How to Remove Dental Plaque From Your Teeth

Dental plaque is a sticky film that forms on your teeth. Plaque contains bacteria, living and dead, which release enamel-attacking acids. If left in place, dental plaque hardens into tartar and can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. It is therefore important to know how to remove dental plaque from your teeth.

How to Remove Dental Plaque from Your Teeth: Brushing
One of the most important ways to remove dental plaque from your teeth is by brushing on a regular basis. The American Dental Association recommends brushing twice a day. If you cannot brush twice each day, make sure to brush at least once before you go to bed at night.

To remove plaque and keep your mouth healthy, you need to brush your teeth properly. A quick scrub and rinse is not enough. The following is the proper technique for brushing your teeth. For the proper way to brush your teeth, see the ADA's website: How Do I Brush My Teeth?

Electric toothbrushes offer a more efficient way to remove plaque from teeth while brushing. Depending on the model, an electric toothbrush can remove between 10% and 49% more plaque than a manual toothbrush.

How to Remove Dental Plaque from Your Teeth: Flossing
Flossing is just as important as brushing when it comes to removing dental plaque from your teeth. Dental floss removes plaque from the surfaces between your teeth, where a toothbrush cannot reach. As with brushing, flossing is only effective if you use the proper technique. For the proper way to floss, see the ADA's website: How Do I Floss My Teeth?

How to Remove Dental Plaque from Your Teeth: Mouth Rinses
A study by the University of Pennsylvania showed the mouth rinse Plax was an effective way to help remove dental plaque. Thirty seconds of rinsing with Plax reduced dental plaque by 22%. This was increased to 34% when rinsing with Plax was followed by brushing. A second research group in Boston confirmed the results.

A study conducted at the University of Maryland at Baltimore showed Listerine helped reduce dental plaque by up to 22%.

How to Remove Dental Plaque from Your Teeth: See Your Dentist for a Regular Cleaning
While brushing and flossing can remove a good share of the plaque from your teeth, you will need the help of your dentist to remove all of it. The American Dental Association recommends you have a full dental cleaning every six months.

How to Prevent Dental Plaque
It is easier to remove dental plaque from your teeth if you limit the amount that builds up in the first place. Ways to reduce the amount of plaque build up include:

• Avoid sugary foods and snacks
• Limit starchy foods
• Limit the number of times you snack throughout the day
• Rinse your mouth with water after eating
• Chew sugarless gum after eating
• Do not use tobacco products

Additional Sources:
Consumer Guide to Dentistry:
Dental Plaque

MotherNature.com:
Tartar and Plaque