Tooth decay and periodontal disease damage your teeth or gums and may even lead to tooth loss. Fortunately, establishing a good oral hygiene routine and visiting your Bellmore, NY, dentist, Dr. Mitchell Kaufman of Now Dental, for checkups can help you maintain a healthy smile.

Thorough plaque removal is the key to good oral health

You may not be able to see plaque, but you can feel it. Do your teeth feel a little fuzzy when you wake up in the morning? During the night, clear plaque coats your teeth, covering them in a sticky layer of bacteria. After you enjoy a sweetened cup of coffee or a piece of toast, the sugars in those foods and beverages interact with the bacteria in plaque to form acids. The acids attack your tooth enamel and may eventually cause tooth decay.

Plaque turns into tartar in about 10 days. Tartar is the hard brownish substance that's usually seen at the bottoms of teeth or between them. Both plaque and tartar can cause gum disease.

Keeping your mouth free of plaque is the easiest way to prevent cavities and gum disease. You can reduce plaque by:

• Never Missing an Oral Hygiene Session: Brushing your teeth in the morning and evening will reduce plaque. Using a toothpaste that contains fluoride can help you reverse damage to your tooth enamel caused by acids. The mineral rebuilds weak areas of your enamel before cavities can occur.
• Setting the Timer: If you only brush for a few seconds, plaque can remain on your teeth. The American Dental Association recommends brushing for at least two minutes.
• Making Time for Flossing: Your toothbrush bristles can't remove plaque between your teeth. Flossing daily keeps these areas clean, reducing the chance that you'll develop gum disease or tooth decay.
• Adding Mouthwash to Your Oral Care Routine: Mouthwash rinses away food particles, freshens your breath, and strengthens your tooth enamel if you choose a fluoridated mouthwash. Anti-bacterial products kill bacteria in your mouth.
• Visiting the Dentist for Checkups: During checkups at the Bellmore dental office, your dentist looks for signs of cavities, gum disease, and other dental issues. The dental cleaning you'll receive eliminates plaque and tartar from your teeth and removes surface stains.

Protect your smile with good oral hygiene and regular visits to your dentist in Bellmore, NY, Dr. Kaufman. Appointments can usually be scheduled by calling (516) 783-2900. During the COVID-19 pandemic, teledentistry appointments are available by calling (516) 459-7889