Plaque buildup on your teeth is a common issue that can lead to cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems if not addressed. Plaque is a sticky, colorless film of bacteria that forms on teeth after eating or drinking. If it’s not removed, it can harden into tartar, which is more difficult to clean and can only be removed by a dentist.
Let’s break down your questions to help you better understand why this happens and how to manage it.
1. Why Is Too Much Plaque Building Up on Your Teeth?
Several factors contribute to excessive plaque buildup:
- Poor oral hygiene: If you’re not brushing and flossing regularly, plaque can accumulate more easily.
- Diet high in sugars and starches: Bacteria in plaque feed on sugars and starches, producing acids that contribute to its formation.
- Dehydration or dry mouth: Saliva naturally helps to wash away food particles and bacteria. If you’re not drinking enough water, or if your mouth is often dry, plaque can build up faster.
- Smoking or tobacco use: Tobacco can reduce saliva flow, making it easier for plaque to form and harder to remove.
- Certain medical conditions: Diabetes, for example, can increase your risk of plaque buildup, as well as medications that reduce saliva production.
2. Foods to Avoid to Reduce Plaque Buildup
Certain foods and drinks are more likely to contribute to plaque formation, and reducing them can help protect your teeth.
- Sugary foods and drinks: Foods like candy, soda, and desserts feed the bacteria that cause plaque.
- Refined carbohydrates: Foods like white bread, chips, and crackers can break down into sugars in the mouth, contributing to plaque buildup.
- Sticky foods: Foods that cling to teeth, like dried fruits (raisins, dates) and caramel, tend to stay on teeth longer, feeding bacteria.
- Acidic foods and drinks: Soda, citrus fruits, and vinegar-based foods can erode enamel, making it easier for plaque to stick to teeth.
Foods that help reduce plaque:
- Fiber-rich fruits and vegetables: These stimulate saliva flow, which naturally helps cleanse teeth.
- Cheese and dairy: These neutralize acids in the mouth, helping to prevent plaque formation.
- Green tea: Contains polyphenols, which help reduce bacteria in the mouth.
- Sugar-free gum: Helps increase saliva flow and dislodge food particles.
3. Changes in Water Intake to Prevent Plaque
- Increase your water intake: Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps wash away food particles and bacteria. It also promotes saliva production, which is your body’s natural defense against plaque.
- Rinse after meals: If brushing isn’t possible, rinsing your mouth with water after eating can help remove food particles and reduce the risk of plaque buildup.
- Use fluoridated water: If available, fluoridated water can help strengthen enamel and make it more resistant to plaque and bacteria.
4. Home Remedies to Clean Plaque
While regular brushing and flossing are the best defenses against plaque, some home remedies may help keep your teeth cleaner between dental visits:
- Baking soda: Mix a small amount of baking soda with water to create a paste and use it to brush your teeth. Baking soda is mildly abrasive, helping to remove plaque and whiten teeth naturally.
- Oil pulling: Swishing coconut oil (or any other edible oil like sesame or olive oil) in your mouth for 10–15 minutes may reduce bacteria and plaque. Spit the oil out afterward and rinse with water.
- Hydrogen peroxide: A diluted solution of hydrogen peroxide (1 part hydrogen peroxide to 2 parts water) can be used as a mouth rinse. It helps to reduce bacteria and break down plaque, but don’t use this too frequently as it can be harsh on enamel.
- Saltwater rinse: Saltwater rinses can help disinfect the mouth and reduce bacteria. Simply mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt in warm water and rinse for about 30 seconds.
5. Best Toothpastes for Plaque Removal
When choosing toothpaste to reduce plaque, look for these features:
- Fluoride: This is essential for strengthening enamel and preventing tooth decay caused by plaque.
- Anti-bacterial agents: Toothpastes with triclosan or other antibacterial ingredients can help reduce the bacteria that form plaque.
- Tartar control: If plaque has hardened into tartar, tartar control toothpastes can help slow down its formation.
Some recommended toothpaste brands that focus on plaque and tartar control include:
- Colgate Total: Contains fluoride and triclosan, which helps fight plaque, gingivitis, and bacteria for up to 12 hours.
- Crest Pro-Health Advanced: Offers fluoride protection and helps with plaque removal, sensitivity, and gum health.
- Sensodyne Pronamel: Protects against plaque and strengthens enamel, particularly for those with sensitive teeth.
- Parodontax: Specifically designed for gum health, it targets plaque and improves oral hygiene for people prone to gum disease.
- Tom’s of Maine Fluoride Toothpaste: For those who prefer natural ingredients, this fluoride toothpaste helps prevent plaque without artificial chemicals.
Additional Oral Hygiene Tips:
- Brush twice a day: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush for at least two minutes, making sure to cover all areas of your mouth.
- Floss daily: Flossing helps remove plaque and food particles from between teeth, where a toothbrush can’t reach.
- Use mouthwash: An antibacterial mouthwash can help reduce the bacteria that cause plaque and promote gum health.
- Consider an electric toothbrush: These can be more effective at removing plaque than manual brushing, especially for people with dexterity issues.
By making some dietary adjustments, drinking more water, using home remedies, and choosing the right toothpaste, you can significantly reduce plaque buildup and maintain better oral health. Regular dental checkups and professional cleanings are also important to remove any hardened tartar that may form