Steffany Mohan is the Owner of Plaza Dental Group and is a leading dentist in Des Moines, Iowa. Dr. Mohan is an expert in implant, family and cosmetic dentistry, is Invisalign certified and has gained a reputation of excellence in the dentistry community. Plaza Dental Group has built a reputation for excellence and its close doctor-patient relationships, which has made them one of the premier offices of Iowa dentists