How to Soften Plaque on Teeth

Soften plaque and remove it yourself to decrease trips to the dentist.

Employ techniques to soften plaque in your daily oral hygiene routine. Softening plaque allows you to remove it from your teeth so you won't have to visit the dentist for a major cleaning. Plaque forms upon food consumption, particularly when eating foods high in starch or sugar. This bacteria forms as a fuzzy, off-white film on your teeth and can harden into tartar, which causes tooth decay and gum disease such as gingivitis. Take daily measures to avoid plaque buildup for improved oral benefits and a healthy smile.

Things You'll Need

• Disclosing tablets
• Mirror
• Toothbrush
• Tartar-control toothpaste
• Water
• Dental floss
• Mouthwash

Instructions

1. Place a disclosing tablet in your mouth and chew on it. Move the tablet around your mouth so it reaches the front, back and sides of your teeth. Spit the tablet and excess saliva out. Disclosing tablets contain vegetable dye that stains the plaque on your teeth bright red. Look in the mirror to find any dyed plaque.

2. Brush the dyed areas with a soft-bristle toothbrush and tartar-control toothpaste for 2 to 3 minutes. Move the bristles in a circular motion and in a fast, back-and-forth motion over the dyed areas to soften and loosen plaque.

3. Floss with dental floss. Slide the floss back and forth between your teeth and down toward your gums to soften and remove plaque. Rinse your mouth with a mouthwash that protects against plaque buildup.

4. Continue the teeth brushing, flossing and mouth rinsing routine at least two times a day and after meals to consistently soften plaque and prevent buildup.

Tips & Warnings

• Visit you dentist for annual checkups and cleanings.

References

• Soft Dental: Disclosing Tablets
• Colgate: Plaque: What is it and How do We Get Rid of It?
• Mayo Clinic: Periodontitis