Removing plaque and preventing stone build-up

Plaque removal is important to keep your teeth healthy. Plaque causes tartar to build up on your teeth. It can lead to cavities, gingivitis and other dental problems.

You can remove plaque by taking care of your teeth at home, including brushing twice a day and flossing once a day. When plaque hardens into tartar buildup, it can only be removed by a dentist.

This article discusses the symptoms and causes of plaque and tartar. It also covers ways to remove plaque and how to prevent tartar build-up.

What is the joke?

Plaque is a kind of sticky film found on the teeth. It is created when bacteria in the mouth mix with sugary or starchy foods and drinks. Bacteria in the mouth, acids and carbohydrates from food or drink mix and form this colorless substance.

Plaque must be removed regularly or it can harden into tartar and lead to dental complications. Some types of plaque can cause cavities while other types of plaque affect the gums.

Symptoms of plaque buildup

Symptoms of plaque include:

• A dull feeling in the teeth
• Chronic bad breath
• Tender, red or swollen gums that may bleed when brushing

Signs of tartar on the teeth

Symptoms of stone include:

• A rough feeling in the teeth
• Yellow discoloration of the teeth
• Swollen gum tissue
• Gums that bleed easily

Causes of plaque buildup

Plaque is constantly forming on the teeth. Beverages such as milk, juice and soda and foods such as fruit, pasta and bread contain carbohydrates. When consumed, bacteria in the mouth release a type of acid that helps break down these carbohydrates. These acids, along with bacteria and carbohydrates, combine to form plaque.

If plaque is not removed by daily brushing and flossing, it begins to build up and harden into tartar.

Diagnostic plate

Plaque can be diagnosed by a dentist during a routine dental checkup.

During an appointment, the dentist or hygienist will examine the mouth and gums and also ask about your medical history. Depending on the circumstances, the dentist or hygienist may use instruments to inspect the gums.

The dentist or hygienist will be able to identify plaque and tartar simply by examining the mouth and gums. No special tests are needed for this. Depending on what they find, they may recommend an X-ray to check for cavities.

How to remove plaque

Plaque can be removed with good oral hygiene. This includes brushing and flossing daily using appropriate methods. By removing plaque, you can prevent stone formation. If tartar forms, your dentist can remove it during your regular appointment.

Proper Brushing

Brushing your teeth twice a day is the first step to properly removing plaque.

To brush your teeth properly:

• Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gum line.
• Use small strokes, about half a tooth wide.
• Brush gently. Brushing too hard can cause tooth sensitivity or receding gums.
• Brush all surfaces of the teeth, outside and inside.
• Remember to brush the cavities and crevices of the tops of the teeth where you chew.
• Brush for two to three minutes.

Correct thread

While brushing will remove plaque from the teeth, it will not help remove plaque between the teeth, under braces, or below the gum line. This is why flossing at least once a day is important. Dentists usually recommend using unwaxed floss, as it is thinner and easier to use.

For effective flossing:

• Gently place the floss between two teeth and use a back and forth motion to move the floss.
• Curve the piece of floss along the edges of the teeth to mimic a “C” shape and move it up and down the sides of each tooth.
• Repeat the floss between each tooth.
• Don’t forget to floss the back of the very back teeth.

A water floss could also be used in place of the floss. This sprays water between your teeth to wash away plaque and food particles.

Home remedies

In addition to brushing with toothpaste and flossing, there are other home remedies that are believed to reduce plaque. Some are supported by research, while others may need more studies to prove benefits.

Baking soda

Brushing with baking soda has been found to help remove plaque and bacteria. One study found that baking soda pastes were effective in removing plaque biofilm.

It is possible to form a paste using baking soda and water. However, this will not have the enamel-strengthening benefits of fluoride, which is required for all American Dental Association-approved toothpastes. Another option is to buy a toothpaste that contains baking soda and fluoride and that has the ADA seal of approval.

Aloe

Aloe vera has been found to have anti-plaque benefits. Studies have shown that aloe vera mouthwash is just as effective at reducing plaque as chlorhexidine mouthwashes, which are considered the “gold standard” of mouthwashes.

Some types of herbal toothpastes and mouthwashes contain aloe vera. When you buy them, check to make sure they have the ADA Seal of Acceptance.

White vinegar and water

A solution of white vinegar and water is believed to reduce plaque formation due to its antimicrobial properties. However, vinegar can also cause erosion of tooth enamel due to the acidity. If you are interested in using a solution of white vinegar and water as a mouthwash, consult your dentist first.

Oil pulling

Oil pulling means putting edible oil (such as coconut oil or sesame oil) in your mouth to improve dental health. It has been found in some studies to reduce plaque formation, but more research is needed before it can be recommended as a treatment.

Removal of tartar from the teeth

Stone cannot be treated at home. It cannot be removed by regular tooth brushing. Only a dentist can remove tartar. Treatment for tartar includes a visit to the dentist and a professional oral cleaning.

At a dental visit, the dentist or hygienist will scrape away the plaque and calculus. They may also recommend other treatment options.

Prevention

During your regular checkup, your dentist may recommend other treatments to prevent plaque and tartar build-up. Dental sealants and fluoride treatments are two common options for protecting your teeth.

Dental sealants

Sealants are a painted plastic coating that is applied to the areas of the teeth involved in chewing. Sealants are often applied to molars and premolars.

The liquid sealant is applied to the teeth where it covers the grooves in each tooth. It is then “cured” or cured using a special kind of light. This seal protects the tooth enamel from bacteria and food.

Fluoride treatments

Fluoride is a mineral that helps prevent tooth decay by building the teeth’s resistance to acid. A fluoride treatment can also reverse early tooth decay.

Healthy lifestyle

In addition to brushing and flossing, other healthy dental habits include:

• Use mouthwash.
• Eat a healthy diet. Limit starchy and sugary foods and drinks like soda and white bread and choose fruits and vegetables and healthy snacks.
• Visit the dentist. Most people should visit the dentist for a checkup once or twice a year, but some people will need more visits. Even if you have no symptoms, you should visit the dentist. Your dentist will help you identify teeth-related problems early, when treatment is simpler and often more affordable. A dentist can also identify other conditions or diseases that present symptoms in the mouth.

Complications

When plaque builds up, it can wear down your tooth enamel. Complications of plaque and stone build-up include:

Summary

Plaque forms as a reaction between bacteria in the mouth, acid, sugars and starches found in food. Plaque forms a sticky film on the teeth and must be removed by regular brushing and flossing. If not removed properly, plaque will harden into stone. Tartar can only be removed by a dentist.

Both plaque and tartar can be prevented with good oral hygiene. If you have any concerns about your teeth or oral health, you should talk to your dentist.