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Plaque can be removed with good oral hygiene. This includes brushing and flossing every day using the proper methods. By removing plaque, you can prevent tartar from forming. If tartar does form, your dentist can remove it during your regular appointment
Proper Brushing
Brushing your teeth twice a day is the first step to removing plaque properly.
To brush the teeth properly:6
Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against the gum line.
Use short strokes, about half a tooth wide.
Brush gently. Brushing too hard can cause tooth sensitivity or receding gums.
Brush all of the surfaces of the teeth, outside and inside.
Remember to brush the pits and crevices of the top of the teeth where you chew.
Brush for two to three minutes.
Guide to Brushing Your Teeth the Right Way
Proper Flossing
While brushing will remove the plaque from the teeth, it won’t help remove plaque between the teeth, under braces, or under the gum line. This is why flossing at least once a day is important. Dentists typically recommend using unwaxed floss, as it is thinner and easier to use.
To floss effectively:6
Gently insert the floss between two teeth and use a back-and-forth motion to move the floss.
Curve the piece of floss along the edges of the teeth to mimic a “C” shape, and move this up and down the sides of each tooth.
Repeat flossing between every tooth.
Don’t forget to floss the backs of the very back teeth.
A water flosser could also be used in place of floss. This sprays water between your teeth to flush away plaque and food particles.7
Using Mouthwash
Mouthwash can also help to decrease plaque on your teeth when used in addition to brushing and flossing. Antimicrobial mouth rinses can reduce bacteria, which contributes to plaque. Flouride mouthwashes can strengthen your teeth to prevent decay from plaque.8
Check with your dentist before using. Children who are 6 years old or younger shouldn’t use a fluoride mouthwash.
Home Remedies
Besides brushing with toothpaste and flossing, other at-home remedies are thought to reduce plaque. Some are backed by research while others may need more studies to prove the benefits.
Baking Soda
Brushing with baking soda has been found to help scrub away plaque and bacteria. One study found that baking soda pastes were effective in removing plaque biofilm.9
It’s possible to form a paste using baking soda and water. However, this won’t have the enamel-strengthening benefits of fluoride, which is necessary for all toothpastes approved by the American Dental Association.10 Another option is to buy a toothpaste that contains baking soda and fluoride and that has the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has been found to have plaque-fighting benefits. Studies have found that aloe vera mouthwash is as effective in reducing plaque as chlorhexidine oral rinses, which are considered the « gold standard » of mouthwashes.11
Some types of herbal toothpaste and mouthwashes contain aloe vera. Check to make sure that they have the ADA Seal of Acceptance.12
White Vinegar and Water
A solution of white vinegar and water is thought to reduce plaque formation because of its antimicrobial properties. However, vinegar can also cause erosion to tooth enamel due to acidity.13 If you’re interested in using a white vinegar and water solution as a mouth rinse, check with your dentist first.
Oil Pulling
Oil pulling involves swishing edible oil (like coconut or sesame oil) around in your mouth to improve dental health. It has been found in some studies to reduce plaque formation, but more research is needed before it can be recommended as a treatment.14
Lnu R, Kaushik M, Reddy P, Udameshi P, Mehra N, Marwaha A. The effect of coconut oil pulling on streptococcus mutans count in saliva in comparison with chlorhexidine mouthwash. The Journal of Contemporary Dental Practice. 2016;17(1):38-41. doi:10.5005/jp-journals-10024-1800
Removing Tartar on Teeth
Tartar cannot be treated at home. It cannot be removed with regular teeth brushing. Only a dentist can remove tartar. Treatment for tartar involves a visit to the dentist and a professional oral cleaning.15
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