While we recommend you visit the dentist every 6 months for a preventative check-up, oral examination, and dental cleaning, we realize we can't be with you everyday. Here are some tips on how you can remove plaque at home.
How are you brushing your teeth? It matters
When you brush your teeth, your technique matters. You may brush your teeth as much as you want, but if you do not do it properly it is just a waste of time. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommended the following method as the most efficient:
Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against your gum line. Point it upward, or toward your nose every time you clean the upper teeth; downward, or toward the chin when you are brushing the lower teeth. This angle also helps you clean the gum line, something that many people miss.
Looking for more specific, detailed instructions on how to brush your teeth (and your children's teeth)?:
- How to Brush Your Teeth Properly
- How to Brush Your Child’s Teeth
- How to Clean Your Teeth with Braces
- How to Encourage Kids to Brush Their Teeth
- How Often Should I Be Brushing My Teeth?
Alternatives to Toothpaste for Removing Plaque
Dr. Reese is a holistic dentist who practices a fluoride-free dental office. We realize that not everyone prefers to use a toothpaste that includes fluoride. While there are many non-fluoride toothpastes, there are also some pastes you can make at home:
- Baking Soda - according to MotherNature.com, "the good old baking soda can also help you remove the plaque from your teeth. Put some baking soda on your dampened toothbrush and scrub away the plaque. You can also combine a pinch of salt and a tablespoon of baking soda and use this mixture to brush your teeth."
- Apple Cider Vinegar - apple cider vinegar has also proven to be effective in removing plaque. All you have to do is soak your toothbrush in some vinegar and brush your teeth. But because of the acidity of the vinegar, thoroughly rinse your mouth with water afterwards to prevent any damage to the tooth enamel.
- Sunflower Seeds and Linden Flower - Mix 4 tbsp sunflower seeds, 4 tbsp linden flower, 1 tbsp water and then mix all the ingredients together and cook the mixture on a low heat for half an hour. Use as a toothpaste like normal.
- Oil Pulling with Coconut Oil - oil pulling helps remove tartar from your teeth, which forms plaque. Use a low-acidic, alkaline oil like Skinny Coconut Oil to prevent tooth decay from other acidic oils.
What is Plaque?
Plaque is a soft, sticky film that builds up on your teeth and contains millions of bacteria. The bacteria in plaque cause tooth decay and gum disease if they are not removed regularly through brushing and flossing.
Having some plaque on your teeth is normal, but if it gets out of hand it can cause all sorts of problems, including bad breath, yellow teeth, gum inflammation, gingivitis and cavities. That's why brushing is important.
What to do if Plaque has Calcified?
If you've waited too long, plaque may have built up between your teeth. Now is the time to visit the dentist so that they can remove the plaque build-up and attempt to prevent Gingivitis. If you're in the Indianapolis area, call the Indianapolis Center for Implant and Cosmetic Dentistry at 317-882-0228 for all of your family's dental needs.