A professional dental clean can remove plaque and tartar from teeth. However, remedies such as brushing thoroughly and flossing daily may prevent tartar buildup and help remove plaque at home. When people eat, bacteria in the mouth break down carbohydrates from food into acid. This mixes with leftover food particles and saliva to create plaque.
Plaque and Tartar buildup
Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth and gums after eating and drinking. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Regular dental checkups and professional cleanings are essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. However, there are also several at-home remedies that you can use to prevent and remove plaque.
Tartar is the hard calcified deposits that form and coat the teeth and gums. It is formed when the bacteria naturally occurring in the mouth mixes with remnants of food particles to form a sticky film known as plaque. When plaque is left untreated, it hardens and discolors, forming tartar. This is also terrible for the teeth and gums. It is not only unsightly but leads to the decay of teeth by building up and growing bacteria that eat away at the lining of the teeth, known as enamel.
The Best Ways to Remove Plaque
Brush and Floss Regularly
The easiest way to remove plaque is to brush your teeth at least twice daily. You should use a soft toothbrush that you replace at least every three to four months when the bristles begin to fray. You could also consider using an electric toothbrush, which can be more effective at removing plaque than a traditional toothbrush.
Floss before you brush to loosen any bits of food so you can brush them away. To floss your teeth:
- Take about 18 inches of floss, wrapping one end around your middle fingers.
- Hold the floss taut between your thumbs and forefingers, then gently push the floss between two teeth.
- Move the floss into a “C” shape on the side of one tooth.
- Rub the floss up and down gently, continuing to press it against your tooth. Be careful not to jerk or snap the floss.
- Repeat this process for all of your teeth, taking care to floss behind your back teeth as well.
After you’ve flossed, you should spend two minutes brushing your teeth each time. To brush your teeth:
- Put a pea-sized amount of toothpaste on your toothbrush. For children, the amount of toothpaste should be about the size of a grain of rice.
- Hold your toothbrush on your teeth at a 45-degree angle to your gums.
- Move your toothbrush back and forth in short, gentle strokes the same width as your teeth.
- Brush all your teeth’ outside surfaces, inside surfaces, and chewing surfaces, and don’t forget your tongue.
- Tilt your toothbrush vertically for the inside of your front teeth and make small up-and-down strokes.
Unfortunately, plaque accumulates again quickly after being brushed away. Some experts recommend other at-home treatments to remove plaque buildup. These include oil pulling and baking soda treatments.
Using a water flosser
A water flosser may help reach plaque from between the teeth. This tool uses water pressure to dislodge food and plaque where string floss may not reach. It also massages the gums. According to a review, using a water flosser and a manual toothbrush was more effective in removing plaque than using string floss and a manual toothbrush. However, it does not replace traditional flossing — a person should also use it.
Use a Mouthwash
Mouthwash is another effective way to prevent plaque buildup. Look for a mouthwash that contains fluoride, which can strengthen your tooth enamel and help prevent cavities. Some mouthwashes also contain antibacterial agents, which can kill the bacteria that cause plaque. Remember to rinse your mouth with mouthwash after brushing and flossing.
Try Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that can help remove bacteria from your mouth. Swishing oil — usually, coconut or olive oil — around your mouth may strengthen your teeth, prevent tooth decay, soothe sore gums, and remove plaque.
To perform an “oil pull,” swish about one tablespoon of coconut or olive oil around your mouth for 20 to 30 minutes (much longer than you’d swish around typical mouthwash). Coconut oil is particularly beneficial because it contains fatty acids such as lauric acid, which has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects.
Use Baking Soda
Baking soda is a natural abrasive that can help remove surface stains and plaque from your teeth. Brushing with baking soda can safely and effectively remove plaque. While still abrasive, baking soda toothpaste is not as hard as the enamel that makes up teeth and can remove plaque without damaging the enamel. Mix a small amount of baking soda with water to make a paste, then brush your teeth with the paste. Be careful not to swallow the baking soda, as it can be harsh on your stomach. You can do this once a week if desired.
Chew Sugar-Free Gum
Chewing sugar-free gum can also help remove plaque from your teeth. When you chew gum, your mouth produces more saliva, which can wash away food particles and bacteria. Look for gum containing xylitol, a sweetener that can help prevent plaque buildup.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Finally, eating a healthy diet can also help prevent plaque buildup. Avoid sugary and starchy foods, which can feed the bacteria that cause plaque. Instead, eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These foods can help neutralize the acids in your mouth and promote healthy teeth and gums.
Prevention
The best way to prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar on the teeth is by flossing once a day and brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Be sure to change toothbrushes regularly as they lose their effectiveness with use.
Regular dental checkups and professional cleanings can help prevent and treat oral health problems. Dentists examine the whole mouth, checking for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer. They will also remove any plaque or tartar on the surface of the teeth and in difficult-to-reach places. Dentists can also treat the teeth with fluoride to help prevent tooth decay.
If a dentist notices any cavities or gum inflammation, they will recommend ways to reduce symptoms and prevent further damage. They may prescribe medical mouthwash or suggest adjusting a person’s oral hygiene routine.
Dietary changes can also help prevent plaque and tartar buildup. Cutting back on sugar, starch, and acidic foods can reduce the risk of tooth decay.
To reduce the risk of plaque and tartar, a person should avoid the following:
- sweets and candy
- starchy or sugary foods that can stick to the teeth, such as bread, potato chips, and some dried fruits
- soda and sports drinks
- citrus juices
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are several ways to remove plaque at home. Brushing and flossing regularly, using mouthwash, trying oil pulling, using baking soda, chewing sugar-free gum, and eating a healthy diet can all help prevent plaque buildup. Remember to visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and checkups, and always follow a good oral hygiene routine. You can enjoy a lifetime of healthy smiles by taking care of your teeth at home. You can also call SLDC Pyrmont if you’re looking for a trusted dental clinic in the Sydney area.
References:
https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-remove-plaque
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/tartar-dental-calculus-overview
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324341
https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/threats-to-dental-health/can-you-remove-tartar-at-home