Seven Home Remedies for Removing Plaque From Your Teeth

These remedies are really effective at removing plaque. However, make sure you only use them in moderation because they can be quite aggressive on your tooth enamel.

One of the reasons why you should have your teeth cleaned at least twice a year is to remove built-up plaque. This, in turn, prevents gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis and helps maintain the health and appearance of your teeth.

You can also occasionally use certain home remedies to remove plaque from your teeth. Of course, you should only use them with your dentist’s approval.

Plaque on teeth: unsightly and unhealthy

Plaque or tartar is a yellowish bacterial overgrowth that attaches itself to the tooth enamel and is particularly troublesome in the gum area. It’s made of mineral salts, food, and other residues.

Over time, plaque promotes the growth of bacteria and the formation of unsightly stains on your teeth.

By forming a rough surface for food particles to cling to, plaque alters the natural surface of the teeth, forming a harder layer. Over time, it interacts with certain foods, releasing acids that cause tooth decay and infections . 

That’s why it’s so important to reinforce oral hygiene habits. Furthermore, at the first sign of the appearance of plaque, you should get it treated.

Remedies for removing plaque

Experts in dentistry indicate that the following remedies can be used occasionally. However, you should never use them on a continuous basis, as they can damage tooth enamel.

1. Baking soda

Baking soda is one of the most popular remedies for removing plaque and whitening teeth. Given that it’s abrasive, it’s important to only use it in small quantities . 

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon baking soda.
• A pinch of salt.

Method

• Combine the two ingredients and add a little water to create a paste.
• Use the paste to brush your teeth and let work for 5 minutes before rinsing with plenty of water.
• Make sure you don’t swallow the mixture.

2. Orange peel

Orange peel is said to contain a certain amount of vitamin C. Therefore, it may be a good remedy for getting rid of plaque buildup. At the same time, it helps fight against bacterial growth and the buildup of residue on the enamel.

Ingredients

• The peel of 1 orange.

Method

• Take a fresh orange peel and rub the inside (white part) across your teeth for three minutes.
• Brush your teeth as usual.

3. Strawberries

Strawberries are rich in vitamin C and have good health benefits. Some people use strawberry juice to lighten coffee stains on their teeth and also to remove plaque. Others prefer to simply rub the strawberry on their teeth, as indicated in this study, or to regularly consume the fruit in its natural state.

Ingredients

• 2 ripe strawberries.

Method

• Cut the strawberries into pieces and rub them on your teeth without squashing them.
• You can also puree the strawberries and apply them to your teeth for a few minutes with your toothbrush.
• Brush as usual.

4. Parsley leaves

It’s thought that parsley has antibacterial, astringent properties that can improve your overall oral health. Using parsley in an oral rinse helps remove plaque and kill the bacteria that cause halitosis.

Ingredients

• Fresh parsley.
• 1 cup water (250 ml).

Method

• Chop the parsley, add it to a cup of boiling water, and leave for 10 minutes.
• Rinse your mouth with the mixture.
• Brush your teeth as usual.

5. Homemade toothpaste

It’s said that this remedy takes advantage of the antibacterial compounds in coconut oil, along with the beneficial properties of baking soda. At the same time, the mint essence helps freshen your breath.

Ingredients

• ½ cup organic coconut oil (120g).
• 2 tablespoons baking soda (20g).
• 20 drops of mint essential oil

Directions

• Mix all the ingredients in a glass container to form a smooth paste.
• Scoop a little of the paste onto your toothbrush and brush your teeth as if it were regular toothpaste.
• Rinse your mouth with plenty of water.

6. Banana peel

Banana peel, as well as containing minerals, has quantities of salicylic acid and citric acid that help whiten teeth. This also makes it effective in preventing the accumulation of dental plaque. This study explains that the results will be evident after seven days of constant application.

Ingredients

1 banana peel.

Method

• Make sure the banana peel is clean before use.
• Rub the inner part on your teeth.
• Do it every day. It isn’t abrasive and doesn’t weaken the enamel. In fact, the more applications, the better the results.

7. Fresh lemon juice

Just like baking soda, you can use fresh lemon juice to remove plaque buildup and whiten your teeth. However, bear in mind that it can also wear down the enamel of your teeth. Therefore, you should only use a small amount on an occasional basis. 

Ingredients

• The juice of ½ a lemon.
• ¼ cup hot water (62 ml).

Method

• Dilute the lemon juice in the hot water
• Use the liquid to rinse your mouth after brushing your teeth.

Getting rid of plaque

The use of these home remedies should never take the place of good hygiene habits or visits to your dentist. If you decide to use them, only do so occasionally and take proper precautions.

The best way to prevent plaque from forming is by maintaining good nutritional habits. For example, brushing your teeth after eating, using floss to remove traces of food between your teeth, and rinsing with mouthwash.