TL;DR
- Plaque is a sticky bacterial film on teeth that can cause cavities, gum disease, bad breath, and tooth loss if untreated.
- Use soft brushstrokes (no harsh scrubbing required) and fluoride toothpaste twice a day.
- Oil pulling and baking soda toothpaste can help reduce plaque and bacteria naturally.
- Cut back on starchy and sugary foods and opt for snacks that make you smile, like cheese, yogurt, fruits, and vegetables.
- Consult your dentist for a professional cleaning every six months, or more frequently if you already have gum disease.
What is Plaque?
Plaque is a soft, sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth and gums as a result of germs, saliva, and food particles. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and even bone damage over time. Fortunately, keeping plaque under control is simpler than many people think.
As dentists, we’ve seen firsthand how small, consistent changes can make a big difference. In this guide, we’ll share practical, expert-approved tips so you know exactly how to remove plaque from teeth and prevent it from coming back.
How Does Plaque Buildup Affect Your Teeth?
Plaque consists of bacteria that feed on sugars in your food, producing acids that attack your tooth enamel. If not removed, it hardens into tartar, making it harder to clean your teeth properly. Over time, this leads to:
- Tooth Decay: Acid erosion creates cavities in your teeth.
- Gum Disease: Bacteria irritate and inflame your gums, causing gingivitis (early-stage gum inflammation) and, if untreated, periodontitis (advanced gum disease).
- Bad Breath: Bacterial buildup leaves a persistent unpleasant odor.
- Tooth Loss: When gum disease progresses, it can weaken the jawbone and surrounding tissues, eventually causing teeth to loosen or fall out.
How to Remove Plaque from Teeth at Home: Dentist-Approved Tips?
Some useful methods on how to remove plaque from your teeth at home are listed below:
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Brushing Regularly
To prevent bacterial growth and oral deterioration, brush your teeth at least twice a day for at least two minutes each time. Plaque can be brushed off without using a lot of force or vigorous brushing. Using a soft-bristle toothbrush along with fluoride toothpaste will eliminate any plaque buildup and leftover food debris.
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Flossing
In order to remove biofilm and plaque to avoid gingivitis and tooth decay, you must regularly clean between your teeth and under the gum line. Many products on the market can clean those little places.
- You should clean each tooth surface with regular dental floss, which can be molded to fit between your teeth.
- Water flossers use a stream of water to clean between the teeth. These are highly effective and can thoroughly clean your mouth.
- Dental picks can reach between your teeth if braces or another obstacle stops you from flossing with dental floss.
Consult your dental hygienist for suggestions on flossing tools. Additionally, you can look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance on the company’s authorized items.
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Oil Pulling
You can also remove tough plaque with oil, usually coconut oil. When performing an “oil pull,” you can take one tablespoon of coconut oil or olive oil and swish it in your mouth for around 20 to 30 minutes (far longer than you would with conventional mouthwash). Coconut oil is considered particularly healthful since it contains fatty acids like lauric acid, which has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
These remedies are popular among people searching for how to remove plaque from teeth naturally.
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Baking Soda
According to studies, people who used toothpaste with baking soda removed more plaque than those who used toothpaste without baking soda. They also experienced a decrease in the amount of plaque that returned during the next 24 hours. Plaque can be removed using baking soda because it is a natural abrasive and cleanser.
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Avoid Certain Foods
Your diet plays a big role in plaque buildup. Sugary snacks, sodas, and starchy foods give bacteria the fuel they need to produce plaque.
Try to eat healthy foods like crunchy vegetables, fresh fruit, cheese, or yogurt. These are foods that are gentler on your teeth and help keep plaque under control.
How Dentists Safely Remove Plaque and Tartar?
Brushing and flossing at home do a great job, but they can’t always solve everything. If tartar has already formed, your dentist will guide you on how to remove hard plaque from teeth, since it cannot be fully cleaned at home.
Professional dental cleanings represent the gold standard for plaque and tartar removal. Here’s what to expect:
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Professional Scaling and Root Planing
Dentists use ultrasonic tools that gently vibrate to break up tartar without harming your teeth, and hand instruments to remove stubborn buildup in hard-to-reach areas. Root planing smooths the roots of the teeth below the gumline, eliminating bacteria that cause gum problems.
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Advanced Cleaning Technologies
Newer tools make cleaning easier and gentler. Piezoelectric scalers break up tartar carefully while protecting your enamel. Air polishing uses a mix of air, water, and tiny particles to remove stains and buildup. Water irrigation flushes debris from pockets between your teeth and gums for a thorough clean.
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Deep Cleaning for Severe Cases
In case of severe tartar buildup, dentists may perform deep cleaning to reach below the gumline. A local anesthetic can be applied to keep you comfortable during the treatment. Depending on the extent of tartar accumulation, the treatment may require multiple appointments to achieve a complete clean. Dentists may also apply antimicrobial rinses or gels to target bacteria that are difficult to reach with mechanical cleaning alone.
How to Prevent Plaque Buildup?
The easiest way to prevent plaque buildup is to keep it from forming in the first place. Some simple daily habits can make a big difference for your teeth and gums:
- Maintain Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth twice daily using fluoride toothpaste and floss regularly to clear plaque and food debris. Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush, move it in gentle circles, and replace it every three to four months.
- Gum Chewing: If you can’t brush after eating or drinking, chew sugar-free gum instead. Choose a product that bears the American Dental Association’s seal.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink water regularly to wash away food particles and stimulate saliva, which naturally protects your teeth.
- Rinse With Mouthwash: An antibacterial rinse can help eliminate germs in areas that your toothbrush and floss might miss.
- Visit Your Dentist Regularly: Checkups twice a year help keep plaque under control and catch small issues before they turn into bigger ones.
If you begin to feel your teeth are not in a healthy condition, talk to your dentist about scheduling more frequent dental appointments. For more advanced treatments, such as whitening or reshaping, you may also explore our cosmetic dentistry services.
Bottomline
Healthy teeth are the product of regular habits Plaque can be prevented from developing into more complex problems, such as cavities or gum disease, by brushing, flossing, and choosing a balanced diet. However, at-home care is only half the picture.
Frequent dental checkups provide your smile with the expert attention it needs, preserving the strength of your teeth and the long-term health of your gums. Following these daily habits ensures you know exactly how to remove plaque from teeth and keep your smile healthy.
Do You Want to Maintain a Bright and Healthy Smile?
At Le Sueur Family Dental, our expert Le Sueur dentists are here to guide you every step of the way. Schedule your appointment today by emailing office@lesueurfamilydental.com or calling 507-665-6812. You’re also welcome to visit us at 219 South 2nd Street, Le Sueur, MN 56058.
FAQs
- What is dental plaque?
Plaque is a thin, sticky biofilm of bacteria that develops on your teeth and gums. If not removed regularly, plaque hardens into tartar, which can cause tooth and gum issues.
- How often should I brush and floss to prevent plaque?
For optimal results, brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes with a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Floss at least once daily to remove plaque between teeth and along the gum line where your toothbrush cannot reach.
- Can plaque be removed at home, or do I need a dentist?
Daily brushing and flossing effectively remove plaque before it hardens. But once plaque becomes tartar, only a dentist or dental hygienist can remove it. That’s why professional cleanings every six months are so important.
- Does baking soda help remove plaque from teeth?
Yes. Your teeth will feel smoother after using baking soda, a mild, natural abrasive that helps remove plaque. - What’s the difference between plaque and tartar?
Plaque is soft and sticky, and it can be managed at home with brushing and flossing. Tartar, on the other hand, is hardened plaque that sticks tightly to your teeth and can only be professionally removed.
