Diagnostic plaque Plaque can be diagnosed by a dentist during a routine dental examination.
During an appointment, the dentist or dental hygienist will examine your mouth and gums and ask about your medical history. Depending on the circumstances, the dentist or dental hygienist may use instruments to examine your gums.
Your dentist or dental hygienist can detect plaque and tartar just by examining your mouth and gums. No special tests are required. Depending on what they find, they may recommend an X-ray to check for cavities.5
How to Remove Plaque: Plaque can be removed through good oral hygiene. This includes brushing your teeth daily and flossing properly. Removing plaque can help prevent tartar buildup. If tartar does form, your dentist can remove it during your regular appointment.
Brushing Properly Brushing your teeth twice a day is the first step to properly removing plaque.
How to brush your teeth properly:6
Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gum line. Use short strokes, about half a tooth wide. Brush gently. Brushing too hard can lead to tooth sensitivity or gum recession. Brush all surfaces of the teeth, inside and out. Remember to brush the pits and crevices on top of the teeth where you chew. Brush for two to three minutes. Guide to Brushing Properly Flossing Properly While brushing removes plaque from the teeth, it does not help remove plaque from between the teeth, under braces, or below the gum line. For this reason, it is important to floss at least once a day. Dentists usually recommend using unwaxed floss because it is thinner and easier to use.
To floss effectively:6
Gently insert the floss between two teeth, moving it in a back-and-forth motion. Curve the floss along the edges of the teeth to mimic a “C” shape and move it up and down the sides of each tooth. Repeat flossing between each tooth. Don’t forget to floss the back of your back teeth. Instead of flossing, you could also use a water flosser. This sprays water between your teeth to flush away plaque and food debris.7
Use mouthwash. Mouthwash can also help reduce plaque on your teeth when used in addition to brushing and flossing. Antimicrobial mouthwashes can reduce bacteria that contribute to plaque formation. Fluoride mouthwashes can strengthen your teeth and prevent plaque-caused cavities.8
Consult your dentist before use. Children under 6 years of age should not use fluoride mouthwash.
Home Remedies In addition to brushing with toothpaste and flossing, other home remedies have been reported to reduce plaque. Some are supported by research, while others may require further studies to prove their benefits.
baking powder
Brushing with baking soda has been shown to help remove plaque and bacteria. One study found that baking soda pastes were effective in removing plaque biofilm.9
It is possible to make a paste from baking soda and water. However, this does not have the enamel-strengthening benefits of fluoride, which is required of all toothpastes approved by the American Dental Association.10 Another option is to purchase a toothpaste containing baking soda and fluoride that has the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has been found to have benefits in fighting plaque. Studies have shown that mouthwash containing aloe vera is as effective at reducing plaque as chlorhexidine mouthwashes, which are considered the “gold standard” for mouthwashes.11
Some types of herbal toothpaste and mouthwashes contain
Aloe Vera. Make sure they have the ADA Acceptance Seal.12
