Healthy lifestyle In addition to brushing and flossing, other healthy dental habits include:
Use mouthwash. Eat a healthy diet. Limit starchy and sugary foods and drinks like soda and white bread, and choose fruits and vegetables and healthy snacks. Visit the dentist. Most people should see a dentist once or twice a year for a checkup, but some people need more visits. Even if you don’t have symptoms, you should see a dentist. A dentist can help detect dental problems early when treatment is easier and often less expensive. A dentist can also identify other conditions or diseases that show symptoms in the mouth.5 If it’s not possible to brush your teeth soon after drinking or eating, chewing sugar-free gum can help prevent plaque. Look for gum that carries the American Dental Association (ADA) seal.
Complications: When plaque builds up, it can erode tooth enamel. Complications of plaque and tartar buildup include:
Cavities Gingivitis (the earliest stage of gum disease) Periodontal (gum) disease (an infection of the gums and the tissue that holds teeth in place)2 Summary Plaque forms as a reaction between bacteria in the mouth and acid, sugar, and starch in food. Plaque forms a sticky film on the teeth and should be removed through regular brushing and flossing. If plaque is not properly removed, it hardens into tartar. Tartar can only be removed by a dentist.
Both plaque and tartar can be prevented through good oral hygiene. If you have any concerns about your teeth or oral health, you should talk to your dentist.
Healthy lifestyle In addition to brushing and flossing, other healthy dental habits include:
Use mouthwash. Eat a healthy diet. Limit starchy and sugary foods and drinks like soda and white bread, and choose fruits and vegetables and healthy snacks. Visit the dentist. Most people should see a dentist once or twice a year for a checkup, but some people need more visits. Even if you don’t have symptoms, you should see a dentist. A dentist can help detect dental problems early when treatment is easier and often less expensive. A dentist can also identify other conditions or diseases that show symptoms in the mouth.5 If it’s not possible to brush your teeth soon after drinking or eating, chewing sugar-free gum can help prevent plaque. Look for gum that carries the American Dental Association (ADA) seal.
Complications: When plaque builds up, it can erode tooth enamel. Complications of plaque and tartar buildup include:
Cavities Gingivitis (the earliest stage of gum disease) Periodontal (gum) disease (an infection of the gums and the tissue that holds teeth in place)2 Summary Plaque forms as a reaction between bacteria in the mouth and acid, sugar, and starch in food. Plaque forms a sticky film on the teeth and should be removed through regular brushing and flossing. If plaque is not properly removed, it hardens into tartar. Tartar can only be removed by a dentist.
Both plaque and tartar can be prevented through good oral hygiene. If you have any concerns about your teeth or oral health, you should talk to your dentist.
