How to Prevent Plaque Buildup on Teeth: 7 At-Home Plaque Prevention Tips
It’s been said that plaque is the root of all evil in oral health. But this persistent problem isn’t something you can avoid without proper oral hygiene. We’re going to show you how to prevent plaque buildup on teeth so you can avoid some of the not-so-fun dental work that pops up when plaque runs rampant.
Key Takeaways
- Plaque is a sticky biofilm that begins forming on teeth within 4-12 hours of brushing.
- Plaque turns into tartar within 24-72 hours. That’s where real oral health problems come from.
- Brushing twice a day and flossing daily is the foundation of plaque prevention.
- LIVFRESH plaque removal toothpaste is clinically proven to remove plaque 250% better than a leading ADA-approved toothpaste.
- LIVFRESH mouthwash delivers 72% better plaque reduction and 163% better tartar control.
- Even diet and hydration can make a massive difference in plaque accumulation.
The Cause of Plaque Buildup
Plaque is that sticky biofilm you see and feel on your teeth first thing in the morning and at the end of the day before you brush. It’s made up of hundreds of different bacteria that naturally live in your mouth, and forms on every tooth surface all throughout the day.
The plaque bacteria in your mouth feed on the sugars and starches that get left behind anytime you eat or drink something. That causes an acidic reaction, which can damage enamel and leave your teeth vulnerable to tartar and cavities.
But just how long does it take for plaque to form on teeth? Faster than you think. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), plaque can accumulate within 4-12 hours of brushing your teeth. If you give it 24-72 hours to harden, it turns into tartar. While removing plaque is easy, tartar requires professional treatment.
This is why learning how to prevent plaque buildup is so important.
7 Plaque Prevention Tips
You probably know most of the basic tips for plaque prevention already. Brush twice a day, floss every day, and use a mouthwash daily. But there are more things you can do to really keep plaque at bay and enjoy more positive dentist visits.
1. Brush Twice a Day, Every Day
The ADA recommends brushing for two full minutes twice a day. Set a timer and see how long you actually brush, because chances are, you’ve been rushing through it without even realizing it.
Technique matters. You may be missing plaque, so tartar could still develop even if you brushed 5 times a day. Cover all surfaces - fronts, backs, and chewing surfaces. Angle your brush and use gentle, short strokes. Pay extra attention to the gumline where plaque likes to hide.
2. Use a Specialized Plaque Removal Toothpaste
This is the best advice on how to prevent plaque buildup on teeth that we have to offer. LIVFRESH makes the best toothpaste for plaque removal, backed by 40 clinical studies and 40 patents.
It’s all thanks to Activated Edathamil, which dissolves plaque on a molecular level. It leaves behind a negative surface charge on the tooth so new plaque can’t grip onto the surface as easily. A clinical study showed 250% better plaque removal compared to an ADA-approved toothpaste! So, don’t settle for Crest or Colgate any longer.
3. Upgrade to a Plaque Removal Mouthwash
There are just too many places in your mouth that your toothbrush bristles can’t reach. You need a good mouthwash to remove plaque, too. LIVFRESH’s formula features that same Activated Edathamil ingredient, which was capable of delivering 72% better plaque reduction and 163% better tartar control.
The best part is this plaque removal mouthwash is low alcohol (only 0.1%) so it won’t burn. Rinse for 30-60 seconds, twice daily.
4. Drink Plenty of Water Throughout the Day
Water rinses food particles and sugars off your teeth between brushings, so plaque bacteria have less fuel to feed upon. It will also help keep your mouth hydrated, which matters because saliva is one of your best defenses against plaque buildup.
5. Don’t Overlook the Role of Flossing
Even with a good toothpaste and mouthwash, flossing once daily is a non-negotiable aspect of how to prevent plaque buildup on teeth. Whether you use traditional floss, picks, or a water flosser is up to you. Just don’t let this habit fall by the wayside.
6. Stop Consuming Sugary, Acidic Foods (and Drinks)
You know now that plaque bacteria thrive on sugar. So, do your best to eliminate their favorite food and you’ll see plaque buildup plummet! Say goodbye to sodas, candy, juice, and even starchy snacks like chips. Your health as a whole will improve, not just your oral health.
7. Get Regular Dental Checkups
Some plaque will reach spots you miss and harden into tartar, even if you follow all our advice on how to prevent plaque buildup on teeth. The ADA advocates for regular dental visits - once a year minimum, ideally twice a year.
Parting Thoughts on How to Prevent Plaque Buildup on Teeth
Plaque prevention isn’t rocket science. Most of it is stuff you already know you need to be doing. It’s just a matter of getting in a good rhythm.
Our blog has more tips on how to remove plaque from teeth at home if you’re already struggling with buildup. Otherwise, all that’s left to do is elevate your at-home plaque prevention protocol with LIVFRESH today!
Frequently asked questions
Why do I have so much plaque on my teeth?
Plaque is inevitable, but some people deal with more buildup than others. It could be your oral care habits, or you could just have tooth crowding that makes more hiding places for plaque. Your diet could be at fault as well.
How do I stop plaque bacteria?
You can't eliminate plaque bacteria altogether, unfortunately. They’re a normal part of your oral microbiome. The goal is to keep them at bay, disrupting the biofilm before it matures and turns into tartar. Brushing and rinsing with LIVFRESH oral care products is the best thing you can do.
Will plaque go away on its own?
No. In fact, it will harden into tartar which cannot be removed at home whatsoever. You need to address plaque head-on.
How often should I remove plaque from my teeth?
Every day via brushing, flossing, and rinsing. You’ll want to keep up on your regular dentist appointments for professional plaque and tartar removal, too.
How can I prevent plaque buildup in the first place?
LIVFRESH toothpaste and mouthwash are both proven to help you get rid of plaque at a higher rate than ADA-approved alternatives. Add them to your oral care routine and see what a difference the right toothpaste and mouthwash can make.
References
- American Dental Association. "Plaque." MouthHealthy.org. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/plaque
- American Dental Association. "Flossing." MouthHealthy.org. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/flossing
- American Dental Association. "Home Oral Care." ADA.org. https://www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/home-care
- Gjermo P. et al. "Plaque Inhibiting Agents." Journal of Dental Research, 1989. PMID: 2691614.
- Anbarani AG et al. "Plaque Removal Efficacy of a Novel Dental Gel: A Clinical Study." Journal of Clinical Dentistry, 2018; 29(2):40-44.
