Attack that Plaque!

Upper East Side Dentist | Manhattan Dentistry

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Are you battling with tooth plaque? Feel that layer of gunk that coats your teeth and makes them a little fuzzy and not quite clean? Your pearly whites are our first priority, and plaque can cause long lasting dental damage. We’re here to help you attack that plaque to ensure you have your best smile possible, 24/7!

If you have plaque, don’t stress too much about it. Everyone gets it; some of us are just better at getting rid of it than others. There are five simple things you can do that will help eliminate this pesky problem. First up, brush those teeth. And we mean twice a day, correctly and with purpose. You can even brush them more if you prefer, like after every meal, but be sure you aren’t irritating your gums in the process. It’s especially important to brush your teeth very well before bed. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and replace it every three to four months. To get the best cleaning possible, use a gentle circular motion on your teeth and get your entire mouth. That means you should be brushing the fronts and backs of your teeth, as well as the top. You should also be brushing your tongue to knock out bad breath and bacteria. This whole process should be taking you 2 entire minutes, so no skimping on time!

Cleaning between each of your teeth is also vital. If regular old floss doesn’t work well for you, there are many other options suck as small brushes that will fit between your teeth, dental picks, water flossers, and even flossers that come pre-threaded. You should be flossing at least once a day to make sure you’re getting everything your toothbrush didn’t.

After your deep clean, use some mouthwash. It’s antibacterial and will help to get rid of the bad bacteria in your mouth that leads to plaque buildup. Try to avoid those with alcohol as they can dry out your mouth. You want a good amount of saliva present at all times because that’s what keeps your mouth healthy!

The main foods that cause plaque are full of sugar and starch, so it’s best to avoid those as much as possible. That means you should cut back on bread, sodas, alcoholic beverages, and anything sticky that gets stuck in the crevices of your teeth.

Last but not least, you should be seeing your dentist regularly for professional cleanings. Twice a year is a perfect time frame if you’re not experiencing any other dental issues, and professional equipment can reach all the spots you might be missing.

If you’re in need of a deep cleaning and want to have a great experience, come see us at Dr. Lattinelli’s Upper East Side Dentist! We love helping all of our guests show off their best smiles.