Professional Advice to Reduce Dental Plaque Build-up

Gordon Tam • June 24, 2024

Here is some professional advice that may help you reduce plaque buildup around your teeth and gums.


1. Brush Twice a Day

It is crucial to brush your teeth twice daily to keep your oral health in check. Using a soft-bristle toothbrush or a soft-bristle electric toothbrush can aid you in cleaning your teeth and gums effectively. 

Spending at least two to three minutes brushing each time ensures you cover all surfaces of your teeth. This helps to remove food particles and prevent plaque buildup.


2. Floss Daily

Flossing is just as important as brushing, as it removes plaque and food debris located between your teeth and under the gum line, where your toothbrush can’t access efficiently. You may choose to use normal floss or a water flosser at least once a day to keep your gums healthy and prevent cavities from forming between your teeth.


3. Use Antibacterial Mouthwash

Rinsing your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash can help reduce the chance of bacterial growth that causes plaque and gum disease. Use a mouthwash after brushing and flossing to give your mouth an extra level of cleanness. This not only freshens your breath but also helps to maintain a healthy oral environment.


4. Clean after eating ’sticky foods’

Avoiding sugary, starchy, and sticky foods is crucial, especially when preventing plaque buildup. For instance, candy, pastries and toffee-like food can stick to your teeth and promote the growth of plaque-causing bacteria. While these foods are our favourite indulgence, rinse your mouth or brush your teeth after eating.

5. Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water throughout the day to keep yourself hydrated is important, just like our saliva, which naturally cleanses your mouth and neutralises acids produced by bacteria. Water and our saliva also help to wash away food particles and reduce the risk of tooth decay and plaque buildup.


6. Avoid Smoking

Smoking can significantly harm our general health and also our dental health. It will lead to plaque and tartar buildup, and even gum disease.


7. Clean Oral Appliances Regularly

If you wear dentures, retainers, or other oral appliances, keeping them clean is essential to prevent bacterial buildup. Always remember to keep them clean by rinsing and brushing them before and after usage


8. Regular Dental Visits

Finally, visit your dentist regularly—typically every four to six months for maintenance of oral health. Dentists have specialised tools to remove stubborn plaque and tartar that you can't reach at home, and they can detect any potential issues early before they become serious problems.


By incorporating these tips into your daily routine and seeking regular professional care, you can maintain a healthy, beautiful smile for years to come.


At Smile Design Dental Practice, we allocate sufficient time for each patient, conducting thorough tooth-by-tooth examination, taking radiographs to check between teeth, and assessing gum health. This comprehensive approach allows us to identify your dental issues accurately and customise a treatment plan tailored to your needs. 


Schedule an appointment with us NOW! Call us at 6463 8588 or WhatsApp to 9815 5336

To serve you better, we are available by  Appointment Only. 

Please contact us to schedule an appointment.

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