Five Very Cheap Methods to Remove Plaque From Your Teeth on Your Own

Dentist Blog

When plaque starts to form on your teeth, you can typically see it. It looks like yellowish crust or lines along your teeth. The most effective way to remove plaque is through a professional cleaning at your dentist's office, but there are ways that you can start to tackle the plaque while you are at home. Even if you hardly have any money, you can start to address plaque with these cheap ideas:

1. Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse

If you don't already have a bottle in your medicine cabinet, you can buy a bottle of hydrogen peroxide at your local chemist relatively cheaply. Make sure you don't buy the high concentration that's designed to bleach hair. Instead, buy a relatively low level of concentration that's designed as a germ killer or sanitiser. To help with your plaque, apply the hydrogen peroxide directly to your teeth using a cotton swab. It will release oxygen which can help with gum disease as well as cold sores and plaque.

2. Bicarbonate of Soda

Bicarbonate of soda is an actual ingredient in many types of toothpaste, and you can buy those toothpastes to start addressing your plaque, or you can make your own. To create a bicarbonate paste to brush your plaque, pour a bit of bicarbonate of soda in a bowl. Moisten your toothbrush, dip it in and brush. If you like, add a dash of salt to help the process.

3. Warm Water

When brushing or rinsing with your regular toothpaste or any of these methods, use warm water instead of cold water. That can encourage the plaque to melt. To understand the benefits of warm water, imagine how stuck-on food crust comes off a pan more easily with hot water than cold water.

4. Banana

Banana prices are down, and as a result, it's really cheap to buy a banana for plaque removal or just as a snack, especially if you just buy one. The acids in a banana break down plaque, and the vitamins help to boost your oral health. To clean your teeth with banana, mash a banana and apply a coating directly to your teeth. Then, rinse after a few minutes. Don't brush or scrape your teeth right after the banana application, as the acids can also momentarily weaken the enamel.

5. Scraping

Scraping the plaque off your teeth may not sound appealing, but it can be one of the most effective methods. Remember the plaque is not decay, and it is not part of your teeth. As a result, you can pull it off your teeth, and you should do that before it turns to decay. To scrape your teeth, an electric toothbrush works well, but if you don't have one, you can use a toothpick.

For more information, contact a dental clinic near you.

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29 September 2016

Dental Care and Seniors: Helping to Maintain Your Smile

As you age, it can become harder to take care of your teeth. Motor challenges can make it hard to floss, while memory issues may make it easy to overlook brushing. Whether you are a senior looking for solutions to some of the common dental problems or a senior with specific questions about cavities or oral surgery, you have come to the right place. In this blog, I am going to touch on a range of topics related to seniors and oral health. This is the type of resource I wish my mum would have had access to in her senior years, and I hope you enjoy having access to it during yours. I appreciate you reading my posts.