How to Get Rid of Plaque

How to Get Rid of Plaque

Introduction

Plaque is a soft, sticky film that builds up on your teeth throughout the day. It contains bacteria that feed on sugars in the food you eat, producing acids that can damage your tooth enamel and lead to cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. If not removed regularly, plaque hardens into tartar — a much more stubborn substance that can only be removed by a dental professional.

In this article, we'll explain how to get rid of plaque effectively — both at home and with the help of your dentist. You'll learn why plaque forms, how it impacts your oral health, and what treatments and products truly work to keep your mouth healthy.

What Is Dental Plaque and Why Is It Harmful?

Dental plaque is a biofilm — a collection of bacteria living together in a sticky, colourless layer that clings to teeth, especially along the gumline. It's constantly forming, but when combined with poor oral hygiene or high-sugar diets, it becomes dangerous.

Why is plaque harmful?

• It can lead to tooth decay by producing acid that wears down enamel.

• It triggers gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease.

• If left untreated, plaque hardens into calculus (tartar), which traps more bacteria.

• Long-term buildup can cause periodontitis, a serious gum infection that leads to tooth loss.

How to Get Rid of Plaque at Home

Most plaque removal can be done at home with a disciplined routine. The key is consistency and technique:

• Brush twice daily for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste.

• Use a soft-bristled or electric toothbrush to ensure you reach all surfaces, including behind the molars and along the gumline.

• Floss once a day to remove plaque between the teeth where toothbrushes can't reach.

• Use an antibacterial mouthwash to reduce bacterial growth.

• Avoid snacking on sugary foods and drinks, especially between meals.

🪥 Tip: Replace your toothbrush head every 3 months or sooner if bristles become frayed.

Best Toothpaste and Tools for Plaque Removal

To remove plaque effectively, choose products designed specifically for plaque control:

• Toothpaste with fluoride strengthens enamel and helps resist bacterial acid.

• Look for ingredients like zinc citrate, triclosan (in some prescription pastes), or stannous fluoride, known for their plaque-fighting abilities.

• Use interdental brushes or water flossers for tight spaces between teeth.

• Electric toothbrushes with pressure sensors are often more effective than manual brushing.

🧴 Your hygienist at Gateway Dental Practice can recommend the best tools for your unique oral care needs.

How to Prevent Plaque from Becoming Tartar

Once plaque hardens into tartar, it can’t be removed at home. Prevention is key:

• Brush within 30 minutes of eating, especially after sugary or starchy meals.

• Drink water after meals to rinse away food particles and neutralise acid.

• Use mouthwash with essential oils (like Listerine) to reduce bacteria levels.

• Don’t skip your routine hygiene appointments — professional cleaning removes hardened tartar and resets your oral baseline.

⏱️ Regular check-ups every 6 months are essential to prevent tartar formation.

Can You Remove Plaque Without a Dentist?

Mild plaque can be removed with diligent at-home care — but hardened tartar cannot. Any online DIY advice involving acidic or abrasive substances (like vinegar or baking soda) may do more harm than good.

Only a dental hygienist or dentist can safely scale and polish your teeth using professional tools. Attempting to scrape tartar yourself can damage enamel and gums.

👩‍⚕️ For safe and effective plaque and tartar removal, book your hygiene appointment at Gateway Dental Practice.

What Happens If You Don't Remove Plaque?

Ignoring plaque buildup has serious long-term consequences:

• Cavities: The acid from plaque wears away enamel, creating holes that require fillings.

• Gum Disease: Early gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, leading to tooth mobility or loss.

• Bad Breath: Plaque bacteria produce volatile sulphur compounds that cause persistent halitosis.

• Health Risks: Gum infections have been linked to systemic issues like heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory illness.

📈 The longer plaque is left untreated, the more complex and costly the treatment becomes. Prevention is always easier than cure.

How Gateway Dental Practice Can Help You Maintain Plaque-Free Teeth

At Gateway Dental Practice in Burgess Hill, we take a preventive and personalised approach to dental care. We help patients from Haywards Heath, Cuckfield, Hassocks, and nearby areas manage and prevent plaque buildup effectively.

Here’s how we support your oral health:

• Comprehensive hygiene appointments with advanced AirFlow technology to remove stubborn plaque and tartar.

• Tailored home-care routines and professional advice.

• Digital tools like intraoral scanners to show you where plaque is building up.

• Minimally invasive treatments for early gum disease.

Whether it’s your first visit or your next hygiene session, we’re here to help you maintain a cleaner, healthier smile.

🦷 Ready to take control of your plaque? Book a visit today with our friendly team in Burgess Hill.

The Role of Diet in Preventing and Removing Plaque

What you eat plays a significant role in plaque formation. Sugary and starchy foods feed the bacteria in your mouth, which in turn produce acids that contribute to plaque and eventually lead to cavities. To minimise this process:

• Limit your intake of sugary snacks, fizzy drinks, and highly processed carbohydrates.

• Increase your consumption of fibrous fruits and vegetables, which naturally clean your teeth while you chew.

• Include calcium-rich foods like cheese and yoghurt, which help neutralise acids and strengthen enamel.

• Drink plenty of water, especially after meals, to rinse away food particles and reduce bacterial buildup.

A diet low in sugar and high in fresh, whole foods can significantly reduce plaque buildup. Combined with proper oral hygiene, this helps maintain a cleaner, healthier mouth.

Why Professional Cleanings Are Essential for Plaque Removal

Even with excellent brushing and flossing habits, plaque can still harden into tartar (calculus), which cannot be removed at home. Once plaque calcifies, it becomes rough and porous, making it easier for more plaque to stick and leading to gum disease.

This is where professional dental cleanings become essential:

• Hygienists use specialised tools like ultrasonic scalers to break down and remove hardened plaque and tartar.

• During a scale and polish, they can reach areas you may miss at home, such as behind the molars or just below the gum line.

• Regular check-ups allow your dentist to monitor plaque levels and spot early signs of decay or gum issues.

If you're serious about getting rid of plaque and maintaining a healthy smile, schedule professional cleanings every 6 months — or more often if advised by your dentist.

Conclusion: How to Get Rid of Plaque for Good

Getting rid of plaque requires a combination of daily habits, proper tools, and regular dental care. While brushing and flossing are your first line of defence, they must be supported by professional cleanings and expert guidance.

At Gateway Dental Practice, we don’t just treat your teeth — we teach you how to care for them. Whether you live in Burgess Hill or nearby areas like Wivelsfield, Hurstpierpoint or Haywards Heath, our team is here to support your long-term oral health.

📍 Contact us at +44 1444 232188 or email reception@gatewaydental.co.uk to book your hygiene visit today.

📅 Evening and Saturday appointments available.