Do you know that plaque is the number one cause of tooth decay? And did you know that it’s even easier to prevent plaque buildup than you think?
Here’s the good news – you don’t have to wait for a trip to the dentist to get started! This post will discuss five simple ways to prevent plaque buildup and help keep your smile healthy.
Brush Your Teeth At Night, Twice A Day
Brushing your teeth before bed is the best thing you can do to help prevent tooth decay. You should brush your teeth for two minutes before bedtime.
It may seem like a lot of time, but in reality, it only takes about two minutes. Brushing your teeth at night is a habit that you should develop early on in life.
When you do, you’re brushing off the harmful bacteria from the day and helping to keep your mouth healthy. It’s also important to brush your teeth twice a day, as this helps remove food particles that could cause decay.
Avoid sugar and other sweet foods
Sugar is one of the most common culprits when it comes to plaque buildup and tooth decay. Sweet treats can be found in almost every corner of the world, and they are easily accessible.
While you may not be able to avoid sugar entirely, you can limit your intake. Here are some easy ways to avoid sugar and sweets:
Avoid soda pop
Reduce the frequency of drinking sugary beverages. If you must drink soda, switch to water or flavored water.
Cut down on ice cream
Try to reduce your ice cream consumption by 50 percent. If you must eat ice cream, eat it less often and stick to a smaller portion.
Avoid other sugary foods
Don’t eat foods like candy, cakes, and cookies unless you are trying to lose weight.
Avoid sticky foods
When you’re eating a snack, try to stick to foods like fruits, veggies, and nuts.
Rinse With Water After Brushing
Brushing is important, but what happens when you rinse your mouth after brushing? According to research, this simple habit can significantly reduce plaque build-up.
According to a study from the University of California, Berkeley, rinsing with water after brushing can reduce plaque by up to 90%.
Another study found that even just a single rinse can significantly reduce plaque by up to 70%.
This practice is especially helpful for people who have trouble flossing or those who have difficulty cleaning around their braces or crowns.
So the next time you brush, try this simple tip!
Eat Raw Fruits And Vegetables
Raw fruits and vegetables are loaded with nutrients that can help prevent plaque buildup and improve your oral health.
The problem is that most people are scared to eat raw food. They’re afraid they won’t digest it properly, but that’s not true.
For example, a typical carrot is 90% water, and raw carrots are packed with vitamins and minerals that can prevent tooth decay.
Another example is a tomato. Tomatoes are 90% water, and the only thing in the tomato that you should be concerned about is acidity. If you can handle the acidity, then you can handle any other food.
So, the moral of the story is that you don’t have to worry about digesting raw fruits and vegetables. Just wash them well and eat them.
Drink Water
One of the most overlooked parts of your diet is water. We tend to think that food is what’s important when it comes to keeping our teeth healthy. But water is an essential part of any dental care routine.
A study by the Journal of American Dental Association found that brushing and flossing alone are not enough to prevent tooth decay. That’s why it’s important to drink plenty of water.
Research also shows that water helps clean your mouth and protect your teeth from disease-causing bacteria. It’s also an essential ingredient for helping you maintain optimal oral health.
Conclusion
Tooth decay is a common problem that plagues people of all ages. As our teeth grow older, we often have to deal with more decay, and sometimes, the pain becomes unbearable.
Plaque buildup is caused by bacteria that live in our mouths, and the more plaque we have, the worse the infection becomes. If we don’t brush and floss properly, the bacteria can cause gum disease, which can lead to bone loss.
Luckily, there are many ways to combat plaque buildup. These include brushing, drinking lots of water, and eating certain foods.
There are a few other things you can do to avoid tooth decay and gum disease, including visiting your dentist regularly and using fluoride.
