All articles

Is plaque really that big of a deal?

Would you spread that on a cracker?

A hand holding a toothbrush with a fresh line of toothpaste

Photo by Roman Marchenko on Unsplash

Here’s a little test. Take your fingernail and gently scrape your tooth. Did you get a little plaque? A lot? As someone who looks at teeth all day, I can promise you you’re not the only one.

Now do yourself a little favour and sniff it. What did you think? Ask yourself: would I spread that on a cracker and eat it? Because that’s what’s sitting on your teeth. Plaque harbours bacteria that cause bad breath, cavities, and gum disease.

Give yourself a bit of self‑care. Brush with a soft‑bristled brush, or treat yourself to an electric brush and let it do the work. Take it up a level with a minute of flossing or Waterpik. Take it one step further and get your teeth professionally cleaned regularly by a hygienist.

Brush at least twice a day—once at night to keep your teeth, once in the morning to keep your friends. Stay minty fresh, Nanaimo!

This article is general information, not a diagnosis. Every mouth is different, so the best answer for you comes from an exam and a conversation with your dental team.