How to Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

Oral hygiene is one of the most important, yet neglected, tenets of healthy living. Daily brushing, proper flossing, and regular check-ups are highly important elements of keeping your teeth healthy. Improper or inconsistent brushing usually leads to the formation of plaque which could degenerate into tartar, which could, in turn, lead to other diseases of the oral cavity.

Ignoring tartar allows it to build up within a few months. Thus, it is important to understand how to get rid of tartar and how to prevent other diseases of the teeth and gum.

11 Natural Ways to Remove Tartar and Plaque from Teeth

Here are simple ways to remove tartar and plaque from your teeth, all by yourself.

Brush Properly and Regularly

Brushing properly after meals is a proven way to prevent the formation of tartar. To ensure you are brushing properly, use a bristled toothbrush, brush all the angles over all the enamel surface of all your teeth and ensure the cleaning is thorough. While brushing, it is also important that you hold your toothbrush at an angle of 45 degrees to the gum line.

Use Fluoride Toothpaste

Fluoride toothpastes are helpful in increasing the amount of fluoride present in the teeth, which strengthens the dental cavities as well as the teeth themselves. Fluoride toothpaste is best for you because it will help replenish lost minerals in areas affected by decay. It helps protect the teeth from the harmful bacteria that are responsible for tartar formation. Brush your teeth after every meal with a sufficient amount of the fluoride toothpaste.

Tartar Control Toothpaste

These are specialized toothpastes which contain chemicals such as pyrophosphates, zinc citrate, and fluoride. These ingredients inhibit the build-up of tartar and prevent the development of caries in the teeth. Some tartar-control toothpastes usually contain triclosan, an antibiotic, which is responsible for killing certain bacteria. Brush your teeth after every meal with a sufficient amount of the tartar control toothpaste.

Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe vera is an excellent antimicrobial; it also possesses antioxidants that speed up the healing of the gums by scavenging free radicals produced by the disease-causing bacteria. Lemon essential oil, which is an essential component of this gel, is an excellent antifungal and acts against Candida albicans, fungi that are present in the skin and other parts of the body. Due to its antifungal properties, lemon essential oil is great at preventing tartar and dental caries.

All you need is a teaspoon of aloe vera gel, 4 teaspoons vegetable glycerine, 4-5 tablespoons baking soda, 10 drops lemon essential oil, and a cup of water. Form a paste by mixing all the ingredients. Use this mixture to scrub your teeth properly, then rinse your mouth. You may use this remedy once every 3-4 days until all traces of the plaque disappear. You are advised to use this remedy for a short period, as glycerine could interrupt the remineralization of your teeth.

Sesame Seed Oil

Sesame oil contains bioactive compounds which possess good antioxidant, detoxification, and antibiotic properties. It is usually used for oil pulling, as it reduces plaque-induced gingivitis and injury that accompany dental caries. With a tablespoon of sesame seeds and a toothbrush, you`re good to go. Swish the sesame seed oil in your mouth for 15 minutes, then rinse your mouth thoroughly. You may do this twice a week.

Floss Regularly

Flossing is an excellent way to get rid of plaque and food particles stuck between the teeth. Flossing helps to prevent the formation of tartar and helps you maintain good oral health. Flossing cleans the gums and in between the teeth to keep you free from gum diseases and dental caries. Insert a floss string between two teeth, and pull the string back and forth to extract food particles that are stuck between the teeth. Be sure to do this gently twice or thrice daily.

Antiseptic Oral Cleanser Or Peroxide Solution for Gargling

Both the peroxide solution and the mouthwash possess antimicrobial qualities. They loosen and eventually remove tartar. Get a tablespoon of antiseptic mouthwash and 3 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide solution. Mix both ingredients and gargle with this solution for a minute or two. Follow this up by gargling with plain water. You may repeat this twice weekly.

Use a Dental Pick

You could also use a dental pick to get rid of hardened tartar from your teeth. Use a magnifying mirror to locate the tartar accumulated on your teeth, then scrape it out gently. Rinse your mouth while cleaning. You may do this twice a day. You should do this with extra care because picking your gums too deep may cause an infection.

Baking Soda Mixture

Baking soda mixture is another effective method as it provides a soothing effect on the teeth and gums. It also has an antibacterial effect on tartar and plaques in the teeth. This helps in whitening the teeth and in preventing tartar from forming.

Take a tablespoon of baking soda, a pinch of salt and a toothbrush. Prepare the baking soda mixture by adding salt to baking soda. Brush your teeth using a toothbrush that has this mixture. Rinse your mouth with lukewarm water after brushing. To obtain the best results, it is advisable to alternate between using this mixture and your regular toothpaste. Once the plaque is gone, you should use this remedy once every week.

Sanguinaria Extract

Sanguinaria extract, also known as bloodroot, is a key ingredient in toothpaste due to its antimicrobial properties. This extract can also help in preventing dental plaque and gingivitis. With 3-4 drops of sanguinaria extract and a cup of warm water, you`re all set. Add the Sanguinaria extract to the warm water and gargle. You may use this mouthwash daily, preferably twice daily.

Oil Pulling

This helps to remove plaque and other infections. Coconut oil, one important oil used in doing this, helps absorbs impurities from your mouth. Coconut oil also possesses excellent antimicrobial properties which are effective against pathogens residing in the oral cavity. Get 1-2 tablespoons of virgin coconut oil and swish it in your mouth for a short period, preferably 10-15 minutes. Blurt the oil out and rinse your mouth with warm water. You may do this twice or thrice a week.

5 Prevention Tips for Oral Health

Here are a few things you could do to prevent plaques and tartar from forming on your teeth.

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to hasten the removal of plaque and to safeguard the enamel.
• Quit smoking, and if not possible, avoid it as much as possible, as tobacco speeds up the accumulation of tartar on the teeth.
• Avoid eating starchy or sugary foods.
• Drink enough water after meals to wash off food particles.
• Take a lot of fruits, especially those rich in vitamin C as they improve oral health.

Now that you Know…

Now you know the preventive and corrective measures to maintain good oral health. Above all, it is highly important to regularly visit your dentist for a check-up and to clean your teeth. Getting rid of plaques and tartar is essential to prevent degeneration into other oral diseases. So the best prevention method, which is oral care, is what you should consciously do at all times. Never get tired of it.