If you rub your tongue against the front of your teeth, you may feel a fuzzy film if it’s been a while since you’ve brushed. This is particularly true early in the morning or late at night. This film is called plaque, which is the buildup of bacteria on teeth. These bacteria feast upon your dietary sugar and produce acidic byproducts that damage enamel. The accumulation of plaque increases your risk of bad breath, tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease.
In contrast, you may notice a squeaky clean feeling when you’ve just had a dental cleaning. That’s because we use special tools to scrape off plaque and tartar (hardened plaque). Here are a few tips to keep your teeth feeling fresh instead of fuzzy!
1. Brush Daily
Brush your teeth twice daily for 2 minutes each time using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste.
2. Floss Daily
Clean between your teeth and below your gums with string floss or a water flosser to remove plaque and food particles that are hard to reach with your toothbrush.
3. Eat a Balanced Diet
Prioritize vegetables, fruit, nuts, and lean protein in our diet. Consume sugar and refined starches in moderation. These are food for the bacteria that cause plaque. When you do eat sugar or sweets, be sure to drink plenty of water or chew sugar-free gum with xylitol afterward.
4. Schedule a Dental Appointment Every 6 Months
Come see us at North River Dental Care every 6 months for an exam and professional cleaning so we can remove any accumulated plaque and tartar. We’ll let you know if you’d benefit from more regular visits!
If you can’t shake the fuzzies even with improved oral hygiene, it’s definitely time to come see us. We’ll get your teeth clean and bright, and discuss ways to improve your oral health habits at home. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
