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Everyone experiences a buildup of plaque from time to time. But if you look after your teeth properly by brushing them 2-3 times per day and flossing, you should be able to keep plaque at bay. The problem comes when plaque hardens, as you can't remove it at home. Join us as we take a closer look at how to get rid of plaque at home and what you need to do if your plaque turns into tartar.
[See also: 15 common FAQs about teeth stains - answered!]
What is plaque?
Before we explain how to get rid of plaque, we need to explain what it is.
Essentially, dental plaque is a sticky film that forms on your teeth. The film consists of bacteria, which, if left in place, can cause long-term damage to your teeth.
Equally, a build-up of plaque can result in bad breath and may even leave a bad taste in your mouth. In some cases, plaque may also be yellow in color, affecting the appearance as well as the health of your teeth.
If left untreated, plaque can cause dental cavities, gum disease, and it may even lead to tooth decay. As a result, knowing how to treat it is really important and you need to take the necessary steps to remove plaque from your teeth.
Plaque vs. tartar - what's the difference?
When plaque hardens and becomes difficult to remove, it is known as tartar. This is what happens when you allow plaque to remain on your teeth over time and when tartar forms, you can't remove it by flossing and brushing your teeth at home.
For most people, tartar is yellow in color, but it will be stained by whatever you eat or drink. For instance, if you drink coffee, the tartar will be brown, and it will be red if you drink red wine.
Generally, if you drink anything with tannins, the color of the tartar will darken.
Naturally, this will lead to discoloration of your teeth and is something that you should try and avoid.
How to get rid of plaque and tartar on teeth?
Wondering how to get rid of teeth plaque? The good news is that if you act before plaque turns into tartar, you can usually remove it yourself by following these simple steps:
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As plaque is caused by sugary foods and carbohydrates, reducing the amount of these foods that you eat is a good first step. Limiting your sugar intake will help reduce the amount of plaque that forms, and it will result in healthier teeth and gums.
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Flossing daily is another good way to remove plaque. This gets rid of bacteria that is stuck between your teeth and is a good way to prevent the build up of plaque over time.
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Brushing your teeth 2-3 times a day with a high quality electric toothbrush is a great way to remove plaque. The Laifen Wave is the ideal brush for removing plaque and will help to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
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Chewing sugar free gum can also help to remove plaque and is a good option if you can't brush your teeth after a meal.
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First thing in the morning and before bed at night, rinse your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash. This will remove much of the bacteria from your mouth and will prevent the build up of plaque.
How to get rid of hard plaque
The good news is that if you follow the simple steps listed above, you should avoid plaque from hardening and becoming a problem. However, if the plaque has become tartar, you will need to visit the dentist's office.
You cannot remove tartar with a toothbrush or by flossing, and it needs to be removed professionally by a dental professional. They will remove the tartar with special instruments and then advise you on the best approach to prevent the buildup of tartar again going forwards.
Frankly, prevention is key when it comes to plaque and tartar. Removing plaque when it appears and keeping your teeth and gums healthy will save you on expensive dental bills and will ensure that your teeth don't become discolored from dental tartar.
How to get rid of plaque at home
In addition to brushing and flossing daily, there are also some handy home remedies that you can try, which will help to remove plaque from your teeth:
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Oil pulling - this ancient technique has been used for centuries and is a good way to get rid of plaque. Choose an oil - coconut oil is a good option - and swish about one tablespoon around your mouth for 20-30 minutes. Then, rinse your mouth.
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Baking soda - known as a great teeth cleaner, baking soda is good at removing plaque because it is abrasive. You can make a mouthwash or toothpaste with baking soda, but be warned, it doesn't taste particularly great.
The verdict - how to get rid of plaque from teeth
So, how to get rid of plaque build up? The important thing to remember is to maintain a healthy dental hygiene routine. Use an electric toothbrush 2-3 times per day and floss at least once every day.
Using an antibacterial mouthwash, or opting for a home solution like oil pulling, is also an important step that will help to remove plaque and keep your teeth healthy.
Unfortunately, if your plaque has hardened and progressed into tartar, you will need to visit your dentist and ask them to professionally remove it, as you cannot remove tartar at home.
