Bacteria in the mouth break down carbs from food into acid when people eat. Plaque is formed when residual food particles and saliva combine.
While plaque on teeth can be avoided by brushing and flossing, tartar, on the other hand, is more difficult to remove and may necessitate a professional cleaning at the dentist’s office.
Here are some home remedies for removing plaque and preventing tartar buildup:
Brushing with baking soda
Dental plaque can be safely and effectively removed by brushing with baking soda. Baking soda toothpaste, although still abrasive, is not as strong as the enamel on teeth. Therefore, it can dissolve plaque without damaging the enamel.
According to a 2017 study, toothpaste with baking soda is more effective than a regular toothpaste at eliminating plaque in the mouth.
Baking soda toothpaste is very slightly abrasive, which means it is unlikely to damage tooth enamel. Since baking soda has a high pH, it can help stabilize the pH level inside the mouth and prevent enamel loss. It also fights against demineralization, a chemical process that eliminates calcium from dental enamel. Furthermore, the antimicrobial effects of baking soda may help to prevent tooth decay.
Coconut oil for oil pulling
Oil pulling is a traditional treatment for dental cleaning from germs and improving oral health. Swishing or pulling an edible oil around in the mouth through the spaces between the teeth is the method.
However, the American Dental Association (ADA) does not endorse this method for plaque and tartar removal. There have been no solid studies that demonstrate its usefulness so far. To maintain good oral health, the ADA suggests brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing once a day.
In addition to the ADA-recommended procedures listed above, oil pulling is unlikely to cause harm.
If you still want to go ahead with this procedure, follow these instructions for oil pulling:
- In the mouth, put one tablespoon of warm coconut oil.
- For 5–10 minutes, swish the coconut oil around your mouth.
- Spit out the coconut oil into a garbage can or a towel.
- It’s best not to spit the oil into the sink since it can clog the pipes.
Other edible oils that you can use for oil pulling include:
- Sesame oil
- Olive oil
- Almond oil
Exercising good oral hygiene
Good teeth care and oral hygiene is the most effective approach to eradicating plaque and tartar. ADA advises brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. They also advise flossing at least once a day.
Flossing first will get rid of food and plaque stuck between teeth and in hard-to-reach places. After flossing and brushing your teeth, rinse your mouth with mouthwash. For further plaque protection, many over-the-counter (OTC) mouthwash bottles contain fluorides.
Gingivitis patients may require a more potent mouthwash. Antiseptic mouthwashes that are more potent than those available over the counter can be prescribed by a dentist or another healthcare expert.
In between professional dental cleanings, dentists might apply sealants to the chewing surfaces of the teeth to help prevent plaque development and to remove tartar from teeth.
Using a water flosser
A water flosser can assist in getting plaque out from between the teeth. Water pressure is used to remove food and plaque from areas where string floss may not reach. It also exfoliates the teeth and massages the gums.
According to a 2016 study, using a water flosser with a manual toothbrush was 29 % more successful than combining string floss and a manual toothbrush for removing plaque.
However, it should not be used as a substitute for flossing. Instead, you should use it in conjunction with it.
Final Thoughts
Plaque and tartar buildup on teeth can cause gum disease, enamel loss, and tooth decay.
The ways listed above can assist in tartar removal and the prevention of plaque formation. Another important step in maintaining proper dental health is visiting a dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings.