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Dental plaque is a normal phenomenon that affects everyone. Although it is unavoidable, it can still be prevented. Here are several ways to limit dental plaque.
To take effective action quickly, also discover our practical guides: remove bacterial buildup in just 5 minutes, the best steps to take every day and the role of mouthwash in fighting biofilm. For families, a dedicated guide also explains how to help children keep their teeth clean.
the essentials to remember
- Dental plaque is a sticky, colorless bacterial film that continuously redeposits on the teeth, even just a few hours after brushing.
- When it is not removed within 24 to 72 hours, dental plaque mineralizes and hardens into tartar, which only professional teeth cleaning by a dentist can remove.
- Thorough brushing twice a day, cleaning between the teeth and a suitable diet are enough to significantly limit dental plaque every day.
- Y-Brush sonic brushing is 2× more efficient than traditional electric toothbrushes, according to tests conducted by Y-Brush on the Clean240 head.
What is dental plaque?
Dental plaque is a soft, sticky and almost colorless deposit that continuously forms on the surface of the teeth, along the gumline and in the interdental spaces. It is mainly made up of bacteria, saliva and food residue that clump together to form what dentists call a biofilm. This film constantly reforms: just a few hours after brushing, new bacteria have already recolonized the enamel.
Why and how does dental plaque form?
Dental plaque begins to form as soon as you stop brushing your teeth. By feeding on the sugars and starch in food, bacteria in the mouth produce acids and multiply, then organize into adherent colonies. Several factors accelerate this buildup: a diet rich in sugars and starchy foods, insufficient or improper brushing, a dry mouth (reduced saliva), smoking, and certain medications that alter saliva.
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Saliva does indeed play a protective role: it partly cleans the teeth and neutralizes acids. When saliva production decreases, dental plaque forms more quickly and lasts longer. This is why plaque often builds up more during the night, when saliva production is at its lowest.
How can you tell if you have dental plaque? You may notice it as a rough or pasty feeling when you run your tongue over your teeth, or as a slight yellowish deposit near the gumline. To see it clearly, pharmacies offer plaque disclosing agents (colored tablets or gels) that stain poorly brushed areas: a good way to improve your brushing technique.
What are the risks if dental plaque is not removed?
If left in place, dental plaque does not remain without consequences. The acids produced by bacteria attack the enamel and irritate the gums, and the buildup eventually hardens into tartar. Here are the main risks of poorly controlled dental plaque:
Cavities
Bacterial acids demineralize the enamel and gradually wear away the tooth, causing cavities that can sometimes be painful.
Gingivitis
Plaque that accumulates along the gumline inflames the gums: they become red, swollen, and bleed during brushing.
Periodontitis
If left untreated, the inflammation spreads to the tissues supporting the tooth and can eventually cause tooth loss.
Tartar and bad breath
Mineralized plaque forms tartar and contributes to bad breath because bacteria release foul-smelling compounds.
Here are the main methods for limiting plaque buildup on your teeth:
Toothbrushing guidelines
1. Brush at least twice a day
You know you should do it, but how often? Ideally, you should brush your teeth after every meal to remove plaque as soon as it forms. It is especially important to brush your teeth in the evening before going to bed because otherwise, plaque remains on your teeth all night. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Hard bristles can be rough on your gums. Make sure to replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months. If it is too worn, your brushing won't be as effective.
2. Clean between your teeth
Your teeth aren't the only places where dental plaque forms. It also hides in the spaces between your teeth. It is therefore essential to clean between your teeth properly. It is important to know that brushing your teeth alone does not remove plaque between your teeth. You should floss at least once a day. If wrapping floss around your fingers isn't for you, there are other equally effective options, such as interdental brushes or water flossers.
3. Mouthwash
Antibacterial mouthwash helps prevent dental plaque from forming. It also helps loosen plaque, making it easier to remove. However, a mouthwash that is good for someone else may not be right for you. You should choose a mouthwash based on your needs. If you have gingivitis, sensitive teeth or a tendency to develop cavities, your mouthwash should be suitable for your condition. Some alcohol-based mouthwashes can dry out your mouth. Ask your dentist which one is right for you.
You can try the Y-Brush toothbrush to brush your teeth. It removes 15% more dental plaque than a traditional toothbrush and brushes all your teeth and their surfaces at the same time.
Would you like to take the next step toward better control of your dental plaque? Discover the Y-Brush Ultra sonic toothbrush, designed to provide thorough, even cleaning of both dental arches.
Natural remedies
1) Baking soda
Twice a week, you can replace your toothpaste with baking soda. Preparing this remedy is simple: sprinkle baking soda powder onto your previously moistened toothbrush and brush as usual. It can also be used as a mouthwash, but no more than once a week because it is abrasive. The twofold benefit of baking soda is that it helps whiten your teeth without resorting to professional teeth whitening.
2) Orange peels
They contain limonene, a substance known for acting on dental plaque and limiting its formation. Preferably use organic oranges and rub your teeth with the white side of the peel. You can also cut the white part of the orange peel into small pieces and mix them with a little water. Oranges are rich in vitamin C and have antimicrobial properties that can help you get rid of plaque and strengthen your teeth.
3) Linden and sunflower seeds
Preparing this remedy is simple: mix 5 teaspoons of sunflower seeds and linden in equal quantities. Then place everything in a saucepan over low heat. It is important to simmer the mixture for at least half an hour. You should then wait for the solution to cool and strain it to collect the juice. You can brush your teeth with this homemade preparation for 2 or 3 days if you store it properly in the refrigerator.
Suitable treatments and solutions
1) A healthy diet
Regularly consuming excessive amounts of sugary and acidic foods and drinks encourages the proliferation of bacteria in the mouth, as well as the development of problems such as tooth decay. To maintain a healthy mouth, you should first consider adopting good eating habits. It is therefore important to eat fruits and vegetables that are good for your teeth. These vegetables should help you keep your teeth and gums healthy and prevent the formation of plaque.
Here are the types of food you should eat:
- Antioxidants: carrots, tomatoes, peppers, berries, and oranges.
- Foods that contain fluoride: fish, green tea, and nuts.
- Dairy products: yogurt, cheese, and crème fraîche.
2) Using dental floss
It complements toothbrushing, which only reaches two-thirds of the surface of our teeth. Used daily, dental floss removes plaque and food particles from areas that a toothbrush cannot reach. You should choose dental floss that suits your teeth and place it between each of your teeth. Remember that you should floss for at least approximately 2 minutes after each brushing.
3) scaling and polishing at the dentist
The first stage of scaling or debridement removes deposits of dental plaque and tartar. Learn more about how to remove tartar from your teeth and prevent it from forming. This generally involves using an ultrasonic device to remove most of the tartar, followed by the removal of any stubborn residue with specific hand instruments. The next step consists of “polishing” the teeth so that the surface is completely smooth. This helps correct minor imperfections and rough-textured areas on the teeth, providing protection against further plaque buildup.
We hope this guide has helped you understand that brushing regularly, correctly, and with a good mouthwash helps prevent the formation of dental plaque and tartar. All natural remedies help prevent the formation of or remove tartar from your teeth. All treatments and solutions should be used alongside natural remedies.
