How to Remove Plaque From Teeth: Complete Guide to a Cleaner Smile
If you notice a soft, sticky film on the outside of your teeth or along the gum line, this is called dental plaque. It’s best to prevent it by maintaining daily oral hygiene, as neglect can lead to numerous problems, including gum disease and tooth decay. However, dental intervention can handle late plaque buildup and the formation of tartar. We’ll tell you what to do if you see signs of plaque accumulation, how to remove plaque from teeth at home, and which habits to acquire if you want to prevent oral health problems.
What Is Dental Plaque and Why Does It Form?
Plaque is a sticky biofilm formed on the teeth by the community of microorganisms found in food particles and debris. It develops after meals, when the bacteria in the mouth break down the food into an acidic film.
Since plaque physically adheres to the tooth surface, it must be removed by diligent tooth cleaning. Otherwise, it can turn into tartar, a hard yellow-brown layer. When you brush and floss your teeth regularly, you keep the tooth surfaces smooth, which reduces the chances of plaque and tartar development.
Dental Plaque vs. Tartar: What Is the Difference?
While a plaque is a sticky substance that continuously forms on your teeth, tartar is a hardened plaque that develops when you steadily ignore oral hygiene. It withstands brushing and flossing and can harm tooth enamel over time. Tartar removal requires professional teeth cleaning to prevent tooth decay and gingivitis. If you ignore this condition, your teeth can become weak and susceptible to decay.
Signs You Have Plaque Buildup
Before we explain how to get rid of tooth plaque, let’s explore its main symptoms:
- A “fuzzy” tooth surface;
- Consistent bad breath;
- Red, irritated gums that might bleed after brushing.
To identify the signs of plaque, simply run your tongue over your teeth. If they don’t feel smooth and polished, you might need to pay more attention to brushing. While the biofilm looks colorless, food particles might sometimes cause discoloration on the tooth enamel.
How to Remove Plaque From Teeth at Home
Removing plaque from teeth is easy but requires a consistent routine. Proper oral hygiene can help you prevent such dental issues as cavities or gum disease.
1. Brush Your Teeth Properly Twice a Day
To eliminate plaque, you don’t need to scrub your teeth harder. Follow the simple technique:
- Start brushing with the top back teeth.
- Move your toothbrush swiftly, with circular strokes.
- Clean the front and back surfaces of all teeth on your upper jaw.
- Repeat with the bottom teeth.
Brushing should continue for no less than two minutes each day, in the morning and in the evening. You will only benefit your oral health if you choose fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristle toothbrush.
2. Make Flossing a Daily Habit
Flossing is an effective way to prevent plaque buildup on your teeth as it removes food particles and plaque from between your teeth. To understand which type of floss suits you best, read our concise guide on floss variations.
3. Choose the Right Anti-Plaque Toothpaste and Mouthwash
Anti-plaque toothpastes contain micro-abrasives and antibacterial agents such as zinc or fluoride. They are aimed at fighting plaque bacteria and improving gum health. However, even specialized toothpastes can’t get rid of hardened tartar. Using a mouthwash enriched with fluoride will additionally protect your teeth against plaque.
4. Use an Electric Toothbrush
Electric toothbrushes have also proven effective at cleaning teeth plaque, especially for patients with braces. Choose the models with oscillating heads to remove plaque from your teeth.
Except for meticulous oral hygiene, it’s essential to visit your dentist for a professional dental exam and regular teeth cleaning. Toothbrush bristles don’t penetrate deep into interdental spaces, which can lead to plaque formation and further complications.
Why Home Remedies Can’t Remove Hardened Plaque (Tartar)
While at-home teeth cleaning remedies can wipe away soft plaque at the early stages, they can’t cope with dental calculus (tartar). Standard toothbrushes can’t dislodge calcified tartar because they lack sufficient abrasive power. DIY measures like activated charcoal or baking soda can wear down tooth enamel, so it’s best not to risk your oral health and see a dental practitioner as soon as you notice the signs of tartar on your teeth.
Sometimes, tartar may fall off the tooth surface with vigorous brushing or eating hard foods. Don’t try to scrape it with sharp tools to avoid gum bleeding and oral infections.
How to Prevent Plaque Buildup
Now that you know how to take plaque off your teeth without damaging your enamel, let’s learn the prevention tips:
- Diligent brushing. Cleaning your teeth twice a day with gentle, circular motions will protect the surfaces and area along the gums from plaque.
- Daily flossing. Using dental floss or interdental brushes prevents tartar formation.
- Mouthwash rinses. A dental mouthwash is designed to kill bacteria and reduce plaque accumulation.
- Sugar-free gum. Chewing sugar-free gum after taking meals stimulates saliva production and washes away food particles. Consequently, it minimizes the risk of tartar formation.
- Adjusting your diet. Sugary drinks and starchy foods can promote plaque buildup. Non-processed foods, such as fruits and vegetables, help you keep plaque at bay.
- Natural remedies. Some home remedies like a saltine solution, may reduce bacteria in the mouth, but their effectiveness against tartar is questionable.
While these measures can help prevent plaque buildup, they can’t replace professional dental care.
Conclusion
Having dental plaque is unavoidable, as it originates from bacteria in the mouth feeding on sugars and starches in food. The most actionable way to remove it at home is through regular brushing and flossing. If you miss the onset and don’t maintain optimal oral hygiene, no natural plaque remover will save your teeth from its hardened version—tartar. Since tartar develops on roughened tooth surfaces, prevention is focused on keeping teeth clean and smooth and saliva flow sufficient.
Using a toothpaste rich in fluoride, chewing sugar-free gum after meals, and giving preference to non-processed foods instead of sugary and starchy products can benefit your oral health and avert plaque formation. If you fail to remove plaque naturally, it’s reasonable to consult a dentist and ask for in-office solutions. Dental practitioners use specially designated tools to clean stubborn deposits of plaque and tartar from your enamel and below the gumline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does baking soda remove plaque safely?
While studies show promising effects of baking soda against plaque removal, we still don’t recommend this abrasive for dental care at home. It may weaken the enamel and make your teeth more susceptible to cold and hot temperatures.
Can vinegar dissolve plaque on teeth?
If you are looking for what dissolves plaque on teeth, you might think about apple cider vinegar. Though it is a popular remedy for removing plaque from teeth, its acidic nature enhances the risk of damaging your teeth and gums. If you use it too frequently, your teeth can become weak and prone to the development of cavities.
Does hydrogen peroxide kill plaque bacteria?
Mouth rinses with hydrogen peroxide effectively prevent plaque development. However, you need to take care of a low concentration so as not to harm your teeth and gums. If you aren’t sure you’ll do it right, it’s better to address a professional for expert guidance.
Does coconut oil remove plaque from teeth?
Coconut oil is not what dissolves plaque, but it serves as a preventive agent due to 92% saturated acids in its composition. If you use it properly, it can be effective against plaque formation on the teeth. However, it can’t replace regular oral hygiene measures such as brushing and flossing.
Can plaque cause cavities?
Yes, as dental plaque accumulates, it can damage tooth enamel over time. It may further result in cavities, gum disease, and other dental conditions. The formation of a soft, sticky film mostly happens in and around the deep crevices of back teeth, but it can occur all over the oral cavity.
Additional Resources
- Explore the advancements of new technologies for dental plaque detection.
- If you have kids, you might benefit from reading this clinical study aimed at exploring the correlation between dental plaque levels in parents and their children.
