How to Dissolve Plaque and Calculus Without Scraping

As fun as having your teeth scraped with sharp metals tools sounds, many people would prefer to skip having the hygienist clean their teeth all together. While following a regular cleaning schedule is very important for overall dental health, there are cleaning habits that can be performed at home that can help keep plaque and calculus at bay. By following these simple steps, you can help decrease the amount of scraping your hygienist will need to do.

Things You'll Need

• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Dental floss
• Plaque disclosing tablets

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Instructions

• 1

  Insert a plaque disclosing tablet into your mouth. Chew it until it is completely dissolved. Notice that your mouth will be covered in red dye. This indicates areas that plaque and calculus are present.

• 2

  Place a pea size amount of toothpaste onto a toothbrush. Move the toothbrush in tiny circular motions across your teeth. Time yourself for two to three minutes. Repeat this step until all of the red dye has been removed.

• 3

  Rinse your mouth thoroughly with water.

• 4

  Cut a eight to ten inch piece of floss. Wrap the floss tightly around your middle fingers. Using your pointer fingers and thumbs, gently insert the floss between two teeth. Wrap the floss around the sides of the teeth. Move the floss in an up and down motion, removing any remaining plaque. Repeat this step until every tooth has been flossed.

• 5

  Rinse your mouth thoroughly with water. Repeat the entire process at least two to three times a day.