How to Remove Plaque Under the Gumline

Plaque is a film made up of bacteria and microorganisms. It is sticky, colorless and forms in and around your teeth and gumline. Every time you eat, the bacteria in plaque release acids that break down the enamel on your teeth. For this reason, you must brush and floss regularly to keep the plaque at bay. Plaque can accumulate beneath the gumline, causing irritation, inflammation and even gum disease. Proper brushing, flossing and regular dental visits will help remove plaque under the gumline.

Things You'll Need

• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Floss

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Brush your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste after meals. This will help keep plaque under control. Brush the surfaces of your molars in a back-and-forth motion.

• 2

  Place your toothbrush along your outer, upper gumline at a 45-degree angle and brush the outer surface of each tooth using small, circular motions. Maintain contact with the teeth and gum throughout the movement. Repeat for your lower set of teeth.

• 3

  Repeat Step 2 for the inner gumline on both your upper and lower set of teeth.

• 4

  Floss at least once each day after brushing. Flossing removes plaque from between the teeth and just under the gum.

• 5

  Wrap about 18 inches of floss around either of your middle fingers, leaving 2 inches of floss in between your fingers.

• 6

  Guide the floss between your teeth and then around and to the gum. Bring the floss as far as you can under your tooth in a "C" shape underneath the gumline.

• 7

  Book an appointment with your dentist for a professional cleaning. Your dentist will examine your gumline and may decide to do a scaling. Scaling is a nonsurgical procedure that removes excess buildup of plaque along and under your gumline.