Can You Remove All Plaque and Tartar By Brushing and Flossing?

Toothbrushes, floss, and water picks are all excellent tools to have at home if you want to keep your teeth clean. At the end of the day, when you feel all the food buildup after you run your tongue along your teeth (or even scratch it off with your fingernail), it can be satisfying to feel it all fall away. Of course, you might wonder, can you get all of it off if you’re incredibly diligent about your oral hygiene routine? We’ll look at what you can catch with the right techniques and when it’s time to leave the matter to a dentist in Mountain View, CA.

Can Brushing Remove All Plaque?

No. Certain types of buildup can only be removed by professionals. Not only can plaque hide in some especially hard-to-reach areas, it can harden into tartar. This deposit is so stubborn that it can only be removed by a dentist. Finally, it doesn’t take very long for plaque to repopulate. It may only take a few hours after brushing before it starts to come back. This is why the bare minimum of brushing is twice daily, ideally after every meal and between snacks. The more you can attack the food particles directly afterward, the more likely they will wash away.

Tips for Better Oral Hygiene in Mountain View

If you want to put yourself in the best possible position before teeth cleaning in Mountain View, CA, it’s important to form the right habits. Brushing should start with a soft-bristled brush and last at least two minutes (30 seconds for each mouth quadrant). The toothbrush should be held at a 45-degree angle and moved in circular motions while hitting the teeth and gum line (where plaque is likely to form).

To really cement your oral hygiene routine, you’ll also want to visit your dentist at least twice a year. You may even need to schedule an additional cleaning if you’re prone to cavities or gum disease. If you’re looking for a team that can give you a clean mouth every time, contact the staff of Dr Joseph M Cassara to schedule an appointment today.