6 Easy Home Remedies For Plaque on Your Teeth

These home remedies don't just fight plaque; they also help improve your breath and prevent oral infections. Try them!
6 Easy Home Remedies For Plaque on Your Teeth
Karla Henríquez

Reviewed and approved by the doctor Karla Henríquez.

Last update: 30 May, 2022

In the following article, we want to share 6 good remedies for plaque that you can test before the first sign of a problem. Try them!

Dental plaque is yellow tartar formed by mineral salts, food remains and other residues that facilitate the growth of bacteria. It has a rough texture that deteriorates the enamel that protects the teeth.

Plaque can cause some major damage in your mouth. First of all, it facilitates the formation of spots and forms coatings that are difficult to remove. In addition, if not controlled, this can increase the acidic substances and microorganisms that cause cavities and other oral infections.

Because of this, it’s essential to pay attention to oral hygiene. Fortunately, you can use some home remedies for plaque without damaging your teeth.

Home remedies for plaque

1.  Cloves

Cloves

The natural oils in cloves are rich in antibacterial compounds. These help prevent infections that come from mouth odors.

Therefore, regular use diminishes the formation of plaque, bleeding and bad breath.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 teaspoon of cloves
  • 1 cup of water

Preparation

  • First, soak the cloves in a cup of boiling water and let them sit for 20 minutes.
  • Then, gargle with this drink for a minute 2 or 3 times a day.

2. Mustard oil

Next, mustard oil is a product with antibacterial properties that help to reduce bad breath and infections.

Therefore, it facilitates the elimination of plaque when you use it on your gums and teeth. Additionally, it removes the remains of food and bacteria that accumulate on the surface.

Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon of mustard oil
  • 1/2 cup of water

Preparation

  • Put the mustard oil in a half cup of lukewarm water.

How to use

  • Rinse your mouth with this preparation.
  • If desired, use a cotton ball with the preparation and carefully rub over the gums.

3. Aloe vera, lemon and glycerine

Aloe vera gel

To remove plaque, you can use a combination of aloe vera, lemon and glycerine to form a paste.

After preparing, use directly on your teeth to remove yellow spots and neutralize occasional unpleasant odors that come from bacterial growth.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel
  • 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons of vegetable glycerine

Preparation

  • Put all ingredients together in a clean container. Then, mix well.

How to use

  • Put the mixture on your toothbrush and use as you normally use toothpaste.
  • Repeat this twice daily at least two times per week.

4. Salt

Gargling with salt water is one of the traditional remedies to remove plaque, bacteria and bad breath.

This is because salt has antiseptic properties. These help to inhibit the growth of microorganisms and avoid the development of infections.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of water
  • 1 teaspoon of salt

Preparation

  • Gargle this for two minutes twice a day.

5. Lemon juice

Lemon juice

In addition, lemon juice has acidic and antibacterial properties that help to disinfect teeth affected by plaque.

Its moderate application whitens the yellow spots and reduces bad breath and infections.

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup of water
  • juice of 1/2 lemon

Preparation

  • Heat the water and add the lemon juice.

How to use

  • Gargle with the lemon rinse for one minute once a day.

6. Hydrogen peroxide for plaque

A homemade rinse with hydrogen peroxide helps to whiten yellow teeth due to plaque. 

Also, this ingredient kills bacteria without damaging dental enamel. Plus, it prevents oral infections.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide
  • 1/2 cup of water

Preparation

  • Dilute the hydrogen peroxide in water.

How to use

  • Gargle with this remedy 2 or 3 times per day.

Do you notice you have yellow, rough teeth? Choose any of these home remedies for plague before it causes more complications for your oral health.


All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.


  • Fabio, A., Corona, A., Forte, E., & Quaglio, P. (2003). Inhibitory activity of spices and essential oils on psychrotrophic bacteria. New Microbiologica.

  • Wennström, J., & Lindhe, J. (1979). Effect of hydrogen peroxide on developing plaque and gingivitis in man. Journal of Clinical Periodontology. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-051X.1979.tb02190.x

  • Gupta, R., Gupta, D., Bhaskar, D., Yadav, A., Obaid, K., & Mishra, S. (2015). Preliminary antiplaque efficacy of aloe vera mouthwash on 4 day plaque re-growth model: randomized control trial. Ethiopian Journal of Health Sciences. https://doi.org/10.4314/ejhs.v24i2.6


This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.