How To Remove Plaque For Good!
Dental plaque and tartar buildup are something we can easily control. Because they lead to almost every more severe gum disease we need to get them under control! Our recommendation for the best place to start is with a professional dental cleaning! But we will explain everything you need to know below!
What Is Dental Plaque?
Dental plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on and between teeth. The plaque will actually harbor harmful bacteria. Eventually, with enough plaque formation, the bacteria from the plaque will release acids into our mouth. Sounds lovely.
These acids damage our tooth enamel, our teeth’s protective outer layer. If plaque-causing bacteria is left unchecked, the plaque can contribute to serious issues like tooth decay and gum disease.
In addition, plaque buildup can result in dental calculus or tartar formation. Tartar is the hardened plaque we see that adheres to teeth and along the gum line. When tartar forms, you’ll experience symptoms like bleeding gums, tooth decay, and other oral infections.
Removing plaque and tartar is crucial for preventing these health issues.
Effective Methods For Plaque Removal
These methods might seem like the same old reminders you get from your dentist, but they are the ones that work! All of our suggestions are supported by the ADA (American Dental Association), so pay attention!
Brush Your Teeth And Gums
Brushing your teeth is fundamental for effectively removing plaque. Regular brushing significantly reduces the bacteria on tooth surfaces. Remember to brush the gum line gently to strengthen your gums. We don’t want gum disease!
Brushing your teeth is required for good oral health in general and will prevent bad breath on your next social outing!
Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste can enhance plaque removal and protect your teeth. Aim to brush twice a day for optimal oral health and to prevent plaque buildup. If you brush your teeth and gums less than twice a day, that could be considered poor oral hygiene.
You have to put in the time and effort to get the “hard-to-reach areas”. Everything good requires hard work and your teeth are no different. Don’t cut corners if you want to improve oral health. Additionally, no one wants to see leftover food particles in your mouth.
Flossing And Interdental Cleaning
The American Dental Association recommends flossing at least one time per day. However, you can certainly aim for twice a day by flossing each time you brush.
Utilize dental floss, floss holders, water flossers, or smaller toothbrushes for effective plaque removal.
Interdental cleaning involves cleaning between the teeth. Flossing could be considered an effective method, but antibacterial mouthwash should also be considered. Sometimes, the mouthwash provides the extra push to remove bacteria from teeth.
Incorporating a therapeutic mouthwash into your routine can also help combat plaque and gingivitis. Many mouthwashes contain fluoride and other active ingredients designed to remove plaque buildup. Rinsing with mouthwash maximizes its protective effects.
Dietary Changes To Reduce Dental Plaque
Dietary changes can play a significant role in preserving tooth enamel. Limiting sugary and starchy foods, which feed plaque and tartar, is essential. Eating a balanced diet can help prevent plaque and tartar buildup.
The next time you are grocery shopping, shop for foods that help with plaque-free teeth!
Sugary foods can even accelerate the rate plaque accumulates. Sugars from food provide fuel for the bacteria in the mouth to grow. These bacteria produce acids as they metabolize the sugars. So, we will say this again, you need to limit sugary foods.
Natural Remedies To Prevent Tartar Buildup
Natural remedies may assist in plaque removal. Baking soda can effectively remove plaque and some tartar; brushing with a baking soda paste can enhance your oral hygiene routine. Additionally, oil pulling (swishing oil like mouthwash) with coconut oil can help soften tartar and control oral bacteria. Consult with your dentist on his recommendations for these natural remedies.
Professional Cleaning By The Dentist, Regularly
Look, some tartar removal requires a dental professional. Only a dental professional (a dental hygienist counts too) can remove tartar from teeth perfectly. They are looking into your mouth from a birds-eye view and can remove plaque from teeth while checking for gum infections.
If you want to prevent tooth decay and periodontal disease, then you need to see a dentist, ideally every six months.
All The Risks Of Plaque And Tartar
Here is a summary of the main risks mentioned throughout the article.
Gum disease (periodontal disease)
Bleeding gums
Tooth decay
Tooth loss
Poor oral hygiene is even linked to respiratory infections
Be Safe, Practice Good Oral Hygiene
If you’re maintaining good oral hygiene, then you will significantly reduce all possible risks of plaque. Brush your teeth, brush the gum line gently, brush your tongue, and floss. This will prevent tartar by removing plaque.
Your mouth is involved in two of the five senses. This article is about how to remove plaque, but also how to improve your quality of life.
We will say it one more time for those of you in the back, practice proper oral hygiene and you will have healthy teeth!
