Does Anything Dissolve Dental Plaque
When bacterial plaque isn’t effectively and thoroughly removed, accumulations of plaque gradually calcify and become tartar. In addition to looking unattractive and smelling bad, leaving tartar buildup unaddressed can wreak major damage on the gums and teeth. Regular, effective brushing and flossing can help manage plaque buildup, and routine professional cleanings by a dentist or dental hygienist address any residual plaque or newly developed tartar deposits before they can do too much damage. Tartar can only be safely and effectively removed with clinical tools in the hands of a dental professional, and friction and fluoride, delivered via brushing, will always be the best lines of defense for removing the bulk of plaque that coats the teeth. There are some measures you might follow, however, if you’d like to remove plaque more effectively and prevent tartar in between visits to the dentist.
The most effective way to remove the film of plaque from the teeth is by using fluoride toothpaste for twice-daily brushing with a soft toothbrush, combined with daily flossing. Dentists might also recommend an antiseptic mouthwash to help reduce bacteria in areas that are harder to reach while brushing and flossing. Regular brushing is important, but it’s also important to brush correctly; many dentists recommend using an electric toothbrush, as these appliances take much of the guesswork out of proper brushing. While all manual and electric toothbrushes can help remove plaque, rotating electric toothbrushes, especially those that oscillate while rotating or rotate in varied directions, help reduce inflammation in the gums and keep their plaque-prevention seals tight around the tooth roots. Many patients report that their teeth feel significantly cleaner when using electric toothbrushes, many of which feature a timer to ensure that people brush for a full two minutes at a time, as dentists recommend.
While dental floss is the most common tool for cleaning between the teeth, you might prefer to use a different type of interdental cleaner, like a brush or a water irrigator; there are many different styles of interdental cleaner that have been approved by the American Dental Association. Antibacterial mouthwash can also be used, both to reduce plaque and to freshen the mouth and breath intermittently throughout the day. To remove stubborn plaque that may have begun to calcify, some home remedies have been shown to be effective.
The most effective way to remove tartar is by scraping it away with a sharp, pointed tool, and it is incredibly dangerous to try this method of removal at home; leave that to your dentist! Instead, you might try gargling with a blend of water, two teaspoons of white vinegar, and half a teaspoon of salt twice a day, harnessing the antibacterial powers of the white vinegar and salt. Brushing the teeth with baking soda can help neutralize the acids emitted by plaque, and its abrasive qualities make it effective at removing plaque film from the teeth. Some people report benefits from brushing the teeth and gums with a mixture of water, aloe vera, glycerine, baking soda, and lemon essential oil, which gradually removes plaque and tartar. While these home remedies may be effective, they don’t usually taste very good, and they might take a long time to produce results. It’s always a better idea to prevent plaque and tartar from building up in the first place.