How To Remove Plaque From Your Teeth

“Plaque” is one of those dental terms you’ve probably heard a hundred times. But what is it, really? And more importantly, how do you get rid of it?

“Plaque is a biofilm that forms on your teeth from everyday life — eating, drinking, even your own saliva,” explains registered dental hygienist Tenika Patterson, RDH. “It’s soft and sticky at first, but if it’s not removed within 24 hours, it hardens like cement. That’s what we call tartar.”

Once plaque becomes tartar, only a dental professional can remove it. But with the right habits, you can stop plaque before it hardens — and protect your smile in the long run.

How to get rid of plaque

Here’s the good news: You have the power to remove plaque. Patterson walks us through the habits that matter most.

Floss daily

Flossing may not be the highlight of your day. But it is so (so) important to floss your teeth every night before brushing.

“Flossing removes plaque between your teeth. Your toothbrush doesn’t reach those spots,” Patterson says.

And when it comes to choosing floss, she recommends sticking with the good ol’ string version.

“Water flossers are great in addition to string floss, but they shouldn’t replace it,” she advises. “String floss really gets under the gum line and hugs the tooth to rub plaque away.”

As for those handy little floss picks? They can work in a pinch — like after dinner at a restaurant — but they’re not as effective for full plaque removal, she adds.

Make sure you use proper technique, too — don’t just saw between your teeth.

“You want to wrap the floss around each side of the tooth in a ‘C’ shape,” Patterson instructs. “Then, rub up and down gently against the tooth. That friction is what removes plaque.”

Brush your teeth

Brush your teeth every morning and every evening. For best plaque-busting results, follow these tips:

• Be gentle. Use a soft or extra-soft toothbrush. “Hard or medium bristles can wear away at your enamel and gum line,” Patterson warns.
• Consider electric. Manual toothbrushes can do the trick, as long as you have good technique. But many people benefit from electric toothbrushes. “They do the circular motion for you — and they have a timer built in,” Patterson points out.
• Use fluoride toothpaste. When choosing toothpaste, the No. 1 thing to look for is fluoride. Fluoride helps prevent cavities by removing plaque and strengthening your teeth. It can even help reverse tooth decay.
• Take your time. You should brush your teeth for a full two minutes. One technique that can help: Think of your mouth in four quadrants (top left, top right, bottom left, bottom right). Brush each section for 30 seconds.

Eat crunchy fruits and veggies

It’s no surprise that gummy or sticky foods can be bad for your teeth. But foods that crunch can help keep plaque at bay.

“Crunchy foods like apples, celery and carrots can actually help scrub plaque off your teeth,” says Patterson.

The mechanical action of chewing helps clear buildup. An added bonus: These healthy snacks can keep you fuller longer, so you don’t go reaching for some of those other snacks that aren’t so kind to your chompers.

Don’t skip the dentist

Even if you’re a rockstar at daily dental care, you still need regular professional cleanings.

“Getting a dental cleaning and check-up every six months is the gold standard,” Patterson explains. “But some people need to come in every three or four months, depending on how quickly they build plaque.”

Dental visits also give your provider a chance to catch other issues early. They’ll check for everything from cavities and gum disease to signs of larger health problems, like oral cancer.

“It’s a critical part of your overall healthcare,” Patterson emphasizes.

Why it’s important to remove plaque

Removing plaque isn’t just about keeping your pearly whites ... well, pearly white. Left unchecked, plaque buildup can lead to serious oral health problems.

Here’s how the dominoes fall:

1. Plaque turns into tartar.
2. Tartar harbors bacteria.
3. Bacteria cause inflammation under your gum line.
4. Inflammation leads to the gum disease gingivitis.
5. Untreated gingivitis turns into periodontitis, which causes bone loss in your jaw and, eventually, tooth loss.

In other words, a few minutes of daily prevention can save you a lot of problems down the road. Keep up the healthy habits!