Plaque forms on everyone’s teeth but there are some home remedies you can use to avoid an excess amount of build-up. These actions are not to be taken in place of going to the dentist since no one can get rid of plaque-like your dentist can. A dentist has the proper knowledge and tools to chip away tartar and plaque without damaging your tooth enamel.
Next time you brush your teeth, try using baking soda instead of toothpaste. Of course, you will need to use regular toothpaste as well but completing a round of brushing with baking soda can help kill bacteria. This natural cleaner should be left on your teeth for about 15 minutes after your normal brushing routine to really help nip the plaque away. Guess what? Baking soda even helps whiten your teeth and freshens your breath!
Do you want another form of toothpaste to use in addition to regular paste? Try taking the inside of an orange peel and mixing it with water to create a paste. Not only does it smell lovely but is a great way to get rid of tartar. This everyday ingredient is commonly found in your kitchen, making it is easy to access. No point wasting all the goodness from the leftovers of your morning fresh-squeezed orange juice. Mmmm…tastes good to boot!
Gliding some aloe vera gel along your teeth can help remove tartar. Aloe vera is a plant with many antioxidant and antibacterial properties that can assist in healing burns and reducing constipation. You can keep this plant around for every part of your body, not just your oral cavity.
Back to your teeth…how do you use aloe vera for tartar removal? Make a paste with a teaspoon of aloe vera gel, 4 teaspoons of glycerin, lemon, essential oil, 5 tablespoons of baking soda, and a cup of water. Repeat this scrub on your teeth daily until the tartar is gone. Always test a small portion before using it to ensure you don’t have any negative reactions to the ingredients.
Do you love spicy foods and want to (as Emeril Lagasse would say,) kick it up a notch? Chow down on some spicy peppers or drink up a cayenne infused smoothie. Your saliva production will improve from spicy food consumption, cleaning your gums and teeth. Chilli powder is a spicy ingredient that is known for protecting your bones due to the amount of vitamin A in it.
Next time you see the plaque on your teeth, you will know what to do. Remember, you still need to schedule regular dentist appointments for a full cleaning to truly have healthy oral hygiene.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Gurshant Grewal - a Registered Dentist on October 11, 2019
