Plaque Removal: Causes & Treatment

Not everyone has perfect teeth. Some people may have crooked teeth, some may have unhealthy gums and most people tend to have a thin yellow film covering their pearly whites, taking away from their gleaming glory. This pale yellow film is called plaque. If you have noticed plaque on teeth and are curious about its causes, prevention and plaque removal, read on!

What Is Plaque?

Plaque is a sticky, pale yellow, almost colourless biofilm that forms on the surface of the teeth. Known to be very sticky, it is also called microbial plaque on teeth or dental film. Dental plaque is formed due to the presence of bacteria and food particles and can cause tooth decay, cavities, gum disease and even bad breath!

What Causes Plaque on Teeth?

We all know that at any given point, a wide variety of bacteria are present in our mouths. While most of these bacteria are harmless, some bacteria mix with the food particles of sugary drinks and starchy foods. In this interaction, the bacteria release acids to break down the food particles which mix with carbohydrates to form a yellow sticky biofilm known as dental plaque. Not brushing after eating foods like pasta, milk, juice and soft drinks can easily cause plaque.

Almost everyone faces some degree of plaque on teeth and this can be worsened by

• The consumption of sugary drinks and starchy foods rich in carbohydrates
• Having a dry mouth due to some medication
• Smoking
• Exposure to radiation

How To Prevent Plaque Forming?

The key to preventing plaque on teeth is good oral hygiene which means good tooth and gum care. Here are a few ways to do so:

• Brushing twice a day for 2 minutes each
• Flossing regularly
• Using a fluoride mouthwash- every day to kill germs and bacteria
• Choose items with less or no sugar
• Avoid starchy foods and opt for healthier options
• Go for regular dental checkups and plaque removals if required

How To Remove Plaque?

If you are facing plaque issues and need to find ways to remove plaque you should book a dental appointment. Professional dental plaque removal is one of the best ways to get rid of plaque in a safe and worry-free manner. Dentists safely scrape the teeth and rid them of plaque and tartar buildup. Going in for regular dental appointments can keep your overall oral health in check and keep plaque in control too.

If you are looking for teeth plaque removal ways at home, always remember that the motion of brushing and flossing are essential in getting rid of plaque buildup. Some ways of dental plaque removal at home are:

• Brushing with baking soda
• Brushing 2 times a day
• Using an electric brush instead of a regular brush
• Flossing regularly
• Oil pulling

Dental plaque is common and may seem harmless, but if you ignore the signs and don’t practise the required prevention tips, your plaque can harden and become bright yellow. This is called tartar and it results in extremely bad breath, tooth infection, cavities, gingivitis and more!

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Plaque Removal: FAQs

- How do you get plaque off your teeth?

Brushing and flossing is the best way for teeth plaque removal. Make sure to brush after drinking sugary drinks or eating carbs and you will notice plaque build-up reducing. It also helps to use a fluoride mouthwash to kill germs and bacteria in your mouth. And if you are facing extreme plaque or tartar, it is best to visit a dentist for professional dental plaque removal.

- How do you remove hardened plaque?

Either brush using baking soda or visit your dentist for a professional dental plaque removal to remove hardened plaque safely and effectively.

- Why do I have so much plaque on my teeth?

You may have plaque on your teeth due to the consumption of sugary drinks and starchy foods. You must make sure to brush after eating such items and keep your oral hygiene at its best if you want the plaque to disappear!

- Do dentists remove all plaque?

Yes, dentists are trained professionals who can effectively scrape the plaque from your teeth and reach where you might not at home. So if you have tried to remove your plaque at home and failed, go to a dentist for a proper teeth plaque removal!