Categories: Ask the Doctor

Problems with my teeth

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I want to know why I still have plaque on my teeth despite brushing correctly and using mouthwash twice daily?

Lateefat (by SMS)

There is a difference between plaque and dental calculus (tartar). Plaque can be dislodged by a fingernail but tartar couldn’t. Probably yours is the hardened one that cannot be removed by tooth brushing alone no matter how many times a day.

Of which you need a professional dentist or hygienist to do it. After that you can maintain a good tooth brushing technique, with fluoridated toothpaste, flossing and diet that is less carbs and sugar. Mouthwash don’t need to be daily much more twice a day.

It is not healthy for the normal resident bacteria in the mouth.

I don’t recommend mouthwash to my patients for daily use only when necessary. So you go to your dentist and ask why you need mouthwash twice a day?

For your diet, limit on carbs and sugar, avoid carbonated beverages also coffee, tea, alcohol. These will cause you to pee more dehydrating you. Less saliva in the mouth can result to dry mouth, a conducive time for plaque buildup.

Instead keep hydrating with water at least 2 liters a day. You can eat detergent foods like apple, pear, carrot, celery sticks, turnips, cucumber, lettuce. They can clean your teeth, and they are chewy. The more you chew, it increases saliva secretion which can flush acid in the mouth and protects your teeth from cavity.

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Tags: teeth

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