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3 Habits That Put Plaque on Your Teeth
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Plaque
Habit No. 1: Not Brushing Regularly
No one else might notice if you don’t brush your teeth twice a day,
every day. But your teeth will.
“Plaque is a little like bees in the summertime,” Price says. “One
or two won’t really bother you, but if you let them build a beehive in the
backyard, you’ve got a problem.”
Brush your teeth gently twice a day, using a fluoride-containing
toothpaste. The exact technique isn’t as important as concentrating to make
sure you’re softly brushing all the surfaces of your teeth.
Plaque
Habit No. 2: Not Flossing Each Day
Brushing doesn’t reach the spaces between teeth, but plaque does. A
simple daily flossing between teeth clears away plaque before it can cause
damage.
“Flossing also cleans plaque at the gum line, another area that
brushing doesn’t reach,” says Price. If left alone, plaque below the gum line
can lead to periodontal disease.
If you just can’t stand flossing your teeth, consider using one of
the many other ADA-approved products to clean between your teeth each day.
They’re available in any supermarket or drugstore; ask your dentist if you’re
not sure which one to use.
Plaque
Habit No. 3: Not Using Rinses
Mouth rinses with fluoride have been shown to prevent decay.
Antibacterial rinses reduce plaque and gingivitis and attack bad breath. Keep
brushing and flossing, and if you haven’t already, add a mouth rinse, such as
an antimicrobial or a fluoride rinse (not just a mouthwash), for a triple
threat against teeth destroyers.