Your smile defines your personality, and healthy teeth are one of the indications of overall health and well-being.
But let’s agree that many of us lack that sparkly, bright, and neatly aligned white teeth, and if you are sporting those pale yellowish teeth, it can actually interfere with your confidence.
Pale, yellowish teeth are quite common, and it happens when a thin film of a mass of bacteria grows on the surface.
Known as dental plaque, oral biofilm, microbial film, dental biofilm, this bacterial thin layer can form between, in front or behind the teeth and also above or below the jawline.
Over time, if left untreated, dental plaque may turn brownish and form tartar like substance, leading to toothache, tooth decay, sensitivity, gum swelling and various gum diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis.
Here are a few effective ways that can help you remove that sticky tartar off your tooth naturally and give a beaming white smile:
Brush After Every Meal:
Brush your teeth properly twice a day after meals. Go for soft-bristled toothbrushes and use circular motions at all angles to remove the yellowish film. This prevents the building up of germs in the mouth.
Use Plaque Control Toothpaste:
Try using plaque or tartar control toothpaste regularly to prevent or treat tooth plaque. Several kinds of toothpaste are available with a higher concentration of ingredients like zinc sulfate, fluoride and pyrophosphates, which not only prevent plaque build-up but also wash away oral bacteria.
Oil Pulling:
One such traditional way of removing tartar from teeth is swishing your mouth with oil, also known as oil pulling. This practice not only removes plaque but also treats toothache, bleeding gums, soothes sore gums and prevents tooth decay. You can try swishing your mouth using coconut oil, olive oil or sesame oil as these oils exhibit anti-bacterial properties and promote dental health.
Scrub Your Teeth:
Severe deposition of tartar may not go away by just brushing. In such cases, you may scrub your teeth on alternative days to remove the tartar manually. You can opt for some homemade scrubs like baking soda with water or aloe vera and glycerine because these ingredients not only remove the plaque but also provide a natural shine.
Use Antiseptic Oral Cleanser:
Regular use of mouthwash or oral cleansers plays a key role in removing bacteria and germs from the oral cavity and helps in preventing plaque build-up.
Home Remedies
Clean with Baking Soda:
The natural cleansing property of baking soda works amazingly well to clear away plaque. However, use it occasionally as it is slightly abrasive.
Take one tablespoon of baking soda and add a pinch of salt, then wet a toothbrush and dip it into this mixture. Brush your teeth with this mixture and rinse well.
Aloe Vera and Glycerine:
Aloe vera, bestowed with potent antioxidant and antibacterial properties, helps to combat dental plaque and improve oral hygiene.
Take a cup of water, add a teaspoon of aloe vera gel, half a cup of baking soda, and four teaspoons of glycerine, and mix well. Scrub the teeth with this solution for shinier and brighter teeth.
Orange Peel:
Orange peel is a storehouse of vitamin C, limonene, and gluconate that help maintain dental health. Soluble fibre found in the white region of the orange peel helps to whiten the teeth. These active compounds act as natural tooth whitening agents to combat tartar building pathogens on the enamel.
Simply rub or mash up the peel and apply it to the stained areas, let it stay for 15 minutes and then rinse well.
Additional Effective Remedies
Flossing
Flossing teeth at least once in two days can successfully help to get rid of dental plaque. This dental habit helps to remove tough food particles hidden between the teeth. Most likely, flossing should be done before brushing teeth.
White Vinegar
This is another powerful method that can cut through tough tartar. Make a solution of white vinegar mixed in a glass of warm water and add a pinch of salt. This solution can be used as a gargle after brushing teeth.
Mustard Oil, Salt, And Turmeric Paste
Application of a homemade paste made with turmeric, salt, and mustard oil will prove very effective not just in removing plaque on your teeth, but it will also help to prevent sudden gum bleeding. This paste should be rubbed every night to achieve the best results.
Fluoride Treatment
Getting a professional fluoride treatment at a dental clinic may be a simple treatment, but very useful in helping to get rid of tough plaque. A dentist applies topical fluoride to the teeth, which is mostly foam or a concentrated gel. This powerful remedy can help prevent tooth decay and stop it from getting worse
Frequently Asked Questions
What Causes Dental Plaque To Build Up?
Dental plaque forms when bacteria in your mouth mix with food particles and saliva. If not cleaned properly, it sticks to the teeth and turns into a soft, sticky film. Over time, this film hardens and can lead to tartar and gum problems.
How Often Should I Remove Plaque From My Teeth?
Plaque begins forming just hours after brushing, so daily cleaning is essential. Brushing twice a day and flossing once a day helps keep it under control.
Can Natural Remedies Really Remove Plaque?
Yes, some natural methods like oil pulling, baking soda brushing, and saltwater rinsing can help reduce plaque buildup. They work by breaking down bacteria and softening deposits on the teeth. However, they should be used along with proper brushing and flossing, not as replacements.
References:
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jcpe.13275
https://www.jkdhs.org/journal/view.html?doi=10.17135/jdhs.2024.24.3.125
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