Can I Scrape Plaque Off My Teeth?
Plaque can be a pain to deal with. The sticky substance looks unappealing and can cause major issues with your oral health. You may be wondering if you can (or should) simply scrape it off.
Below is more information about plaque whether you can simply scrape it off, what happens if it goes untreated, and what you can do to fight plaque.
About Plaque
The formation of dental plaque occurs when bacteria accumulate on teeth, creating a film. This accumulation is caused by the consumption of sugary and starchy foods, which results in a mixture of carbohydrates, acids, and bacteria. As time passes, plaque can become more stubborn and harder to remove as it hardens and transforms into tartar.
Tartar is a hardened variant of plaque. It is hard to remove without the intervention of an oral healthcare professional. As a result, it is crucial to be proactive in preventing plaque buildup in order to avoid its hardening into tartar.
Some of the signs you can look out for to better determine if you have dental plaque include:
* Swollen gums
* Bad breath
* Bleeding gums
* Yellow teeth
Can I Scrape Plaque Off My Teeth?
Technically yes, but also no. While you can purchase scraping tools to remove plaque from your teeth, trying to use them yourself can be very dangerous. These are specialized tools that require years of training and practice to use properly.
Instead, consider natural ways to dissolve plaque and other methods of avoiding or removing it.
Can I Use Something to Dissolve the Plaque?
Yes. There are some natural ways to remove dental plaque at home. These include:
* Aloe vera. In order to remove plaque, mix baking soda, a teaspoon of aloe vera, and water. Then use this to remove the plaque from your teeth.
* Baking soda. Baking soda can be used to neutralize the acid that causes the development of cavities. You can consider purchasing toothpaste with baking soda or making a scrub with a teaspoon of baking soda and some water.
* White vinegar. Add half a teaspoon of salt and two teaspoons of white vinegar to a small glass of water, then rinse out your mouth. This helps to combat plaque buildup.
Can I Avoid Treatment?
No. You shouldn’t avoid treatment. If you don’t treat your plaque and tartar it can lead to:
* Cavities/tooth decay
* Gum disease
* Tooth discoloration
* Gum recession
* Tooth loss
* Sensitivity
Can I Stop Plaque from Forming?
To prevent the buildup of plaque, make sure you are brushing, flossing, and rinsing your mouth twice a day, every day.
Regular dental checkups and cleanings are also very important. Schedule an appointment with your dentist every six months for a cleaning and thorough examination of your oral health.
Contact Us Today
If you have plaque and/or tartar on your teeth, reach out today. We can professionally remove the plaque and tartar, along with checking to see if you need any additional services. From there, we will put a treatment plan in place to treat any oral health conditions.