How To Remove Plaque From Teeth
Plaque is a film of bacteria that forms on the teeth. Occurring naturally, good oral hygiene habits keep it at bay, and dental cleaning effectively removes it. However, if untreated, it can turn into a thicker buildup called tartar and lead to gum disease, tooth decay, cavities, and other dental issues.
Though only dental treatment can take on tartar, adjusting your brushing and flossing techniques, using baking soda, and oil pulling are among the effective at-home methods for removing plaque. To preserve the health of your smile, it’s important to understand how these issues arise, how they impact your oral health, and what you can do to tackle them.
What Causes Plaque
Plaque is a sticky, colorless substance found on the teeth and around the gums. Consisting of bacteria, saliva, and other compounds, this “dental biofilm” continually develops in your mouth. If allowed to build up, it starts to damage the tooth enamel (the hard outer shell of teeth), leading to numerous dental issues.
How Plaque Forms in Your Mouth
Everyone’s mouth contains hundreds of kinds of bacteria, living on the gums, teeth, tongue, and other tissues. Plaque develops as some of these bacteria feed on sugars from foods and drinks rich in starch and carbohydrates. These include:
- Milk
- Soft drinks
- Candy
- Pasta
- Fruit
- Bread
- Cookies
The risks of plaque arise when it’s allowed to persist. The bacteria feeding on sugars in your mouth emit acids to help digest. If plaque isn’t removed, these acids start to erode your teeth. As this progresses, it hardens to form visible buildups called tartar or calculus.
Put simply, the key to getting rid of plaque—and to stopping tartar from forming—is good oral hygiene. This means:
- Brushing: Brush your teeth at least twice a day, using proper techniques.
- Flossing: To get rid of food stuck between teeth, make sure to floss once a day.