How to Remove Dental Plaque

It does not take a trip to the dentist or a teeth-cleaning technique used at your dentist's office to remove dental plaque. You can do simple things at home that help rid your teeth of troublesome plaque. Little changes to your daily hygiene routine, such as flossing, brushing properly and using other simple dental devices can help slim your chances of having a plaque problem. Proper and regular use of these items can help cut down the plaque on your teeth and the food particles in your mouth.

Things You'll Need

• Soft to medium toothbrush
• Dental pick
• Dental floss
• Fluoride toothpaste

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Instructions

• 1

  Floss your teeth. Flossing can help remove plaque in places that a toothbrush cannot reach. It is important to use the proper technique to ensure that your flossing is truly effective against plaque. Waxed floss is the easiest type of floss to use. Begin with an 18-inch strip. Hold the floss tightly between your thumb and forefinger on both hands to floss the upper teeth. Do not force the floss or snap it in place. Gently ease it into the crevices between your teeth. Move the floss up and down against the side of one tooth. To floss the lower teeth, position the floss between your forefingers. Do not forget the last tooth in the mouth. As the floss becomes soiled, slide fresh floss between your fingers to keep the teeth clean. When you are done flossing, rinse your mouth vigorously with water and spit it into a basin to ensure that all the food particles are removed from your mouth.

• 2

  Use fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride toothpaste prevents tooth decay and cavities. It has been in use for the past 50 years. Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and helps fight against tooth erosion. It can also reverse acidic damage in teeth. According to MedicineNet.com, fluoride is the most important ingredient you should look for in your toothpaste, as it has so many benefits and is a mainstay of dental health. Additionally, toothpaste with baking soda claims to remove five times more plaque than regular toothpaste.

• 3

  Brush your teeth at least two times a day. Do not brush them with a rough back-and-forth motion, but use small, circular movements instead. Use a soft to medium toothbrush for comfort and effective scrubbing. Hold it at a 45-degree angle and aim it at where your gums and teeth meet. To clean the inside part of your teeth, hold the brush vertically. Use gentle back-and-forth strokes. Change the position of the brush as needed to reach other teeth, but do not cause pain and discomfort. Be sure to rinse your mouth out when you are done.

• 4

  Use a dental pick, sometimes called "dental toothpicks." They are sold at some grocery stores and pharmacies. Dental picks are thin pieces of plastic or even wood that are meant to be slipped between the teeth. Dental picks work much like floss, and the plastic ones are usually flexible and comfortable to use. Put the thinnest side between your teeth and hold onto the grip at the other end. Dental picks, like floss, are used to remove particles and plaque from between your teeth.