5 bad habits that lead to plaque on your teeth

Plaque. Since childhood, we’ve been trained to resist that dreaded enemy of teeth. Regular brushing and flossing are sure bets for dental health. What else could you be doing -- or avoiding -- to keep plaque from spoiling your knockout smile?

It’s simple really -- good dental and oral hygiene habits make for healthy teeth.

What is tooth plaque?

Plaque is a sticky mix of bacteria and the substances they secrete. Bacteria produce adhesive chemicals called mucopolysaccharides. The bacteria then live in this film on the teeth - it’s known as a biofilm.

At first, this slimy layer is fragile and easily removed by tooth brushing. Think of the film on the wall of a fish tank. That can be easily removed with a cloth, if you’re vigilant. But if you’re not? The bacteria in tooth plaque are free to release acids that damage tooth enamel. Regular acid assaults on enamel can wear holes in teeth, commonly called cavities.

If left alone, plaque build-up gradually hardens, creating tartar or calculus on your teeth.

Tartar is petrified plaque. Once it’s there, you need the help of a dentist or dental hygienist -- tartar cannot be brushed off. Tartar above the gum line also contributes to gingivitis, or gum disease.

The secrets to avoiding plaque build-up are not really so secret. You’ve probably been hearing most of them since before you lost your baby teeth. But bad habits have a way of sneaking up on us. Make sure you’re fighting plaque by avoiding these five bad habits.

Plaque bad habit number 1: Not brushing regularly

Maybe no-one will notice if you don’t brush your teeth twice a day, every day. But your teeth will.

Brush your teeth gently twice a day, using a fluoride-containing toothpaste. To help remove plaque, the British Dental Health Foundation suggests that you:

• Place the head of your toothbrush against your teeth, then tilt the bristle tips to a 45   degree angle against thegum line. Move the brush in small circular movements, several times, on all the surfaces of every tooth.
• Brush the outer surfaces of each tooth, upper and lower, keeping the bristles angled against the gum line.
• Use the same method on the inside surfaces of all your teeth.
• Brush the biting surfaces of the teeth.
• To clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make several small circular strokes with the front part of the brush.
• Brushing your tongue will help freshen your breath and will clean your mouth by removing bacteria.  

Plaque bad habit number 2: Not flossing daily

Brushing doesn’t reach the spaces between the teeth, but plaque does. A simple daily flossing between your teeth clears plaque before it can cause damage. Flossing also cleans plaque at the gum line, another area that brushing tends not to reach. Plaque past the gum line can lead to periodontal disease.

As well as dental floss, there are several other products that can be used - for example, interdental brushes or tape. These are available from your dentist’s surgery or from any supermarket or pharmacy. Ask your dentist or dental hygienist what is the best for you to use.