6 Easy Ways How To Get Rid Of Dental Plaque

Close up photo of woman with pink lipstick smiling with her eyes closed. Photo by Shiny Diamond on Pexels

Do you know that the surface of our teeth is never completely clean even after brushing?

The tooth surface naturally forms a thin layer called the tooth pellicle. This layer is the place where the dental plaque attaches.

Dental plaque is a sticky layer on the surface of the teeth. The cause of dental plaque is food debris.

Many people mistakenly think that dental plaque is the same as tartar. Even though these two problems are different.

The difference between plaque and tartar lies in shape, color, and content. Dental plaque is soft and sticky with a transparent color containing germs.

Meanwhile, tartar is hard and has a rough surface with a yellow, brown, or black color.

Its composition also depends on the concentration of calcium present in oral fluids.

Here’s how to get rid of dental plaque easily.

How To Get Rid Of Dental Plaque

6 Easy Ways

1. Be diligent in brushing your teeth thoroughly with fluoridated toothpaste.

Woman holding pink toothbrush with toothpaste in bathroom. Image from freepik.com

If tooth scaling is recommended to clean tartar, then the way to remove dental plaque that causes bad breath is to simply brush your teeth regularly.

Brushing your teeth twice a day helps prevent plaque formation and destroys the symptoms of dental plaque that has begun to form.

Because the bacteria that cause plaque continue to grow and brushing your teeth must be done regularly.

Use toothpaste that contains fluoride which is effective in protecting teeth, creating a harder tooth surface, and preventing cavities.

Also, make sure you clean the entire mouth area. Teeth, gums, tongue, and the inside of the cheeks.

2. Use dental floss to clean food debris stuck between the teeth.

Ethnic woman cleaning teeth with dental floss. Photo by Sora Shimazaki on Pexels

This second method may rarely be used by many people. You can use dental floss at least once a day before going to bed.

This dental floss can help us remove various bacteria and food debris stuck on the surface and between the teeth.

3. Prevent dental plaque with a special mouthwash that is suitable and has been discussed with the dentist.

Mouthwash, antiseptic, mouth. Photo by Olichel on Pixabay

For those of you who often use mouthwashes or mouth cleaners, try to check more carefully the contents of the mouthwash that you usually use.

Because several types of mouthwash can make the oral cavity drier and help the development of certain plaques.

It is better if you discuss the use of mouthwash with your dentist because mouthwash that prevents plaque is different from mouthwashes which the only function to freshen the breath.

In certain cases, people who use mouthwashes complain because their mouth smells bad.

4. Avoid sugary foods and drinks that are sticky because they can trigger large amounts of dental plaque.

Avoid sugary foods. Woman Eating Pink and Yellow Lollipop. Photo by Oleg Magni from Pexels

The appearance of the dental plaque itself cannot be separated from our daily lifestyle.

The important thing that must be considered, of course, is our daily consumption of food and drinks.

It would be great if we avoid sticky sugary foods and drinks such as candy, raisins, chocolate snacks, or soft drinks.

Dental plaque in infants and dental plaque in toddlers is usually caused by excessive consumption of sweet foods.

5. You can also clean dental plaque by using baking soda 

Bamboo toothbrushes, baking soda and glass of water on a white background. Eco friendly toothbrushes, zero waste concept. Image from depositphotos.com

Apart from using chemical and medical ingredients, you can also remove dental plaque with natural ingredients.

One of them is baking soda which can make teeth and gums feel cooler and provide an antibacterial effect on plaque while restoring the pH balance in the mouth.

You just have to make your toothpaste by adding one tablespoon of baking soda and half a teaspoon of salt.

Before brushing your teeth, stir the toothpaste in the mixture of the two ingredients until it becomes a new toothpaste.

Use this mixture twice a day for faster results. If it is getting better, use it once a week for treatment.

6. Finally, you can clean your teeth with vinegar by smearing them.

Gargling with vinegar. Apple cider vinegar in glass bottle and fresh apples on wooden background. Image from depositphotos.com

Apart from using baking soda, using a mixture of vinegar and deep salt after a cup of warm water is also effective in removing dental plaque.

You only need to rinse your mouth with this solution for a few minutes.

Gargling with this mixture helps protect the enamel and fight plaque buildup in the mouth.

But not too often. Twice a week is enough.

So, here are some ways to get rid of dental plaque.

This needs to be known because dental plaque can attack and infect the teeth, damage the inner teeth and make the mouth smell bad.

May this article can help you overcome the stubborn dental plaque problem.