5 Natural Ways to Remove Dental Plaque

Dental plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that naturally forms on your teeth after eating or drinking.

While it’s a normal occurrence, allowing dental plaque to accumulate can stain your teeth, affect the appearance of your smile, and diminish the cleanliness of your mouth.

Fortunately, there are several natural ways to remove dental plaque with simple but effective remedies that can help maintain oral freshness and support cleaner, healthier teeth.

What is dental plaque?

Dental plaque is a sticky film that forms when naturally occurring bacteria in the oral cavity combine with saliva and food particles on the tooth surface.

This coating consists of oral microbial species, including Streptococcus mutans, which have been linked to playing a role in the early stages of tooth decay.  

If dental plaque isn’t removed through regular cleaning, it can harden into dental calculus, also known as tartar.

As plaque accumulates along the gum tissue, it can trigger irritation and, in some cases, even contribute to severe gum disease.  

Left unaddressed, plaque buildup may progress and lead to periodontal disease, an oral health issue that can damage the soft tissue and destroy the jawbone matrix that supports the teeth.

The metabolic by-products and acids produced by dental plaque bacteria can also weaken tooth enamel, thereby increasing the risk of carious lesions, commonly referred to as cavities.

Therefore, proper oral hygiene and regular visits to a dental professional help maintain a balanced oral environment and support long-term dental health.

Watch the video below to learn about the best remedy for dental plaque. 

What causes dental plaque?

Several lifestyle habits and dietary factors can contribute to plaque formation, which can lead to persistent tartar buildup along the gum line and chewing surfaces.

Here are the most common causes of tooth plaque development.

1. Poor oral hygiene

Neglecting daily brushing and flossing allows potentially harmful oral microbial communities to form persistent biofilms that adhere to the teeth and gums. 

Over time, this plaque buildup can trigger irritation and inflammation, causing the gums to bleed easily and signaling that the mouth’s natural balance is disrupted.

According to recommendations released by the American Dental Association (ADA), brushing twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and cleaning between teeth with floss or another interdental cleaner once a day supports good oral health. 

2. High-carb diet 

Frequent consumption of sugary and starchy foods provides plaque bacteria with a source of fuel, thereby increasing the release of acids that erode tooth enamel.

Furthermore, research published in StatPearls notes that frequent sugar intake allows bacteria to release acids more often, which can gradually weaken the enamel and support plaque formation. 

Together, these factors contribute to tooth plaque buildup and leave the tooth surface more vulnerable to irritation along the gum line.

3. Food debris

Tiny particles of food debris left behind after meals serve as a nutrient source for bacteria, promoting faster plaque formation.

These particles tend to lodge between teeth and along the chewing surfaces, reinforcing the need for regular dental cleanings to maintain oral balance.

If this debris isn’t removed, it can combine with saliva and minerals to form a rough surface that attracts more bacterial growth.  

Additionally, leftover food particles can contribute to bad breath and increase the risk of tooth decay and gum issues. 

4. Dry mouth 

A lack of saliva in the mouth reduces the body’s natural ability to wash away bacteria and food particles.

Saliva also helps maintain the proper pH balance in the mouth, supporting its natural defenses against harmful bacteria and plaque buildup.

This has been confirmed by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), summarizing, “Dry mouth increases the risk for tooth decay or fungal infections in the mouth because saliva helps keep harmful germs in check.”

When saliva production decreases, often due to dehydration, certain medications, or mouth breathing, dental plaque can develop more quickly.

Encouraging saliva flow by drinking plenty of fluids or chewing sugarless gum can help keep the mouth clean and comfortable.  

5 natural ways to remove dental plaque

While professional care from a dental hygienist remains essential, incorporating simple habits into your daily routine can help minimize the risk of dental plaque buildup.

Here are five natural methods to help reduce plaque while supporting overall oral health.

1. Saltwater rinses

A gentle saltwater rinse can help maintain oral balance by reducing excess bacteria and soothing irritated gum tissue. 

Daily use of a saltwater rinse has been shown to reduce levels of Streptococcus mutans, a bacterium associated with plaque buildup. It also helps neutralize acids and leaves the mouth feeling fresher and cleaner. 

To prepare a saltwater rinse, dissolve approximately half a teaspoon of sea salt in a cup of warm water and stir until the mixture is thoroughly combined. 

2. Brush with baking soda

Brushing teeth with baking soda is a natural way to help polish teeth and reduce surface buildup.

A study published in the International Journal of Dental Hygiene supports this claim, reporting that toothpaste formulated with baking soda was more effective at reducing plaque buildup and reducing gum bleeding than those without it.

When used in moderation as part of a proper oral hygiene routine, baking soda can help smooth tooth surfaces and maintain a healthy pH balance in the mouth.

3. Use aloe vera

“Aloe vera contains bioactive compounds such as anthraquinones, saponins, and polysaccharides, which can assist in lowering the activity of oral bacteria and supporting gum health,” explains Dr. Berg.

These oral-health-enhancing components can help break down plaque biofilm while soothing gum tissue and maintaining oral balance.

Additionally, aloe vera’s natural enzymes and antioxidants help reduce oral bacteria and inflammation, promoting a cleaner mouth and a smoother feel on the teeth.

4. Eat crunchy foods

Eating crunchy foods like celery, cucumbers, and bell peppers naturally helps clean tooth surfaces by stimulating saliva flow and gently scrubbing away food particles.

These fibrous textures act as a mild abrasive, supporting cleaner enamel and helping reduce plaque accumulation.

Additionally, low-carb, crunchy vegetables promote jaw movement and increase saliva production, which helps wash away oral pathogens and naturally reduce bad breath.   

5. Green tea rinse

Rinsing your mouth with cooled green tea provides natural antioxidants, such as catechins, which may help reduce harmful oral bacteria and support gum tissue health.

Research published in the Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care suggests that green tea supports oral health by reducing inflammation and limiting the growth of bacteria linked to gum problems.

Tips for preventing plaque

Keeping plaque away starts with small, consistent habits that support a healthy smile.

It’s recommended to brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush. This helps gently clean along the gum line without causing irritation.  

It’s also important to drink plenty of water throughout the day to rinse away food particles and maintain saliva flow. 

Additionally, include foods rich in vitamin D and calcium, such as oily fish and cheese, to strengthen enamel and make teeth more resistant to plaque buildup.

You can also incorporate herbs, such as clove or peppermint, into your oral care routine for their mild antibacterial properties and naturally fresh taste. 

Finally, avoiding snacks between meals is vital, as it gives your mouth time to neutralize acids and helps prevent plaque buildup.

Key takeaways

Practicing consistent oral care, such as brushing with baking soda, using aloe vera, and rinsing with salt water, can support oral health and may help reduce dental plaque buildup.

Incorporating crunchy foods, including celery, and staying hydrated also support gum health and promote enamel strength. 

FAQ

Sources

1. https://www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/toothbrushes 
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534248/ 
3. https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/dry-mouth 
4. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6850485/ 
5. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8797077/