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How do you effectively prevent plaque/tartar forming on your teeth? (mander.xyz)

submitted 9 months ago by Mothra@mander.xyz to c/asklemmy@lemmy.ml

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My teeth are in good health and I take good care of them, yet I always get this plaque buildup no matter what I try.

I've tried different brushes, toothpastes, and flossing methods to no avail. Mouthwash is too harsh on my mouth and peels my skin off so I avoid that.

I haven't tried waterpicks or electric brushes yet. Did you? Did they work for you? Have you succeeded in preventing plaque and if so, how???

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[–] hddsx@lemmy.ca 7 points 9 months ago (2 children)

Is sugar acidic? I can deal with coffee black, but if I have to cut coffee as well I will not survive the workday

[–] Talaraine@kbin.social 10 points 9 months ago* (last edited 9 months ago)

Sugar is a primary source of food for the bacteria that make up plaque. If you feed the bacteria, they will grow. As you can't eliminate 100% of the sugar from your diet, teeth care is always going to be required. Less sugar, however, means, slower growth.

Also. Just like dogs have dental chews that help to clean their teeth, eating other non sugar foods can assist with controlling plaque. Vegetables in particular are helpful, but even something like chewing on beef jerky acts as a sort of scrub brush for the outside of the teeth.

[–] velox_vulnus@lemmy.ml 7 points 9 months ago* (last edited 9 months ago)

Sugar is not acidic by itself, but when broken down by micro-organisms, yes.