How To Clean Plaque Off Your Teeth

Oral Care

While it’s normal to have some plaque, leaving it untreated can lead to all kinds of oral health issues. If plaque hardens into tartar, it becomes even more difficult to remove, requiring professional cleanings. In this guide, we’ll cover simple and effective ways to clean plaque off your teeth and prevent it from building up.

What is Plaque?

Plaque is a sticky, colourless film of bacteria that constantly forms on the surface of your teeth. This film is made up of bacteria, food particles, and saliva. If left untreated, plaque can lead to serious oral health issues like tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath.

As plaque builds up, it produces acids that attack the tooth enamel, which can eventually result in cavities. Plaque that isn’t removed can also harden into tartar, increasing the risk of gum disease and causing even more damage to your teeth and gums.

Difference Between Dental Plaque and Tartar

Now that we understand what plaque is, it’s important to differentiate it from tartar. While plaque is bacteria that can be removed more easily, tartar forms when plaque isn’t cleaned away regularly.

Tartar is hardened plaque that attaches tightly to the teeth and gums, making it much more difficult to remove. Unlike plaque, which can be cleaned at home, tartar requires professional dental cleaning. The buildup of tartar can lead to more serious oral health issues, including gum disease and tooth decay, making regular plaque removal important for preventing tartar formation.

Find out how you can remove tartar without a dentist.

Signs You Have Plaque

Plaque buildup often presents clear signs that are easy to detect, such as:

A sticky or fuzzy feeling on your teeth when you run your tongue over them.
Persistent bad breath or a lingering bad taste in your mouth.
Swollen, red gums that may bleed during brushing or flossing.
Yellow or pale white buildup along the gum line or between teeth.

To help detect plaque more easily, you can use disclosing tablets or solutions. These products temporarily stain plaque, making it visible so you can target areas that may need extra attention during brushing and flossing.

See our guide on how to use plaque disclosing tablets.

How to Clean Plaque Off Teeth at Home

Brush Twice a Day

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to gently remove plaque from all tooth surfaces.
Brush for at least two minutes, making sure to cover the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of your teeth.

Floss Daily

Flossing helps remove plaque from between teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach.
Use about 45cm of floss, gently sliding it between your teeth and curving it around the base of each tooth to clean beneath the gum line.

Use a Mouthwash

Use an antibacterial mouthwash to reduce plaque buildup and bacteria in your mouth.
A fluoride mouthwash can also strengthen enamel and protect against tooth decay, providing extra protection alongside brushing and flossing.

Use a Plaque Scraper or Dental Tool

A plaque scraper can help remove hardened plaque in tricky spots, especially near the gumline or between teeth.
Use caution with dental tools, and if plaque has hardened into tartar, it’s best to see a dentist for professional cleaning to avoid gum damage.

Preventing Plaque Buildup

Healthy Diet

Avoid sugary and starchy foods, as they fuel the bacteria that cause plaque formation.
Incorporate fibrous fruits and vegetables into your diet, as they naturally clean teeth and stimulate saliva production, which helps wash away plaque.

Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially fluoridated tap water, to help wash away food particles and bacteria.
Staying hydrated also promotes saliva production, your mouth’s natural defence against plaque.

Quit Smoking

Smoking contributes to plaque buildup and increases the risk of gum disease and other oral health issues.
Quitting smoking can significantly improve your oral health and reduce plaque formation.

Good Oral Care Routine

Being consistent with a good oral care routine as mentioned above.

Take Charge of Your Oral Health Today

Explore The House of Mouth’s extensive range of oral care products, including toothbrushes, floss, mouthwash and disclosing products. Our products are designed to support your daily oral hygiene routine and help prevent plaque buildup for a healthier smile. For personalised advice on plaque removal or further guidance, don’t hesitate to contact The House of Mouth today!