What is Plaque?
After your dentist performs a teeth whitening treatment, your teeth will look sparkly and white, but over time this beautiful color fades away, and the teeth start to appear slightly dull and yellow. This yellow color comes from plaque, which is a filmy substance made out of bacteria. Plaque accumulates both above and below the gum line. This might not be a pleasant sight for you, but it is even worse for the health of your teeth and gums if it is not removed.
Best Ways to Remove Plaque
The best and most effective way to get rid of plaque is to brush your teeth twice a day. Make sure to use a soft toothbrush and replace it every three to four months when the bristles of the toothbrush start to fray. Using an electric toothbrush is usually more effective at removing plaque than a traditional toothbrush.
You should also floss before brushing your teeth. This way, any bits of food stuck to the teeth are removed so you can brush them away. To floss your teeth:
- Take about 18 inches of floss and wrap one end around each of your middle fingers.
- Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers. Then, gently push the floss between two teeth.
- Move the floss into a C-shape on the side of one tooth.
- Rub the floss up and down gently, continuing to press it against your tooth.
- Repeat this process for every tooth.
After flossing, brush your teeth for approximately two minutes.
To Brush Your Teeth:
- Take an amount of toothpaste about pea-sized on your toothbrush.
- Hold your toothbrush on your teeth at a 45-degree angle to your gums.
- Move your toothbrush back and forth in short, gentle strokes the same width for each of your teeth.
- Brush all the outside surfaces, inside surfaces, and chewing surfaces of your teeth, and don’t forget your tongue.
- For the inside of your front teeth, tilt your toothbrush vertically and make small up and down strokes.
Unfortunately, plaque will accumulate very quickly after being brushed away. Experts suggest other at-home treatments to remove plaque buildup. These recommendations include oil pulling and baking soda treatments.
Oil Pulling
Dr. Kristina Neda, a dentist in Georgetown KY, says swishing coconut or olive oil around in your mouth may strengthen your teeth, prevent the tooth from decaying, and remove plaque.
Coconut oil is believed to be a good option because it contains fatty acids such as lauric acid, a substance with inflammatory and antimicrobial effects.
Baking Soda
Research has brought forth evidence which shows that individuals who brush their teeth with baking soda removed more plaque. These individuals also had less plaque regrowth over twenty-four hours than those who brushed their teeth with toothpaste not containing baking soda.
How Plaque Causes Tartar to Form
Tartar forms when plaque on the surface of your teeth combines with minerals in your saliva. Just like plaque, tartar can also form on both above and below the gum line. Tartar acts as a breeding ground for plaque bacteria.
Unlike plaque, tartar can’t be removed by brushing or flossing. The only way to get rid of it is to visit our dentists for a teeth cleaning service. They will use a technique called “scale and polish.” Scaling refers to the removal or picking off of tartar from the teeth while polishing refers to shining and smoothing the teeth.
How to Prevent Plaque and Tartar from Forming
As mentioned before, brushing your teeth daily is the most efficient way to prevent tartar and plaque from forming. Other than that, it is also recommended to visit our team every few months for a checkup.
If you are looking for a reliable dental clinic in Sterling, MI, then you should visit Dental One Care because our team of orthodontists includes one of the most experienced and qualified orthodontists.
If there is a need for treatment to remove tartar, then you should visit us at Dental One care as we are one of the best in Sterling, MI.