Plaque removal is very important in preventing dental caries and periodontal diseases. But what is dental plaque? It is a bacterial film that adheres to the tooth surface or denture, resulting in the development of tooth decay and periodontal disease.

San Diego Dentist recommends removing plaque to stop dental caries and periodontal diseases. Plaque can be removed from the tooth surface by both mechanical and chemical means. Mechanical plaque control can be done using a tooth brush and inter-dental cleaning equipment while dental scaling and polishing can also remove dental plaque. The chemical method of plaque removal can be done using anti plague agents and antimicrobial agents. Anti plague agents are in the form of liquids and paste that remove plaque when applied on the tooth.

Tips for Cleaning Teeth

San Diego Dentist recommends cleaning your teeth by brushing twice a day: once in the morning and once before going to bed is enough to prevent plaque retention. Use a soft bristle tooth brush and fluoride tooth paste to brush your teeth. Fluoride containing tooth paste prevents dental caries formation in areas where the tooth brush can’t reach.

The amount of plaque removed from the tooth doesn’t depend on which tooth paste you’re using but depends on the brushing technique. Brush all surfaces of your teeth properly, clean inside and outside surfaces thoroughly and finally brush the chewing surfaces. Take at least 5 to 10 minutes to brush your teeth and change your tooth brush after every 3 to 6 months as using it for a long time reduces the cleaning efficiency.

San Diego Dentist recommends flossing your teeth daily to stop plaque from forming between teeth. Applying some toothpaste on the dental floss will produce excellent results. Waxed dental floss is better as it prevents injuries to the gums which cause bleeding.

Cleaning Teeth and Children

Start cleaning the baby’s teeth as soon as they appear in the mouth. Clean baby’s teeth with a damp clean cloth and wipe on the tooth surface. Those children who drink bottle milk have more chances of dental caries, so their teeth should be cleaned before going to bed. Do not use toothpaste before 18 months of age.

Saliva normally protects the teeth but its production drops at night. So it is particularly important to clean teeth well after the last food or drink of the day.

Unfortunately, cleaning teeth can be a battle when it comes to dealing with toddlers. Children consume lot of candy and require maintaining good hygiene when compared to adults. We can make brushing an exciting activity for kids by letting them shop for their own brush and tooth paste. There are a wide range of children’s tooth brushes available, including some based on cartoon characters and others that change color.

San Diego Dentist recommends using a tooth paste suitable for small children and trying different flavors. For example many children dislike peppermint and other strong flavors. Create a game out of it like pretend their mouth is a tunnel and the brush is a train, or sing a funny song. Reward them after they brush their teeth and brushing will automatically becomes a habit later.

Parents need to supervise the use of toothpaste and tooth brushing by their young children. Children need to be assisted while brushing until they are 8 to 9 years old. When children start using toothpaste, it’s better to use fluoride tooth paste which prevents dental caries. Only a smear of toothpaste (the size of a pea or less) should be put onto the toothbrush. The child should be assisted with the tooth paste otherwise they may swallow it. Keep toothpaste tubes out of the reach of children.

No matter how tired you are at night, it is important to clean your teeth before going to bed.

Contact your San Diego dentist to remove plaque and prevent dental caries and periodontal diseases.