How Can I Prevent Plaque Build-Up: Common Mistakes to Avoid in Oral Care

12 September 2024

How Can I Prevent Plaque Build-Up: Common Mistakes to Avoid in Oral Care

As dentists, one of the questions we’re often asked is “How can I prevent plaque build-up?”

Plaque is a colourless film of sticky bacteria that forms on the teeth. Without treatment, it can make your breath smell, irritate the soft tissues and lead to gum disease and cavities. It also quickly hardens into tartar, which can only be removed by dental professionals. This is why preventing plaque build-up is essential to maintaining good oral health.

Unfortunately, many people unknowingly make common mistakes that encourage plaque formation, despite their efforts to keep their teeth clean. This post highlights the common errors you may be making and offers sound advice on improving your oral care. By being aware of these mistakes, you can significantly reduce the risk of developing dental issues and keep your smile looking great.

So, let’s get started …

Incorrect brushing

Brushing is the mainstay of oral hygiene but you may be rushing the process or using the wrong technique – both of which can lead to plaque build-up. Not spending sufficient time brushing can lead to missing key areas of the mouth such as the back molars and the gum line where plaque tends to accumulate.

Speaking of brushing, here’s one of our earlier blog posts that provides a comprehensive guide on brushing the teeth correctly and avoiding gum disease. While typically it’s recommended to brush your teeth twice daily, most dentists would prefer you to brush after every meal and before going to bed for a minimum of two minutes but preferably longer.

Forgetting to floss

Flossing is a critical step in helping to prevent plaque build-up, yet it’s often overlooked. Flossing once a day removes food particles and plaque in between the teeth and below the gum line, where it can easily harden into tartar. Make sure to use proper flossing techniques by gently sliding the floss between your teeth and curving it into a “C” shape around the base of each tooth, ensuring you reach beneath the gumline.

Using the wrong toothbrush

Another common mistake that can cause plaque to accumulate is using the wrong toothbrush. We recommend using a soft-bristle toothbrush to avoid scratching the gums and damaging the tooth. Make sure it’s small enough to fit comfortably into your mouth. You may also want to consider switching to an electric toothbrush. Several studies state that when sonic toothbrushes are used properly, they eradicate significantly more plaque than a manual brush.

Not cleaning the tongue

Were you aware that your tongue can harbour bacteria and contribute to plaque build-up? Not cleaning your tongue can allow bacteria to thrive and spread to your teeth and gums.

To prevent this from happening, incorporate tongue cleaning into your daily oral routine. You can use a toothbrush or a specialised tongue scraper. Here’s a handy guide that explains 3 proven ways to clean your tongue.

Not using mouthwash

While mouthwash is not a substitute for brushing and flossing it’s a valuable addition to your oral care routine. Antibacterial mouthwashes reach areas of the mouth that brushing and flossing may miss, helping to kill the bacteria that cause plaque and gum disease.

Look for a mouthwash that contains fluoride and use it once a day after brushing and flossing. Fluoride helps to strengthen tooth enamel while eradicating unwanted bacteria so this extra step can help to significantly reduce plaque build-up while keeping your teeth healthy.

Neglecting regular dental check-ups

Even with the most stringent at-home oral care routine, professional dental check-ups and cleans are essential in the quest to keep plaque at bay. Dentists can identify areas that may normally be missed while offering solutions to help you improve your oral care.

Typically, it’s recommended to visit the dentist every six months for a check-up and cleaning but if you’re prone to plaque or tartar build-up, more frequent visits may be necessary. During these visits, your dentist can remove hardened tartar that you can’t eliminate when brushing and flossing at home.

At Cheadle Hulme Dental, our skilled hygienists provide professional cleanings to remove any stubborn plaque or tartar, leaving your mouth fresh and healthy. If it’s been more than six months since your last dental check-up, now is the perfect time to schedule an appointment!

Consuming sugary and acidic foods

What you eat and drink also plays a major role in helping prevent the accumulation of plaque. Consuming sugary and acidic foods provides a food-fest for oral bacteria leading to the production of acids which attack the tooth enamel. When sticky plaque is left on the teeth it creates an ideal environment for more bacteria to thrive.

To prevent plaque build-up, try limiting your intake of sugary foods and drinks. If you do consume these foods then rinse your mouth with water to wash away food particles and acid to reduce the impact on your teeth. Even better, either drink through a straw so the liquid bypasses the teeth altogether or wait for about 30 minutes to give your enamel a chance to remineralise and then brush your teeth.

Ignoring dry mouth symptoms

Saliva acts as a natural mouthwash, neutralising acids and washing away food particles to help prevent plaque buildup. However, if you suffer from Xerostomia (dry mouth) due to medications or other health issues, then your mouth may not be producing sufficient saliva to keep plaque in check.

Drinking plenty of water throughout the day will help you stay hydrated and keep your mouth moist. You can also chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva production. If dry mouth persists, consult your dentist for recommendations on treatments to keep your mouth moist and plaque at bay.

Hopefully, the above information has helped answer your question “How can I prevent plaque build-up?”

By avoiding these common mistakes and adopting the right oral care habits, you can effectively prevent plaque build-up and maintain a healthy smile for life.

Ready to take control of your oral health?

Don’t let plaque build-up affect your smile. Book an appointment with Cheadle Hulme Dental for a professional cleaning and personalised dental care that will keep your teeth healthy and shining. Contact us now to schedule your visit!