Removing Dental Plaque Naturally

Matthew 23:25-26 "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You cleanse the outside of cup and dish, but inside they are full of plunder and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee, cleanse first the inside of the cup, so that the outside also may be clean.

Jesus Himself teaches His creation to be clean not only inside but outside as well.

Thus, I am re-echoing these tips on personal oral hygiene. 

Plaque is a sticky, soft film of bacteria that accumulates on teeth, dental fillings, gums, tongue, dentures and crowns.

When multiple layers of plaque combined with minerals present in saliva, it solidifies into a white, chalky calcified substance called tartar.

It develops a breeding ground for the oral bacteria that feed on sugars from the food taken. In addition, it forms acid during this process that breaks down the tooth enamel, which cause dental cavities. Bacteria also produce toxins which causes different periodontal (gum) problems.

Plaque buildup may be caused by improper oral hygiene, bad brushing technique, poor food choices, heredity and lack of professional care.

So how do we prevent plaque and tartar buildup to preserve dental hygiene?

Brush teeth with a good toothpaste at least two times a day. Use a soft, nylon brush with rounded, polished bristles. Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle against the gum line.

Brush the tongue likewise as it supports growth of bacteria causing plaque buildup.

Use dental floss regularly in cleaning teeth and gums.

In addition to regular dental hygiene, some natural remedies can also be taken in removing plaque and tartar. Tartar that’s mineralized on the teeth is extremely difficult to remove. Nevertheless, by regular removal plaque can help prevent permanent tooth decay.

So, here’s the top 10 natural methods of removing plaque and tartar:

1. Oil Pulling

Extra-virgin coconut oil is great for oil pulling as it is high in lauric acid that has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects.  Personally, I apply this one as this is the most accessible in the Philippines, aside from guava and white vinegar.

Method:

Swish 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin coconut oil around the mouth for 15 to 20 minutes.

Spit it out. Neither gargle with it nor swallow it.

Brush teeth as usual.

Repeat daily, in the morning before eating anything.

Also, massage the gums with a few drops of coconut oil daily. Warm sesame oil can also be used on pulling.

2. Guava

Both guava fruit and leaves are thought to be excellent antiplaque agents in removing plaque developed on the teeth and gums. They also have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that facilitate in trimming down swelling and pain in the gums.

METHOD:

Wash some tender guava leaves and chew them thoroughly, then spit them out. Do this regularly to reduce the risk of plaque formation on the teeth.

Or, take a piece of unripe guava, sprinkle salt on it and chew gradually. Make this 1 to 2 times daily for a few days.

A mouth rinse containing guava leaf extract can also be used

3. White Vinegar

White vinegar contains acetic acid that can assist in prevention of demineralization of enamel and accumulation of plaque. This has antibacterial properties.

METHOD:

Mix 2 teaspoons of white vinegar and 1 teaspoon of salt in ½ cup of warm water.

Using this mixture, rinse mouth once or twice a day.

4. Orange Peels

Orange peels are often used as a natural whitener to remove teen stains.

The limonene in orange peels also helps degenerate plaque without corroding the enamel, while the vitamin C in them helps prevent growth of microorganisms in the teeth.

METHOD:

Rub the inside portion of fresh orange peels directly on the teeth and gums before going to bed.

Leave it overnight and rinse it off the next morning.

Repeat as needed to keep the teeth clean and white.

As an alternative, use dried orange peel powder.

5. Baking Soda

Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a great home remedy for removing plaque. It neutralizes acids in the mouth, thereby trimming down the amount of harmful bacteria. This also helps whiten and brighten resulting to pearly white teeth.

METHOD:

Put a small amount of baking soda on the bristles of wet toothbrush and brush the teeth with it. With lukewarm water, rinse mouth and teeth thoroughly.

Otherwise, mix 1 teaspoon of salt with 2 teaspoons of baking soda. Dip a dampened toothbrush in the mixture. Brush the teeth with this powder gently.

Another option is by mixing 1 teaspoon of baking soda with enough hydrogen peroxide to make a paste. Use it in brushing the teeth and gums, spit it out and rinse mouth properly.

Use any of these remedies once or twice a week.

Caution: Do not use baking soda in excess as it may damage the tooth enamel over time.

6. Aloe Vera

Being an antimicrobial, Aloe Vera kills the bacteria that cause plaque buildup. Likewise, it fights bad breath.

METHOD:

Cut an Aloe Vera leaf and extract the pulp.

Massage the pulp directly on the teeth and gum line.

Leave it on for 10 minutes, then rinse it off with cold water.

Apply this remedy twice daily.

7. Cloves

Aside from its use as a home remedy in relieving toothaches, cloves can also be used in fight microbes in your mouth that may cause plaque and tartar.

METHOD:

Mix 1 teaspoon of powdered cloves and a little olive oil and apply this mixture. Wait a few minutes, then rinse it off with lukewarm water. Do this twice a day.

If not, chew 1 or 2 cloves on a regular basis to support oral health and reduce bad breath caused by the bacteria in the mouth.

8. Rosemary Essential Oil

This works like a disinfectant in eliminating oral bacteria. It prevents plaque buildup, cavities and chuck out of bad breath.

METHOD:

Mix 2 or 3 drops of Rosemary Essential Oil in 1 tablespoon of water or carrier oil.

Swish this mixture on the teeth for about 10 minutes.

Spit it out and brush teeth as usual. Do not swallow or gargle with it.

Repeat twice daily.

Sage or thyme essential oil can also be an alternative