How To Get Rid of Plaque On Teeth?

 Dental plaque is a colorless or whitish sticky film that builds up on the teeth and gums, particularly at the gums margin. Let's see what causes plaque to accumulate on teeth. 

Causes of Plaque Accumulation

1. Bacteria - Bacteria are naturally present in the mouth and feeds on sticky food particles.
2. Food - Sugary and sticky foods like candy, sweets, fruits that contain sugar, chocolates etc.
3. Poor oral hygiene - Not brushing properly .
4. Other factors - Certain medications and medical conditions.

Various Ways To Get Rid of Plaque

1. The Tooth Brush 

Toothbrushes vary in size and designs as well as in length. When recommending a particular toothbrush, ease of use by the patient and the perception that the brush works well are the important considerations.

A. Manual toothbrush-  For adults, soft bristle toothbrush is ideal 
                                         For kids- Small head with soft bristles.

B. Electric toothbrush- These are more effective for plaque removal.

How Often Should You Change Your Toothbrush?

Most clinician recommend that toothbrushes be replaced every 3-4 months.

How Long Should You Brush Your Teeth?

You should brush your teeth at least two minutes, twice a day. 

Correct Method of Brushing

For Adults - Modified bass technique that involves holding the toothbrush at a 45 degree angle to the gum line. Brush the outer surface of 2-3 teeth using a back and forth motion and rolling motion as shown in the figure . Repeat the same on inner surface.

For Children -Fones brushing technique, gently brush the teeth in small circles or in circular motion.

2. Interdental Cleaning Aids 

1. Dental Floss

Dental floss is the most widely recommended tool for removing plaque . 

# Technique of Flossing -

* Start with a piece of floss, and wrapped around the fingers, or the ends may be tied together in a loop.

* Stretch the floss tightly between the thumb and forefinger and it gently through each contact area as shown in figure. 

* Use firm back and forth motion. Do not snap the floss.

* Form a C shape around one tooth and slide it up and down against the side of the tooth .

* Repeat this method in every tooth contact area.

# When to Floss?

You should floss before brushing, once a day.

2. Interdental Brushes

A wide variety of interdental cleaning aids are available for removing microbial plaque between the tooth. 

Most common are conical or cylindrical brushes etc.

# Technique

Insert through interproximal surfaces and moved back and forth between the teeth with short strokes as shown in figure. 

The diameter of brush should be slightly larger than the gingival embrasures to be cleaned.

3. Dentifrices 

1. Fluoridated Toothpaste -

Fluoride helps to prevent cavities, reduce tooth sensitivity, and strengthen teeth.

Amount of toothpaste - 

0-12 months - tiny smear of water

1-2 years - grain of rice 

3-6 years -  pea size amount 

6 years and older - use a pea sized amount

4. Oral Rinse

1. Mouthwash

It is a liquid oral hygiene product used to rinse the mouth, freshen the breath, and help reduce bacteria.

There are different types of mouthwash- 

A. Fluoride mouthwash 

B. Antiseptic mouthwash 

C. Usually, 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwash is prescribed by dentist to treat gingivitis and post surgical infections.  

It depends on the condition of patient's oral health. 

# How to use mouthwash?

1. First brush your teeth and if possible floss your teeth.

2. Pour the right amount of mouthwash, generally 15-20ml is used. Use the cap given with mouthwash bottle.

3. Swish for 30-60 seconds and make sure that it reaches all area.

4.  Spit it out and and avoid eating, drinking, or rinsing with water for at least 30 minutes.    

# How Often To Use It?

Once or twice a day depending on the type of mouthwash and the condition of your oral cavity.

More than twice a day is not recommended as it can cause side effects.

Avoid overuse of mouthwash.

 5. Regular Dental Check-Ups

Regular dental checkup are very important to keep our teeth healthy.   

Click on this link to learn more in detail.                      

https://knowaboutdentistry.blogspot.com/2025/01/the-stunning-benefits-of-regular-dental.html

The Stunning Benefits Of Regular Dental Checkup

 

By Dr.ayushi bora 

Regular dental check-ups are very important to keep our teeth healthy. Everyone brushes their teeth but they are not sufficient on their own. let's decode the secrets to a healthy smile.

When Should You Make Your Child's First Dental Appointment?

According to American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the first visit of the child to the dental clinic should occur within 6 months of the eruption of the first primary or milk teeth. As we can provide the knowledge about sequence of eruption of teeth and prevention of caries.

How Often Adults Should Visit The Dentist?

The frequency of visits  depends on patient health needs but a common suggestion is visit the dentist every 6 months or twice in a year. 

Why Do Most Indians Never Visit a Dentist ?

1. Lack of awareness - Most of the people are not educated about oral hygiene. They usually prefer neem sticks to clean their teeth.

2. Accessibility - In rural areas, there is limited access, making it more difficult to the rural people.

3. Expensiveness - Not everyone can afford the dental treatment. Though people can go to government hospitals , but the quality of treatment gets compromised. 

4. No pain , no tension - When patient feels unbearable pain then only they will visit the dentist. People usually thinks that if there is no pain so there is no need of visiting dentist.

Benefits of Regular Dental Check-ups

1. Oral Hygiene Instructions - 

Dentist can provide instructions on brushing technique and flossing technique at their home.

2. Early Detection of Caries -

The outermost surface of tooth called enamel begins to erode first due to acidic reaction caused by several microorganisms . Dentist detects the early sign of tooth decay and can help prevent tooth decay . If it is not treated early then it might fall in to category of root canal treatment ( RCT).

3. Prevent any Periodontal Problems -

Accumulation of plaque and calculus is very common due to improper brushing technique as well as consuming of sugar and sweet candies. plaque and calculus further leads to recession of gums which mean the tooth surface will be more visible.

4. Education -

Almost all youngsters have a habit of smoking. And many youngsters don't even know that smoking can cause cancer as well as periodontal problems. So dentist will educate them and if needed they will give them counselling.

5. Oral Cancer Screening -

Early detection with the help of signs like any lesion or lump in the mouth.

6. Maintaining Overall Health - 

Oral health is closely linked to overall health. Many systemic diseases like diabetes, respiratory infections , bacterial infections are associated with periodontal health.

7. Monitoring Any Habits-

Some children has habit of thumb sucking even after crossing three years of age and that will lead to proclined teeth or child will not able to close lips properly that will automatically leads to mouth breathing. And mouth breathing is again not a good habit. So dentist will instruct their parents for the same.