Fact: If you have teeth, you have dental plaque. This is why good oral hygiene and regular dental visits are so important. Neglected teeth can lead to a snowball of dental problems like tooth decay and cavities. Or, if left untreated long enough, the dental plaque will calcify into tartar or dental calculus, which can lead to gum recession and gum disease. Both of these oral health problems can lead to overall health issues such as stroke, heart attack, diabetes, and reproductive problems.
Ready to kickstart your oral hygiene routine? Dr. Helen Ragsdale offers regular and deep dental cleanings to put your oral hygiene back on track. Contact your Austin Laser Dentist today at 512-346-4690 to schedule an appointment.
Good Oral Hygiene Habits at Home
The best way to ward off dental plaque is to maintain good oral hygiene habits. These include:
- Regular brushing. You should diligently brush your teeth at least twice a day for two to three minutes each time. Use a fluoride toothpaste to strengthen the enamel on your teeth.
- Flossing. Even the best tooth brushers can’t reach the parts of the mouth that floss can. Wrap a string of floss around your fingers and move it in a horseshoe shape between your teeth to rid your mouth of food particles and disease-causing bacteria.
- Anti-septic mouthwash. These mouthwashes kill the germs that cause plaque buildup.
- Eat and drink properly. Sugar-filled foods and drinks encourage the production of bad bacteria in the mouth. Be mindful of how often you eat and drink sugar to decrease your chances of plaque buildup.
Four Home Remedies for Removing Dental Plaque
If you’ve noticed increasingly bad breath or discoloration on your teeth, you can try these home remedies to remove dental plaque and tartar at home:
- Baking soda: Mix one tablespoon of baking soda and a pinch of salt together and dip your damp toothbrush into the mixture. Brush your teeth as usual. Baking soda has been used for years to clean and brighten teeth because of its abrasive texture and ability to remove harmful bacteria from the surface of teeth.
- Aloe Vera gel: Combine a teaspoon of aloe vera gel, a cup of water, half a cup of baking soda, lemon essential oil, and four teaspoons of a vegetable glycerin. Use a toothbrush to brush and shine your teeth.
- Orange peel: When rubbed directly on your teeth, an orange peel can help fight plaque and tartar buildup.
- Vinegar: Gargle with a solution of two tablespoons of vinegar, one tablespoon of salt, and four ounces of water. Periodically gargle for three days. It won’t leave your mouth feeling minty fresh, but it will be effective.
Regular Dental Cleanings
According to the American Dental Association, you should visit the dentist every six months. At Austin Laser Dentist, we can give your teeth the gentle and effective cleaning they need to remove plaque and tartar, and, in turn, to prevent cavities and gum disease.
Contact Your Austin Laser Dentist Today
When you combine good oral hygiene habits at home with regular dental visits, your mouth has a much lower risk of developing cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues. Improve your oral and overall health today with a visit to Dr. Ragsdale. Schedule your appointment with one or our friendly team members at 512-346-4690.
