What is Dental Plaque?
Everyone hates having plaque on their teeth. It’s not just that it looks bad – it’s a breeding ground for bacteria and oral problems too. Dental plaque is a colorless and sticky film that forms between the teeth and gumline.
It contains a lot of bacteria that can destroy your teeth and gums if left untreated, so it’s best to remove it completely. The only problem is that it’s easier said than done.
A known harbinger of numerous oral health problems, plaque attacks the teeth and can lead to gingivitis.
If not removed properly (e.g. flossing and brushing), it can form mineralized deposits that stick to the teeth like a rock. In this form, it can only be removed by a dentist, a process that is unpleasant and costs a lot.
Dental Plaque Removal and Treatment
As mentioned, only a dentist can remove plaque from your teeth once it hardens. Also known as tartar, the hardened plaque biofilm can cause a lot of trouble and is quite hard to remove.
The good news is that there is a way to prevent it and that’s proper oral hygiene. In fact, poor oral hygiene may be the biggest culprit for dental plaque formation on your teeth.
What Can Dental Plaque Lead to?
As mentioned, leaving it untreated can lead to a slew of oral problems. Here’s a short list of what it can cause:
- Bad breath
- Gum inflammation
- Gingivitis
- Cavities
- Loss of teeth (in extreme cases)
In short, dental plaque is very dangerous for your teeth so it’s vital to get rid of it on time. It’s better yet to prevent it, but if it’s already there, you can treat it naturally without taking a trip to the dentist.
Below you can see a list of dental plaque natural remedies that can help with dental plaque and even tartar. Although a trip to the dentist may be a better and more effective solution, they work just as great if given time. Like any other home remedy, these ones work slower, but they have no side-effects at all.
Natural Dental Plaque Remedies
Recipe #1
Ingredients:
- Water
- 15 g walnut shells
Put the walnut shells together with the water in a pot and boil it for 15 minutes. Take your toothbrush and dip it into the water and then brush the teeth for 5 minutes. Repeat this process 3 times a day.
Recipe #2
Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons lime flower
- 2 teaspoons sunflower seeds
- ½ liter of water
Add the lime flower and the sunflower seeds in a bowl and add the water, then simmer for 30 minutes. Brush your teeth with this mixture after every meal to prevent the accumulation of dental plaque.
Recipe #3
Ingredients:
- 2 dl. fermented wine
- 1 ½ tablespoons wormwood leaves
Pour the fermented wine over the leaves and cover the bowl for 2 hours. Strain the mixture in the end and brush your teeth with it.
Recipe #4
Apple cider vinegar is an excellent remedy for removing plaque from your teeth. Swish some in your mouth every day and then scrub your teeth lightly with a toothbrush. Rinse with water to remove all the ACV because it can chip away at the enamel on your teeth.