Plaque Problems? Solve Them Naturally with These Home Remedies

Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth and gums. It can cause tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath if left untreated. Plaque can also harden into tartar, a yellowish substance that makes your teeth look dull and stained. Tartar can only be removed by a professional dental cleaning, which can be costly and inconvenient.

But don’t worry, there are some natural ways to prevent and remove plaque from your teeth at home. In this article, we will share with you some effective dental plaque home remedies that you can try with simple ingredients from your kitchen. We will also explain what causes plaque and how you can avoid it in the future. By following these tips, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy and beautiful without spending a fortune on dental products.

Key Takeaways

• Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that can cause tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath if left untreated. It can also harden into tartar, which requires a professional dental cleaning to remove.
• Some home remedies for plaque removal that have research support and are generally safe to use include oil pulling, turmeric, aloe vera, and green tea.
• Perfora offers SLS-free dental care products that are gentle on your mouth and effective in removing plaque and tartar.
• Prevention is key in avoiding plaque and tartar problems. Brushing and flossing daily, using a mouthwash, eating a balanced diet, and quitting smoking are important steps to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent plaque and tartar buildup.

Understanding Tooth Plaque

Tooth plaque is a biofilm of bacteria that adheres to the surface of your teeth. It is composed of millions of microorganisms, mostly harmless, that feed on the sugars and starches in your food. As they digest these substances, they produce acids that erode your tooth enamel and cause cavities. Plaque also irritates your gums and causes inflammation, bleeding, and infection. This is known as gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease.

Plaque is constantly forming on your teeth, especially after you eat or drink. That’s why it is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily to remove the plaque and food particles from your mouth. If you don’t, plaque will accumulate and harden into tartar, also called calculus. Tartar is a mineralized deposit that forms at the base of your teeth, near the gum line. It is more difficult to remove than plaque and requires a professional dental scaling. Tartar can also trap more bacteria and plaque, creating a vicious cycle of dental problems. To learn more about what dental plaque is, read our article on what is plaque & how it is formed on teeth.

Home Remedies for Plaque Removal: What Works?

There are many home remedies for plaque removal that claim to be effective and natural. However, not all of them are backed by scientific evidence or safe to use. Some of them can even damage your teeth and gums, such as lemon juice, vinegar, baking soda, and charcoal. These substances are too acidic or abrasive and can weaken your enamel and cause sensitivity. Therefore, you should be careful and consult your dentist before trying any home remedy for plaque removal.

Here are some of the home remedies for plaque removal that have some research support and are generally safe to use:

• Oil pulling: This is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that involves swishing a tablespoon of oil, such as coconut, sesame, or sunflower, in your mouth for 15 to 20 minutes. The oil is supposed to pull out the bacteria and toxins from your mouth and improve your oral health. Some studies have shown that oil pulling can reduce plaque, gingivitis, and bad breath . You can try out Perfora’s Ayurvedic Oil Pulling for Healthy Teeth & Gums
• Turmeric: Turmeric is a spice that has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It can help reduce plaque, gingivitis, and bleeding gums. You can make a paste of turmeric and water and apply it to your teeth and gums with a toothbrush or your finger. Leave it on for a few minutes and then rinse it off.
• Aloe vera: Aloe vera is a plant that has soothing and healing effects on your skin and mucous membranes. It can also help fight plaque, gingivitis, and candida infections in your mouth. You can use aloe vera gel or juice as a mouthwash or apply it directly to your teeth and gums..
• Green tea: Green tea is a popular beverage that has many health benefits, including improving your oral health. Green tea contains antioxidants and polyphenols that can inhibit the growth and activity of plaque-causing bacteria.

Natural Tartar Removal Solutions

If you are looking for more natural solutions to remove dental plaque, you might want to consider using some of the products from Perfora, a dental care company that promotes the use of SLS free products. SLS, or sodium lauryl sulfate, is a common ingredient in many toothpastes and mouthwashes. It is a surfactant that creates foam and helps remove dirt and grease. However, SLS can also have some negative effects on your oral health, such as:

• Irritating your mouth and causing ulcers, dryness, and burning sensations.
• Damaging your taste buds and altering your sense of taste.
• Increasing the risk of dental erosion and sensitivity by weakening your enamel.
• Interfering with the natural balance of your oral flora and increasing the growth of plaque and harmful bacteria.

That’s why Perfora offers a range of SLS free products that are gentle on your mouth and effective in removing plaque and tartar. 

Removing Tartar from Teeth with Home Ingredients

While plaque is soft and easy to remove, tartar is hard and requires professional dental tools to scrape it off. However, there are some home ingredients that can help loosen and dissolve tartar from your teeth. These ingredients are:

• Strawberries: Strawberries are rich in vitamin C and malic acid, which can help whiten your teeth and help in natural tartar removal. You can mash some strawberries and rub them on your teeth for a few minutes. Then rinse your mouth with water and brush your teeth as usual. You can also mix some strawberry pulp with baking soda and use it as a toothpaste. However, do not use this method more than once a week, as it can damage your enamel.
• Orange peel: Orange peel contains citric acid and limonene, which can help break down tartar and prevent bacterial growth. You can rub some fresh or dried orange peel on your teeth for a few minutes. Then rinse your mouth with water and brush your teeth as usual.
• Sesame seeds: Sesame seeds are natural abrasives that can help polish your teeth and remove tartar from your teeth naturally. You can chew some sesame seeds and then brush your teeth with a dry toothbrush. The seeds will act as a scrub and scrape off the tartar from your teeth.

The Battle Against Plaque & Tartar: Prevention Tips

As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. The best way to avoid plaque and tartar problems is to prevent them from forming in the first place. Here are some tips to help you prevent plaque and tartar from your teeth:

• Brush your teeth twice a day: This is the most basic and important step to keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy. You should brush your teeth for at least two minutes, using a soft-bristled toothbrush and an SLS-free toothpaste. You should also clean your tongue, as it can harbour bacteria and plaque. You can use an electric toothbrush or a manual one, as long as you brush your teeth thoroughly and gently.
• Floss your teeth daily: Flossing is essential to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth and under your gum line. These areas are often missed by brushing and can become breeding grounds for bacteria and plaque. You should floss your teeth at least once a day, using a gentle up-and-down motion.
• Use a mouthwash: Mouthwash can help rinse away any remaining plaque and bacteria from your mouth and freshen your breath. You should use a mouthwash after brushing and flossing your teeth, swishing it around your mouth for 30 seconds. For optimal oral hygiene, consider incorporating the use of Perfora's probiotic mouthwash, recognized as one of the most recommended mouthwashes by dental professionals.
• Eat a balanced diet: What you eat can affect your oral health, as some foods can promote plaque and tartar formation, while others can prevent it. You should avoid foods that are high in sugar and starch, such as candies, cakes, cookies, bread, pasta, and chips. These foods can feed the bacteria and plaque in your mouth and cause tooth decay and gum disease. You should also limit your intake of acidic foods and drinks, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, coffee, and soda.
• Quit smoking: Smoking is one of the worst habits for your oral health, as it can stain your teeth, damage your gums, and increase the risk of plaque and tartar. Smoking can also reduce your saliva flow and impair your immune system, which can make it harder for your body to fight off infections and heal wounds. Smoking can also cause bad breath, tooth loss, oral cancer, and other serious health problems.

Conclusion

Plaque and tartar are common dental problems that can affect your oral health and appearance. They can cause tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath if left untreated. However, there are some natural ways to prevent and remove plaque and tartar from your teeth at home. You can use some home remedies for plaque removal, such as oil pulling, turmeric, aloe vera, and green tea. You can also use some home ingredients to remove tartar from your teeth, such as strawberries, orange peel, and sesame seeds. 

But most importantly, you should practice good oral hygiene and follow some prevention tips to avoid plaque and tartar problems in the first place. 

We hope you enjoyed reading this article and learned something new and useful. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. We would love to hear from you and help you with your dental care needs. Thank you for choosing Perfora as your trusted partner in oral health. Have a great day and a beautiful smile! 😊

Frequently Asked Questions on Natural Dental Plaque Problems

1. Can plaque be removed naturally?

Yes, regular brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash can naturally remove plaque and prevent tartar formation.

2. How do you get rid of plaque fast?

The fastest way to remove plaque is by maintaining a strict oral hygiene routine: brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and using an antimicrobial mouthwash.

3. Can I scrape plaque 1off my teeth?

While it's possible to scrape off some plaque at home with dental tools, it's not recommended. Improper use can damage your gums or enamel. It's best to leave plaque removal to dental professionals.

4. How to stop plaque on teeth?

To stop plaque buildup, brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss daily, use an antibacterial mouthwash, and visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings.