Brush Properly
The number one way to remove plaque naturally is to brush your teeth properly, which includes brushing your teeth a half an hour after meals and brushing your entire mouth gently for at least three minutes. For added cleaning power, try brushing with an electric toothbrush, which studies show is more effective at removing plaque.
Floss Daily
Proper brushing alone is not enough to thoroughly remove plaque from your teeth as it only removes substances from the surface of the teeth. However, floss is designed to reach in between the teeth where plaque and tartar also thrive. Therefore, for thorough plaque removal, you need to floss daily as well as properly brush your teeth twice a day for a healthy mouth.
Use Tartar Control Toothpaste
Tartar control toothpaste contains triclosan, which kills off bacteria and stains, in addition to various other powerful ingredients designed to prevent tartar.
Brush Your Teeth with Baking Soda
Baking soda has a gritty texture, which can be used to remove grime from the surface of the teeth. To brush with baking soda, mix a pinch of salt with a teaspoon of baking soda. Next, wet your toothbrush and then dab it into the baking soda. Now brush your teeth and then rinse thoroughly.
Rinse with a Hydrogen Peroxide Based Mouthwash
Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful antiseptic which can be used to eliminate plaque and tartar buildup. In fact, various commercial mouthwashes contain hydrogen peroxide due to its antiseptic properties. Help yourself avoid periodontal deep cleanings by making your own hydrogen peroxide-based mouthwash simply by mixing one tablespoon of commercial mouthwash with three tablespoons of a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution.
Swish Your Mouth with Vinegar and Water
Vinegar is proven effective for removing plaque, and it will not damage your teeth. Mix three tablespoons of vinegar with four ounces of water and a tablespoon of salt. Swish the solution around in your mouth and then rinse your mouth with water. For best results, swish with the solution about every 2 to 3 days.
Snack on Cheese
Snacking on cheese after meals, especially aged cheeses like cheddar, helps neutralize acids that contribute to plaque buildup. Studies show that sesame seeds and peanuts also have a buffering effect against plaque.
Treat Your Teeth to some Vitamin C
Vitamin C can be used to naturally remove bacteria from the teeth and help keep them healthy. To remove plaque from your teeth using vitamin C, make a thick paste from a mixture of vitamin C-rich foods, such as strawberries, lemons, tomatoes, and other vitamin C-rich foods that you have on hand, and then apply the paste to the plaque buildup. Let the paste remain on your teeth for five minutes and then rinse thoroughly. Rubbing an orange peel directly on your teeth also helps eliminate tartar build up.
Use a Dental Pick
A dental pick, also called a dental scraper, is a long, thin tool with a hooked metal end, similar to the tool the dentist uses to remove tartar from your teeth during your dental cleaning. A dental pick can be purchased at your local pharmacy and can be used at home to gently remove tartar from your teeth. When using the tool, remember, it should never be painful. Just sit in a space with plenty of light, and using a mirror, gently scrape white patches of tartar from your teeth.
Though natural remedies can be used to reduce the accumulation of plaque and tartar at home, they are not meant to replace regular dental cleanings, which help remove stubborn plaque and tartar that remains on your teeth and helps the dentist identify potential dental issues early. However, when used in between your regular dental cleanings, natural remedies can help make your cleanings much easier and less painful, and also help reduce the risk of developing more serious dental issues.
About the Author
Dr. Marichia Attala is a leading Nassau County Periodontist. Learn more by visiting her website at NassauCountyPeriodontist.com
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