Are you seeing a sticky substance from around your teeth? This is what’s known as dental plaque and it is an unfortunate sign that you’re not looking after your teeth properly at home. Looking after your teeth means not performing the oral routine steps correctly, or not performing them enough.
It is never too late to update your oral routine, particularly with dental plaque, because the substance can be removed at home and doesn’t require a dentist during its initial stages. Although, if it hardens to become tartar, then that becomes more difficult to brush off at home, and will require professional cleaning at the dentist to remove it.
Here are the steps you can take to decrease plaque at home today.
Floss Your Teeth
The culprit for dental plaque to form on teeth is if food particles remain in the mouth. Your saliva levels are the protection to digest your food to keep your mouth clean, however, sometimes food can get stuck in between teeth. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you start flossing your teeth after you’ve brushed your teeth every day so the plaque cannot collate food debris to build plaque.
Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is the process of removing plaque buildup and preventing plaque from developing more. Extra-virgin coconut oil is an example oil that contains antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties to reduce bacteria in the mouth. To use this safely, place one tablespoon of the oil in your mouth for a period of 15-20 minutes. No swallowing and no gargling, simply swish inside the mouth through that time. Then, rinse and brush your teeth.
Baking Soda
This is the process of applying baking soda to your toothbrush and simply brushing your teeth with it. Baking soda is beneficial in removing plaque and tartar buildup. Once you’ve brushed your teeth, spit the baking soda out and repeat the process for 3 to 5 minutes. Rinse your mouth with warm water and repeat this process until you see a reduction in plaque on your teeth.
Clean Your Mouth At Night
It is easy to neglect your teeth and gums at night because you’re too tired to brush your teeth or even use mouthwash to keep your mouth clean from bacterial properties. If you’re seeing a plaque on your teeth, it is likely to be because your oral routine isn’t strong enough. If you’re a fan of eating a snack at night, then that’s no issue, providing that your mouth is kept clean before you sleep. Bacteria lands in the mouth, notably your tongue, and you can also clean your mouth at night through tongue scraping.
Aloe Vera
Recent research has found that Aloe Vera is effective in removing plaque and halitosis as well. Aloe Vera is antimicrobial, meaning it is effective in killing harmful bacteria in the mouth. It is a form of a paste that you can apply to the gum line and teeth and rub it across with your fingers. Leave it for 10 minutes and then rinse out with cold water. Repeat this twice a day until the plaque is removed.
Decrease plaque at home by following these steps from today. Plaque buildup can simply be removed at home if your oral routine is strong. Adding these steps to your oral routine will be more than effective in keeping your teeth and gums clean for a shiny smile.
If your mouth is full of plaque and you’re seeking a professional clean, we’re ready for you at Complete Family Dental. Click here to book yourself in with us for an appointment!