Plaque Removal Products

Dental plaque is a film that collects on the teeth. It is caused by an accumulation of naturally occurring bacteria. If left to collect in large amounts, plaque can eventually lead to tartar. Tartar forms on and in between the teeth and can spread to other areas of the mouth, including the interior wall of the cheek. Plaque removal as part of a dental hygiene regime is the best way to prevent plaque and tartar accumulation.

Regular Toothbrush

• Standard brushing is the main method of removing plaque and preventing a build up. The friction of the brush against the teeth and gums removes food particles and stops a lot of the plaque-causing bacteria from collecting. Brushing after meals and before bed is the best way to keep the teeth free from the bacteria that cause plaque. Modern toothbrushes are designed to optimize access to the mouth. Some have flexible stems to reduce pressure on the gums while some are electric to increase friction and movement against the teeth. Other types are shaped so that the bristles move around the teeth and in to the gaps between them.

Dental floss

• Flossing removes bacteria and food particles that the toothbrush can't reach

  Regular flossing with dental floss or dental tape removes food products and bacteria from in between the teeth. These small gaps are hard to clean with a tooth brush. Dental floss, when used correctly, can access these gaps and add an extra level of cleanliness that brushing can't. There are various types of dental floss products on the market, including menthol and mint-flavored products.

Dental scaler

• Use the scaler slowly and carefully to avoid hurting the gums

  Use a dental scaler to remove small accumulations of plaque from the teeth. A scaler is a thin metal prong with a crooked end. The dental scaler is safe for home use provide that you be careful when handing it. You simply use the hooked end of the scaler to gently scrape plaque from the back of each tooth. Use a dental mirror to examine the effects of using the scaler.

Ionic Toothbrush

• The ionic tooth brush is distinct from a regular tooth brush in that it doesn't use friction to remove bacteria, it uses ionic waves. The brush has a metal plate in the handle which, it is claimed, creates waves that repel the plaque away from the surface of the teeth. The effectiveness of these toothbrushes is yet to be proved conclusively.

Antiseptic oral cleanser

• Oral cleansers, also known as mouthwash, don't remove collections of plaque, though they do destroy the bacteria that causes daily plaque build up. An oral cleanser that contains hydrogen peroxide is likely to be more effective than those that don't contain it. For a homemade alternative, use a mixture 3 percent hydrogen peroxide and water.