When you run your tongue over your teeth, do they feel fuzzy? Do your teeth often feel fuzzy when you first wake up? You are most likely experiencing plaque buildup. Dental plaque is a bacteria buildup that can form over the teeth and gums. Plaque can feel like a sticky film over the teeth but can also feel fuzzy. As your dentist in Arlington Heights, IL, we want to review how you can get rid of this fuzzy feeling on your teeth and ensure you follow a good oral hygiene routine.
Removing Plaque: Tips From Your Dentist in Arlington Heights, IL
Plaque not only it can also contribute to problems like tooth decay and gum disease. If plaque is left to grow in the mouth, it can form hard deposits called calculus. Because calculus or tartar is difficult to remove at home, it will require professional treatment. Alongside plaque and tartar, you can begin to experience painful symptoms of a dental or gum infection.
Follow these tips to prevent plaque buildup and maintain your dental health:
Decrease Sugar in Your Diet
Plaque, or that fuzzy feeling on your teeth, forms when harmful bacteria feed on sugars and starches left in the mouth. Sugary foods and drinks can be big contributors to bacterial buildup. Some drinks, in particular, can hide sugars that can increase your sugar intake. Be aware of sugar in sports drinks, alcoholic beverages, and juices. Hydrating frequently can also help wash away sugars from the mouth.
Brush and Floss Daily
While it may seem simple, brushing and flossing are the best ways to keep your teeth clean and plaque-free. Use a soft-bristled brush to prevent problems like tooth wear and sensitivity. You can also use fluoride toothpaste to help remineralize and strengthen the tooth enamel. Brushing twice daily and flossing at least once daily will prevent bacterial buildup. Flossing before brushing also helps you get a better clean because flossing removes food and bacteria from between teeth.
Visit Our Office
We recommend that our patients visit for a dental cleaning and exam twice a year or every six months. Making routine dental visits helps our team look out for emerging symptoms and keep track of changes in your oral health. If you notice plaque and other possible signs of a dental infection, we can examine your smile in our office. A thorough dental cleaning can also eliminate bacterial buildup on and between teeth, on the gum line, and even beneath the gums.
Do you need to schedule a dental cleaning? Contact our office for an appointment today at (847) 230-9703 or schedule a dental appointment with us online. We’re here to help you restore the aesthetics and health of your smile.