Although we brush our teeth every day, it doesn't necessarily mean that we can clean our teeth thoroughly, especially when dental plaque appears. Dental plaque includes dental biofilm, soft plaque, and tartar, all of which are common factors causing periodontal disease. So how do we remove dental plaque from our teeth? Let me teach you some tips on removing dental plaque.
Brushing teeth frequently to clean dental biofilm and soft plaque
Cleaning dental biofilm and soft plaque is relatively simple. Generally, as long as we brush our teeth regularly and correctly, or use dental floss, we can remove them. Generally, if we can't see any white or light yellow soft deposits on our teeth, it means they have been cleaned.
Methods to remove tartar
Brushing teeth morning and night
In the early stage of tartar formation, it is easy to remove it by brushing teeth morning and night and rinsing after meals. Do not wait until it becomes firmly attached and calcified before thinking about cleaning it, as it will be difficult to remove at that point.
Adjusting diet
Chewing fibrous foods containing vitamins can help maintain oral hygiene. Cakes, sweets, and sticky foods are prone to accumulate on the teeth. If not cleaned properly, it will lead to tartar formation. Therefore, it is important to brush your teeth and clean them promptly after consuming these foods.
Dental cleaning
The most effective method to clean tartar is professional dental cleaning, also known as scaling. Once tartar forms, it must be cleaned professionally. Do not attempt to remove tartar using any acidic substances, as acid is the enemy of teeth. Although most tartar is made up of calcium that can be dissolved by acid, the tooth surface should not be corroded by acidic substances. Acidic substances can cause dental biofilm to reproduce and can also bring the risk of tooth decay.
Common methods to remove dental plaque
Using dental tape to remove dental plaque
The simplest method to remove dental plaque is to use dental tape, which can also whiten teeth. However, it is important to brush your teeth after using dental tape within six hours.
Using hydrogen peroxide to remove dental plaque
Hydrogen peroxide has disinfection properties and can help remove oxidation. Take an appropriate amount of medical hydrogen peroxide on a towel and wipe your teeth. This can effectively remove dental plaque. However, remember to brush your teeth and rinse your mouth thoroughly after wiping to completely rinse off the hydrogen peroxide in the oral cavity.
Using baking soda to remove dental plaque
Adding a little baking soda to dental plaque while brushing can gradually remove the plaque and noticeably whiten teeth. Using baking soda can also reduce harm to teeth. It is recommended to use a toothpaste with whitening effect, as these toothpastes contain mild silica, which can effectively remove stains on teeth.
Using dental floss to remove dental plaque
Brushing teeth every day may not completely clean the teeth. Dental floss can be used to clean areas between teeth that are difficult to reach with a toothbrush. Dental floss should be used at night to ensure that all food residues from the day are removed. Choose dental floss with whitening function, as it can remove food particles and dental plaque that cannot be reached by a toothbrush.
Rinsing with vinegar to remove dental plaque
Holding vinegar in your mouth for 1 to 3 minutes and then spitting it out before brushing your teeth can quickly remove dental plaque. However, teeth may feel very sour and numb after using this method. It should not be used continuously. It is recommended to use this method once every 2 months to avoid damage to teeth. This method is suitable for emergency situations and can also help freshen breath.
Using strawberries to remove dental plaque
Mash one strawberry and mix it with half a teaspoon of baking powder. Apply the mixture evenly on the surface of the teeth, brush it off after five minutes, and then rinse your mouth. This can effectively remove dental plaque because the malic acid contained in strawberries acts as a softener, removing stains on the surface of the teeth. When mixed with baking powder, it becomes a natural tooth cleaner that can remove stains left by coffee, red wine, and cola on the teeth. However, this method should not be used for a long time to avoid damage to the enamel of the teeth. Using it once a week is more appropriate.
