Effective Home Remedies to Remove Dental Plaque
Learn simple yet effective home remedies to remove dental plaque, prevent tartar formation, and promote healthier teeth. Regular flossing, natural pastes, and specific habits can help maintain oral hygiene and prevent dental problems without frequent dental visits.
How to eliminate dental plaque at home
After professional dental cleaning, teeth often appear bright and shiny. However, this luster fades over time due to plaque buildup, which gives teeth a yellowish hue. Dental plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth, both above and below the gumline. Regular removal of plaque is essential to maintain oral health. If not properly cleaned, plaque can harden into tartar, which must be removed by a dental professional. While small amounts of plaque can be managed at home, tartar removal requires professional intervention.
What causes plaque formation?
Our mouths naturally contain numerous bacteria that thrive on food particles lodged between teeth, especially sugars and starches.
This bacteria multiplies rapidly in the moist environment created by food and saliva.
Complete prevention of plaque formation is difficult as bacteria readily adhere between teeth.
Can plaque become tartar?
If neglected, plaque can harden into tartar. This process begins within 24 to 72 hours if plaque isn't removed.
To prevent tartar, regular removal of plaque is crucial, as once tartar forms, it can only be professionally cleaned.
Problems caused by plaque buildup
Accumulated plaque can lead to cavities if not properly removed.
It can cause gum inflammation, progressing to gingivitis if untreated.
Poor oral hygiene may result in bad breath and other dental issues.
How to remove dental plaque at home
Flossing is an effective method — take about 18-20 inches of floss, wrap it around your fingers, and gently slide it between teeth in a C-shape motion.
Push the floss down to the gumline, and move it up and down to clean plaque from between teeth.
Repeat for all teeth, ensuring not to apply too much pressure to avoid gum damage.
Finish by brushing thoroughly to remove loosened plaque.
Additional tips for combating plaque
Mix baking soda with salt and brush to help reduce plaque buildup.
Create a natural toothpaste blend with water, baking soda, aloe vera, lemon essential oil, and glycerin for daily use.
Rubbing orange peel on teeth after eating helps clean enamel naturally.
Chewing sesame seeds can assist in natural plaque removal — just spit out the seeds afterward and brush.
A vinegar, water, and salt solution can be used as a mouth rinse to fight plaque.
