Plaque on teeth will form, no matter how regularly a person brushes.
Plaque on teeth is a headache to remove. The task is easier if you know how it forms. There are natural ways to do this, so you won’t have to make painful trips to the dentist.
What is Plaque On Teeth
Plaque is bacteria that develop on surfaces within the mouth. It’s sticky when it first starts to form but turns pale yellow when it becomes tartar. You’ll find it between, behind, or in front of teeth.
Plaque may give rise to tooth decay. The bacteria produce acid that destroys the tissues of affected teeth. It may cause a person to develop dental problems such as gingivitis and periodontitis.
Habits that Cause Plaque On Teeth
All of us have habits that may cause plaque to form on our teeth. Developing proper oral hygiene is the way to prevent its development.
First of all, is not brushing teeth. You may find it a surprise that this habit is on this list because it’s so commonsensical and indeed, commonplace. There are, however, folks who may not brush their teeth as often as they should. Also, they may not be holding their toothbrushes the right way.
Place your toothbrush at about 45 degrees on the gumline, and brush in circular movements. Brush the outer and biting surfaces of the teeth. To clean the inner surfaces, hold the toothbrush vertically and use circular motions.
Brushing alone may not reach all the spaces between your teeth. Regular flossing clears plaque from these spaces. It also removes plaque from the gumline; another area toothbrushes cannot reach.
3. Not visiting the dentist
Also, you’ll miss some plaque even if you brush and floss daily. A dentist has to remove it if it becomes tartar. The number of people who don’t visit dentists is astounding.
Studies show that people who don’t visit the dentist regularly tend to have decayed teeth. A survey of refugee children shows that such is the situation because they have less opportunity to brush and floss.
4. Forgetting that nature has toothbrushes
Fruits and vegetables are nature’s toothbrushes. They are crunchy and keep plaque off the teeth. A bonus is that they protect you from obesity.
5. Over-indulging in sweets
Sugary foods and drinks cause a film of plaque to form on the surface of the teeth. Bacteria feed on it and digest them.Most junk food and sweets contribute to plaque formation.
How to Get Rid of Plaque On Teeth Naturally
No one looks forward to trips to the dentist because they are painful. The good news is that you can remove plaque naturally using these remedies.
1. Oil pulling
First of all, the practice of oil pulling helps to get rid of plaque. Extra virgin coconut oil, which is anti-inflammatory and fights bacteria, helps with this process. A study in the Nigerian Medical Journal shows that it removes plaque and prevents gingivitis.
Gargle extra virgin coconut oil for about 15 minutes, Spit it out and brush your teeth. You can use sesame oil if you don’t have coconut oil.
2. Baking soda
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, also removes plaque. It neutralises acids and purges harmful bacteria. Sodium bicarbonate keeps teeth white as well.
Put a little baking soda on your toothbrush and brush your teeth. Then, rinse your mouth. You’ll see a difference in the colour of your teeth. This review of 5 clinical studies confirms its positive effect.
3. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is antibacterial and kills plaque. You can use natural aloe vera to do this. Just slit an aloe vera leaf and gather the pulp. Put it on your teeth and gums for about 10 minutes, twice a day. A study in the Journal of Oral Health and Dental Management proves that it fights plaque.
4. Ground Cloves
People used cloves to remove plaque long before anyone invented mouthwash. They fight the germs that build up when plaque forms.
This 2014 study in the Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology suggests that a mixture of cloves, basil, and tea tree oil reduces microbes. Combine these ingredients and apply the mixture to your teeth.
5. Orange Peels
Orange peels whiten teeth. They also eliminate plaque without damaging tooth enamel. Orange peels have high vitamin C content, which stops.bacteria from growing.
Don’t chew the peels directly as they are bitter. Rub the inside portion of these peels on your teeth before sleeping.
In all, the plaque on teeth is damaging, but good oral hygiene helps to prevent its development. You can use natural remedies to get rid of it as well.
By Michelle L.