Tartar and plaque develop from bacterial depositions around teeth, gums, tongue, dentures and oral passage. When multiple layers of plaque combines with minerals and saliva, it forms tartar, which is a hardened calcified substance. We have enlisted some home remedies to remove tartar and plaque from teeth, to help you with your tooth hygiene and dental care. Though many of us do not lay much emphasis on the plaque but it must be treated and prevented as much as possible for further critical dental deformities and ailments. If untreated plaque becomes tartar and extremely painful and difficult to remove. Tartar deposition is of dental hygiene and cosmetic concern which is the result of accumulations from bacterial debris or tartar layers.
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Tartar is so sticky that it stick plaque and causes irreparable dental damage. If you have been a regular with your dental appointments, dental cleaning must have been a routine and you would not have much of the plaque. But for more serious cases where dental check-ups are also not regular, these plaque depositions may have become thickened calcified tartar deposits. And too difficult to remove, they are unpleasant and spoil a lovely face and beautiful smile.
Be in love with your teeth and your smile, and ensure they stay intact in your mouth by following some handy home remedies. Once a dental decay begins it is very difficult to contain it from spreading further. And dental treatments are extremely painful to endure.
Why plaque and tartar are formed:
1- Bacteria and protein absorption forming a film over enamel.
2- Reversible adhesion; or a phenomenon cause by molecules interacting among pellicles and cell surfaces.
3- accumulation of initial plaque and re-additions with secondary film causes an actuated calcified film deposition.
4- Factors of oral hygiene combine with a pH level, temperature and redox reactions or reduction and oxidation reactions cause acid base productions in the mouth.
Saliva is an important factor in preventing plaque and bad breath:
Saliva are the secretions of the hypothalamus glands in the human body. An adequate amount of saliva is needed to:
1- Alleviate destructive bacteria: These bacteria enter our mouth and must be prevented from reaching our system.
2- Saliva helps in neutralizing the effects of oral acids
3- Saliva keeps our mouth and oral canal hydrated
4- It prevents tooth decay. Saliva continuously cleans the mouth and removes bacteria and toxins from the mouth.
5- Saliva aids in digestion as it contains enzymes which act on food before they reach the stomach. These break down the complex food into simples substances and readily absorbed and digested.
6- Saliva enhances immunity of the body by providing an antibody in our system called igA.
7- Saliva contains and transports healthy proteins through the food into oral canal and stomach.
Home remedies to remove tartar and plaque from teeth:
1- Oil Pulling:
Oil pulling is one of the oldest method of clearing the tartar from depositions on teeth. It removes and also prevents further deposition of tartar on teeth. Mainly used for oil pulling, is extra virgin olive oil for its anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. But coconut oil can also be used. This oil pulling technique cuts down bacteria in the mouth and on the teeth. Just swish a little oil in your mouth and keep it for 20 minutes, do not swallow it. Remove and rinse your mouth with cold water (Read: Health benefits of drinking water). Now brush your teeth as you would normally do. Repeat regularly for preventing tartar depositions. Even warm sesame oil can be used for good results
2- Baking Soda:
Sodium bicarbonate is a great home remedy as it neutralizes acids in the mouth. This reduces the harmful bacteria in the mouth. Baking soda also cleanses the mouth and makes the teeth shiny white. Put a small amount of baking soda on your toothbrush before brushing your teeth with a paste, in the morning. Now gently brush your teeth and rinse it with warm water. You can even apply salt and baking soda gently with your finger. Remember to rinse it immediately as baking soda may even be corrosive if left for long. Repeat just once a week to prevent any damage or corrosion of enamel.
3- Cloves:
A traditional method to remove plaque and tartar, this is extremely helpful in bringing back pleasant breath. It also prevents gingivitis. Mix clove powder and olive oil and apply on the teeth. Wait for 5 minutes and rinse it off. Repeat daily for great results. Raw cloves must also be chewed to prevent bacterial outgrowth and bad breath
4- Aloe Vera and Glycerine:
Aloe vera has the benefits of cleansing and removing bacteria in addition to providing strength to the gums. Mix aloe vera and lemon and then add glycerine. Now using your finger tips gently scrub your teeth with this paste. Then rinse with warm water. Repeat once a day
5- Rubbing teeth with orange peel:
Orange peel is rich in antimicrobial properties and citrus contents. It helps in removing bacteria and also adds additional immunity to the teeth and gums. Just rub an orange peel twice a day on teeth and rinse them with cold water. Continue regularly for prevention and cure of tartar depositions.
6- Chewing sesame seeds:
Just take a handful of sesame seeds and chew them few times a day. Do not swallow them. Use a soft brush while chewing these seeds. And brush gently in circular motion from top to bottom. This will act as a natural scrub and help in removing tartar from the teeth.
7- Rub strawberries:
Strawberries are rich in citrus, antimicrobial properties and have textured appeal which acts as a natural scrub. They also act as a great anti-inflammatory, so help in replenishing lost tooth shine and whiteness.
8- Tomato peel:
Tomato is rich in Vitamin C and helps in fighting bacterial outbreak. Just rub tomato peel twice a day on your teeth and you will have shiny white teeth in a few days.
9- Flossing:
Flossing must be done regularly to prevent bacterial infection between teeth. It also helps in fighting gingivitis and maintains tooth shine and whiteness.
10- Cheese:
Hard cheese helps in producing alkaline saliva, which fights plaque and tartar. It also creates a protective layer around the teeth to prevent acid build up. It helps in adding back the lost minerals and help in improving gums health. Eat cheese and do check for cheddar additions.
11- Guava:
Guava is a rich anti-inflammatory and an analgesic thus it prevents the harmful bacteria from depositing around teeth and gums. More beneficial are guava leaves which can just be chewed and all the benefits of whitening, shine, prevention of tartar and bacteria, can be obtained. Also eat guava daily to maintain teeth shine and hygiene.
12- Rosemary essential oil:
It contains great antibacterial properties which help in fighting plaque and tartar. It helps in fighting bacteria and also prevents gingivitis. Just apply a few drops of rosemary oil and leave for a few minutes and then wash it with warm water. Repeat daily for great results.
13- Black tea:
Though caffeine adds further to the bacteria and yellowness of teeth, but black tea has numerous anti-oxidizing properties which help in fighting tartar and plaque. Just rinse with black tea water and repeat daily for great results. Also alternately apply black tea bags on the teeth by dubbing over it.
Some precautions for dental hygiene:
1- Always use a super soft brush for brushing your teeth
2- Change toothbrush every month for bacterial growth on the brush is sometimes more than even in toilet seat.
3- Start using an electronic toothbrush for their ample benefits
4- Use a fluoride containing toothpaste
5- Brush properly at least twice a day
6- Do not consume dairy just before bed
7- Avoid sugary items 2 hours prior to bed
8- Use a proper brushing motion to brush teeth circular from top to bottom and not side wise
9- Eat lots of fruits and vegetables to add to dental hygiene and oral health.
10- Add more nuts and dry fruits to make the teeth strong and healthy
11- Keep up with dental appointments
12- Cut back on caffeine by reducing tea and coffee intake. They also affect mouth odor by causing unpleasant bad breath
13- Smoking creates even more strong implications, so stop smoking or consuming tobacco
14- Drink a lot of water and sugar-free drinks.
15- Spicy foods are known to cure enamel and remove tartar. So if you have the taste, just relish them.
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The above compilation on “Home Remedies to remove Tartar and plaque from teeth” is based on experiences and readings and they are sure to help you prevent and cure tartar and plaque. For serious dental impacts visit your dentist immediately. Do remember these home remedies are more preventive and if proceeded regularly they would help in avoiding the implications of bacterial infection and oral diseases. Keep up with brush and floss in addition to eating a healthy diet. Do check with your health care provider for more.
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Minu Manisha
