Plaque is the accumulation of bacteria on the teeth. It is invisible to the naked eye, but it is harmful to the teeth because it interacts with certain foods, releasing an acid that causes tooth decay. The accumulation of plaque can also turn into tartar, which is much more difficult to remove. Removing plaque is very easy, as it only takes a little more than effective cleaning!
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Brush off the plaque
Step 1. Identify the plaque by coloring it
Plaque is practically invisible and you can hardly see it on your teeth. To remedy this, you can purchase "plaque revealing" tablets at a pharmacy or drugstore. Once chewed, these tablets stain the plaque on your teeth a bright red, making it easier for you to spot the plaque and identify areas to brush.
A green food coloring applied to the teeth with a cotton swab will have the same effect, staining the teeth green for easy plaque identification
Step 2. Use the right kind of toothbrush and toothpaste
To brush your teeth effectively and make sure you get rid of as much plaque as possible, it's important to have the right tools. Although there are many imaginative toothbrushes on the market, the National Association of Italian Dentists says that any "soft nylon toothbrush with a round end and shiny bristles" is fine. Toothbrushes with stiff bristles can be too abrasive and remove tooth enamel. In addition to the right toothbrush, you also need a good fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride strengthens teeth and protects them from cavities.
- Electric toothbrushes are no more effective in cleaning than regular manual ones. However, some people are prone to brushing their teeth more regularly and for longer when using an electric toothbrush, so investing in one of these may not be a bad idea.
- Dentists recommend replacing your toothbrush every 3-4 months as it becomes less effective at cleaning over time.
Step 3. Use the correct brushing technique
When brushing your teeth, hold the toothbrush at a 45 degree angle against the gum line and wash by holding the toothbrush away from the gums, upright, back and forth, or in circular motions. Try not to brush too hard, as you could really damage your tooth enamel.
Step 4. Focus on each tooth individually
Pay attention to each tooth as you brush them, being careful not to neglect any of them. Remember to brush the outer surfaces, inner surfaces and chewing surfaces, and pay particular attention to hard-to-reach teeth in the back of the mouth. Brushing your teeth properly should take about two minutes, try using a stopwatch to figure out the time you take, and hum a song to pass the time.
Step 5. Remember to brush your tongue
Plaque can easily accumulate on the surface of the tongue due to food residues, so be sure to brush a little too. This will also help you freshen your breath.
Method 2 of 3: Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Step 1. Brush your teeth twice a day
Brushing your teeth is by far the most effective way to remove plaque, and brushing them properly regularly reduces the accumulation of plaque over time. This is important because the remaining plaque can calcify into tartar, which is much more difficult to remove. Brush your teeth once a day at a minimum, but dentists recommend brushing them twice, once in the morning and once before bed.
Step 2. Use dental floss
The use of dental floss is an essential component for effective oral hygiene, although unfortunately it is often neglected. Dental floss removes bacteria and food particles between the teeth, helping to prevent plaque build-up. You should do this once a day, at bedtime, before brushing your teeth. Put the floss between your teeth with a gentle cutting motion, and avoid "snapping" it towards the gum, as you may irritate the delicate gum tissue.
- Make sure you use a clean part of the dental floss for each tooth, otherwise you will move the bacteria from one part of the mouth to the other.
- If you find it inconvenient to floss, try using a floss tool instead. It consists of a wooden or plastic stick that you insert between your teeth, and you can get the same results as flossing.
Step 3. Use a mouthwash to reduce plaque
Although anti-plaque mouthwashes are not effective enough to remove plaque on their own, when used as part of the teeth cleaning process that includes brushing and flossing, they can help loosen plaque, as well as give you a minty-fresh breath.
Step 4. Avoid sugary and starchy foods
Bacteria in plaque thrive on sugary, starchy foods. In fact, every time you eat these types of foods, the bacteria release an acid which leads to tooth decay and holes. To avoid this, try to minimize the consumption of these processed foods and pay particular attention to the habit of brushing and flossing, if you want to indulge yourself.
Step 5. Get regular cleaning at the dentist
Even if you maintain the strictest oral hygiene routine at home, you should visit the dentist at least every six months. Only a dentist can give you the thorough professional cleaning and remove stubborn plaque and tartar in hard-to-reach places.
Method 3 of 3: Try Home Remedies
Step 1. Use baking soda
This is one of the oldest natural remedies for removing plaque at home. Just put a small amount of baking soda in a bowl, wet your toothbrush, dip the bristles in baking soda and coat them. Then brush your teeth normally. If you like, you can also mix a pinch of salt in the baking soda.
Step 2. Eat apples and melons
Eating an apple or a few slices of melon immediately after a meal will help you clean your teeth naturally and prevent the accumulation of plaque on the surface of the teeth. This will also help keep your gums healthy and prevent them from bleeding.
Step 3. Rub the orange peel on your teeth
Vitamin C in citrus fruits such as oranges can help prevent the growth of microorganisms on the teeth. Try rubbing the orange peel on the surface of your teeth before going to sleep at night.
Step 4. Chew some sesame seeds
Chew a tablespoon of sesame seeds, but don't ingest them. Then take a dry toothbrush to brush your teeth, using the sesame seeds as a toothpaste. It will help you remove plaque and polish your teeth at the same time.
Step 5. Put some tomatoes and strawberries on your teeth
Like oranges, they are rich in vitamin C. Cut them open and rub the juice on the surface of the teeth, letting it sit for about five minutes. Rinse your mouth with a solution of baking soda dissolved in water.
Step 6. Make a homemade toothpaste
If you want to stay away from the range of chemicals found in most toothpastes on the market, you can make your own natural anti-plaque version, using a few simple ingredients. Combine 1/2 cup of coconut oil with 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda, 2 pinches of powdered stevia and 20 drops of your favorite essential oil, such as mint or cinnamon. Store the homemade toothpaste in a small glass jar and use it just like regular toothpaste.
