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You know that there are a few things you should do to keep our teeth healthy and strong. For instance, you may know that you should brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes at a time and that you should floss at least once every day. However, did you know that removing plaque from your teeth is one of the main reasons you need to practice oral care?

You see, there is nothing you can do to prevent plaque, but, if you don’t remove it, you could ultimately have to cope with tooth decay. This can be extremely problematic because tooth decay may damage your enamel, which won’t grow back once it’s gone. This can leave your teeth even more susceptible to future tooth decay.

Fortunately, removing plaque is fairly simple. In fact, if you brush twice a day for two minutes at a time and floss every day, you’ll probably be doing all you need to. Still, there are a few other things you may consider doing. For instance, if you chew on crisp fruits and vegetables—such as apples, carrots, or celery—you’ll promote saliva flow. This is important because saliva will help control bacteria, which can promote plaque growth.

Again, while you can’t prevent plaque from growing, there are other issues that can promote its growth—and a few drinks that can help you avoid the problem. For example, milk is good for your teeth because it keeps your acidity level low, which slows plaque growth. Drinking water will also help the health of your mouth because it washes bacteria away.

If you have any questions or concerns about preventing tooth decay or plaque, please don’t hesitate to contact Great Lakes Family Dental at 517.787.0550. Our dentists, Drs. Kinra and Kinra, are happy to offer you personalized advice. We look forward to hearing from you soon!