Taking care of your oral health begins with efforts to effectively stop plaque from building up on your teeth at home. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on tooth surfaces, and if left unchecked, it can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental problems. That’s why a combination of a thorough and regular oral hygiene routine (brushing and flossing) and regular dental check-ups and cleanings are necessary to protect your oral health.
As dentists, when patients ask us, “Can I remove plaque from my teeth at home?” we usually say that we don’t recommend it. However, it is possible, but make sure to avoid going at the plaque build-up too hard in case you end up damaging something. I would recommend coming in for a dental cleaning instead. However, several methods can work for plaque prevention and removal (provided the plaque build-up is minor).
Even with our best efforts, plaque will slowly build up on your teeth and around your gumline. You’ll be able to feel it as a rough, almost sticky, substance on the surface of your teeth, and you might be tempted to use whatever you have at hand to scrape it off.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the best practices and techniques for preventing plaque from forming and ways you can safely and efficiently remove plaque from your teeth in the comfort of your own home. From proper brushing and flossing to natural remedies and lifestyle choices, discover the key strategies that will help you maintain a healthy and sparkling smile.
When we say scraping plaque at home, we’re referring to manually removing dental plaque from tooth surfaces using a dental tool or other implement without the help of a dental professional. This can include using tools such as dental scalers, plaque scrapers, or something as simple as a fingernail or hard plastic object. There are even tools designed to gently scrape away plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth at home without a visit to the dentist.
Removing plaque helps to prevent tooth decay by removing the sticky film of bacteria that can lead to cavities if left untreated. Plaque removal also reduces the risk of gum disease, helping avoid the associated discomfort, bleeding, and even tooth loss if not managed. Additionally, less plaque means your breath will be fresher, and your mouth will feel cleaner and more comfortable. The longevity of dental work, like fillings and crowns, is also increased, ensuring they stay intact and effective. Regular plaque removal, whether through daily brushing and flossing, scraping or dental checkups, is a key element in maintaining a bright and healthy smile for years to come.
The benefits of having less plaque are clear, but that doesn’t mean it’s a “scrape plaque at all costs” scenario because things can go wrong if plaque isn’t removed correctly.
Scraping plaque off your teeth can be tricky, and it’s essential to be cautious. There are a few reasons why it’s best to leave this task to the professionals.
First, if you use the wrong tools or apply too much pressure, you could accidentally scratch or damage your tooth enamel, making your teeth more sensitive and prone to cavities. Remember, tooth enamel doesn’t regenerate, so once damaged, there’s not much you can do to fix it.
Scraping too hard can also lead to gum irritation, making your gums uncomfortable or even causing bleeding. There is also the risk of pushing plaque further under your gumline instead of removing it.
It’s also tough to get all the plaque off on your own, and you might miss some spots, especially just under the gumline, where it’s the most important to remove.
Lastly, if the tools you use aren’t properly cleaned, you risk introducing harmful bacteria into your mouth. That’s why many folks opt for regular dental checkups and cleanings with experts who know how to keep your teeth and gums healthy without any risks.
By far, the best choice to have plaque removed from your teeth is to make an appointment with your dentist for a cleaning. Your dental hygienist and your dentist will determine the correct method to remove whatever amount of plaque is on your teeth, and they will do so properly and safely.
Professional plaque removal during dental cleanings will typically involve one or more of the following procedures:
Scaling: Dental scaling is a common method where dentists use specialized instruments called scalers or curettes to gently scrape away plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) from tooth surfaces, both above and below the gum line.
Ultrasonic Scalers: Ultrasonic scalers use high-frequency vibrations and water flow to break up and remove plaque and tartar. They are effective and less abrasive than traditional scalers.
Polishing: After scaling, dentists often polish the teeth using a rotating rubber cup and a polishing paste. This helps remove surface stains and leaves the teeth feeling smooth.
Air Abrasion: In some cases, dentists may use air abrasion devices that use a high-velocity stream of particles to remove plaque and small areas of tooth decay.
Laser Therapy: Dental lasers can be used to remove plaque and tartar and treat gum disease. Laser therapy is precise and minimally invasive.
Ultraviolet (UV) Light: Some dentists use UV light to detect and remove plaque, making it easier to identify areas that need attention.
Antimicrobial Rinse: Dentists may use an antimicrobial rinse or gel to help kill bacteria and prevent further plaque buildup.
Normally, people think that a plaque scraper will be a flat tool (like an ice scraper for your teeth), but in reality, they are very sharp, pointed instruments meant to get every last bit of plaque off your teeth.
Head to the drugstore, and you’ll find multiple brands selling scrapers, Waterpik-style plaque removers and even ultrasonic cleaners.
If you plan on using these tools at home by yourself, we recommend checking with your dentist beforehand to ensure you know what you’re doing.
When it comes to removing plaque at home or keeping it at bay as best as possible, you can use several simple yet effective methods.
For starters, a good oral hygiene routine consisting of brushing (electric toothbrushes are better), flossing and rinsing is the number one plaque prevention and removal method. You can also use interdental brushes or picks to deep clean between your teeth, and adding an antiseptic mouthwash reduces plaque-causing bacteria and can help a lot.
Oil pulling is another method that can work to remove plaque from your teeth.
Using plaque scraping tools designed for the task is also an option; just make sure to be gentle and follow instructions.
It’s not a good idea to scrape plaque with your fingernail too often, even though it seems like a convenient way to do so. Fingernails are tough and will wear down your tooth enamel faster than you think. Fingernails are also largely ineffective at removing meaningful amounts of plaque, especially from the actual problem areas near or under the gumline.
There is also the possibility of bacterial transfer from the bacteria, dirt and other debris on your fingernails.
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