Plaque Removal Treatment for Cleaner and Healthier Teeth

Most people brush twice and still have to go to their dentist and have them tell them that they have plaque! This colourless, sticky substance adheres tightly to the teeth, works silently under the gum line, and is the root of much more serious problems in the future. An understanding of plaque, its progression to tartar, and which are effective plaque removal treatments that can make a world of difference in your long-term oral health.

What is plaque, and why does it always come back?

The dental biofilm called plaque consists of soft material that carries bacteria and develops on tooth surfaces throughout the day. Bacteria present in plaque consume the sugars from your sugary or starchy food and drink intake, which leads to acid production that damages enamel and causes gum tissue discomfort. Plaque develops into tartar after 24 to 72 hours of continuous existence because mineralization transforms it into a hardened substance that toothbrushes cannot remove.

The presence of an unexplained toothache usually results from two main factors, which include chronic plaque accumulation and early tartar formation.

At-Home Plaque Removal: Daily Habits That Work

Brushing method: Use your brush to brush at a 45-degree angle to the gum line and brush short back and forth strokes for 2 minutes. The electric toothbrush is more effective in removing plaque than a manual toothbrush, especially along the gum line.
Floss before brushing: Flossing will remove the biofilm between teeth, and the scrubbing action of the brush can remove the rest. If it is not left behind, an area of approximately 35% of each tooth surface will be left uncleaned.
Oil pulling: Swish coconut oil in the mouth for 15-20 minutes to diminish bacteria. The lauric acid in coconut oil can be used to destroy the plaque biofilm and is antimicrobial.

When Home Care Is Not Enough: Professional Plaque Removal Treatment

The best plaque removal treatment is scaling and polishing. Hardened tartar is kept from the surfaces of teeth and under the gum line with a scrapper, and the enamel is polished to reduce the plaque that will adhere to teeth.

Deep Scaling (root planing): Recommended in the presence of gum disease. The roots of the teeth are rounded to remove the toxic substances in the bacteria and to heal the gums. If your gums are swollen, bleeding, or receded, we can provide an in-depth diagnosis and treatment in the office.
Teeth cleaning to remove stains: Professional cleaning makes teeth cleaner. Use tips in between appointments to keep the results at home and remove stains from teeth.

Preventing Plaque from Building Back Up

It is easier to prevent than treat. There are a few simple habits that can help keep plaque in check between visits to the dentist:

Diet: Avoid too much sugary or acidic foods and drinks. The acids that attack the enamel are produced by bacteria as a result of the sugar.
Hydration: Avoid dryness of the mouth, which can encourage the growth of bacteria. Water in the day washes away trapped food debris and helps to lubricate the mouth and promote saliva production.
Xylitol gum: Buy sugar-free gum that is chewed after meals to stimulate saliva, which has been proven to help kill plaque-forming bacteria.
Antibacterial mouthwash: This is used after brushing and flossing to reduce the number of bacteria in difficult-to-mechanically-clean areas.
Stop Smoking: Smoking also causes a lot of plaque and tartar and can delay healing of the gums.

If you cannot get rid of the smell despite good oral care, you may have active plaque and/or early gum disease. If it sounds familiar, the first step is to find out a little bit about the home remedies for bad breath, and have an oral exam.

How often do you need to get a Professional cleaning?

If you’re an adult with healthy gums, you should get a clean-up treatment at the dentist’s twice a year. Patients may need more frequent visits every 3-4 months, such as in patients who have had gum disease in the past, in smokers, or for patients with crowded teeth or complex restorations.

Final Thoughts

All of our patients will leave Dental Peace with clean teeth and with the tools to keep them that way, due to our detailed scaling and polishing of their teeth, and giving them personalized oral hygiene instruction. If you’re looking for a good clean or you think you may have a problem, we can help you.

Make an appointment today and start on the path to a healthier smile.

Location:

C2/252, Kundapura, C-2 Block, Janakpuri, New Delhi, Delhi, 110058

17/28, Mall Rd, Old Market, Block 24, Tilak Nagar, Delhi, 110018