Plaque is bacteria that accumulates on teeth. Plaque cannot be seen with the naked eye, but is harmful to teeth because it interacts with certain foods, releasing acids that cause tooth decay. Plaque that builds up can also become tartar which is more difficult to remove. Removing plaque is very easy to do, as it takes very little effort and results in more than just an effective cleaning!
Step
Method 1 of 3: Brushing Plaque
Step 1. Find the part of the tooth that contains plaque with stains
Plaque can't actually be seen, so it's very difficult to know how much plaque is on the teeth. To fix this, you can buy “plaque-removing tablets” at a convenience store or drug store. When chewed, these tablets will leave a bright red stain on the teeth, so you can easily see the plaque on your teeth and identify areas of plaque that need brushing.
Green food coloring applied to the teeth using a cotton pen also has the same effect, which is to leave a green stain on the teeth, making it easier to identify plaque
Step 2. Use the right toothbrush and toothpaste
To brush your teeth effectively and ensure you're removing as much plaque as possible, it's important to have the right toothbrush and toothpaste. Although there are many expensive toothbrushes available in the market, the United States Dental Health Association states that “a nylon toothbrush with rounded, glossy bristles is the perfect toothbrush. A toothbrush with hard bristles will be too harsh for your teeth and erode tooth enamel. In addition to the right toothbrush, you also need a toothpaste that contains a good amount of fluoride. Fluoride strengthens teeth and protects against decay and prevents cavities.
- An electric toothbrush is less efficient at cleaning teeth than a regular toothbrush. However, some people feel they tend to be more regular and longer brushing with an electric toothbrush. So, there's nothing wrong with buying an electric toothbrush.
- Dentists recommend changing your toothbrush every three to four months, as the longer it goes on the less effective it will be to use.
Step 3. Use proper brushing technique
When brushing your teeth, hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gum line and brush from near the gums in short vertical motions, from front to back, or in a circular motion. Do not brush your teeth too hard, because it can damage the tooth enamel.
Step 4. Focus on each tooth
Pay attention to each tooth when brushing your teeth, making sure you don't miss anything. Don't forget to brush the outside, the inside, and the teeth for chewing, and pay attention to the hard-to-reach teeth on the back. Brushing your teeth properly takes about two minutes. Use a stopwatch to tell the time and hum to speed up the time.
Step 5. Don't forget to brush your tongue
Plaque easily builds up on the surface of the tongue due to food debris, so be sure to brush your tongue gently. Brushing your tongue can also help freshen your breath.
Method 2 of 3: Practicing Good Oral Health
Step 1. Brush your teeth twice a day
Brushing is by far the most effective way to remove plaque and brushing properly and regularly will ensure that plaque doesn't build up too much. This is important because the accumulated plaque can harden into tartar which is very difficult to remove. You should brush your teeth at least once a day, but dentists recommend brushing twice a day, in the morning and at night before bed.
Step 2. Clean the teeth with dental floss
Flossing is an important component of effective oral health, but unfortunately this habit is often overlooked. Cleaning your teeth with dental floss will remove bacteria and food debris between your teeth and prevent plaque formation. This habit should be done once a day when going to bed at night, after brushing your teeth. Clean your teeth with floss slowly using a sawing motion and avoid "stomping" on the floss, as this can irritate the soft gum tissue.
- Make sure to use a clean section of floss between your teeth. Otherwise, you're just transferring bacteria from one part of your mouth to another.
- If you are not comfortable flossing, use a dental pick. Dental picks are sticks made of wood or plastic that can be tucked between the teeth and the result will be the same as using dental floss.
Step 3. Use a mouthwash aimed at removing plaque
Although plaque-busting mouthwashes are not effective enough to remove plaque, if used as part of a regular cleaning routine in addition to brushing and flossing, mouthwashes can help soften plaque as well as freshen breath with a minty scent when used.
Step 4. Avoid sugary and starchy foods
The bacteria present in plaque is present in sugary and starchy foods. Every time you eat these foods, the bacteria will release acids that cause tooth decay and cavities. To avoid this, minimize your consumption of processed foods like these and focus on sticking to a regular brushing and flossing routine if you decide to do so.
Step 5. Perform professional plaque cleaning on a regular basis
Even if you follow a meticulous oral health routine at home, you can still benefit from visiting your dentist every six months. Only a dentist who can perform a thorough and professional dental cleaning can remove hard-to-reach plaque and stubborn tartar.
Method 3 of 3: Using Home Treatments
Step 1. Use baking soda
This is one of the most ancient natural treatments for plaque removal. Put baking soda in a bowl, wet a toothbrush, and coat it with baking soda. Brush your teeth as usual. If you like, you can add a pinch of salt to the bowl of baking soda.
Step 2. Eat apples and melons
Eating apples and melons after a meal will help clean your teeth naturally and prevent plaque from building up on the surface of your teeth. This will also help keep your gums healthy and prevent bleeding.
Step 3. Rub the orange peel on the teeth
Vitamin C in citrus fruits helps prevent the growth of microorganisms on the teeth. Rub orange peel on your teeth before going to bed.
Step 4. Chew the sesame
Chew a tablespoon of sesame, but don't swallow it. Then, brush your teeth with a dry toothbrush and sesame acts as toothpaste. Sesame helps remove plaque and at the same time makes teeth shiny.
Step 5. Rub tomatoes and strawberries on your teeth
Tomatoes and strawberries, as well as oranges are rich in vitamin C. Cut tomatoes and strawberries and rub them on your teeth. Leave it for about five minutes. Rinse your mouth with a solution of baking soda mixed with water.
Step 6. Make your own toothpaste
If you prefer to avoid the chemicals found in commercial toothpastes, then you can make a natural plaque-busting toothpaste using a few simple ingredients. Mix 125 ml of coconut oil with 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda, 2 small packets of stevia powder, and 20 drops of your favorite essential oil such as peppermint or cinnamon. Store your homemade toothpaste in a small jar and use it like you would regular toothpaste.
