Plaque buildup on teeth can be a major concern for oral health, leading to bad breath, gum disease, and tooth decay. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth and gums when we consume food and beverages. If not removed regularly, plaque can harden into tartar, which is much more difficult to remove and may require a professional dental cleaning.
Fortunately, there are quick and effective methods to remove plaque in under five minutes. In this article, we’ll explore three easy methods to help keep your teeth clean and your smile bright.
Advertisement
1. Brushing Your Teeth with Proper Technique
Brushing your teeth is the most straightforward way to remove plaque and should be done at least twice a day. To effectively remove plaque in under five minutes, it’s important to use the correct brushing technique:
Steps to Brush Effectively:
Choose the Right Toothbrush and Toothpaste: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Soft bristles are gentle on your gums but effective at removing plaque from the teeth’s surfaces and along the gum line.
Position Your Toothbrush Correctly: Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums. This angle allows the bristles to reach under the gum line, where plaque tends to accumulate.
Use Small Circular Motions: Gently move the toothbrush in small circular motions across each tooth’s surface. This motion is more effective than scrubbing back and forth, which can be too abrasive and potentially damage your enamel and gums.
Brush for Two Minutes: Divide your mouth into four sections (top left, top right, bottom left, bottom right) and spend 30 seconds on each section. Be sure to brush all surfaces of your teeth — the outer surfaces, the inner surfaces, and the chewing surfaces.
Don’t Forget Your Tongue: Bacteria can also accumulate on your tongue, contributing to plaque formation and bad breath. Gently brush your tongue from back to front to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.
Quick Tip: Electric toothbrushes are highly effective at removing plaque because they mimic the proper brushing technique and often come with built-in timers to ensure you brush for the recommended two minutes.
2. Flossing: The Key to Removing Plaque Between Teeth
Flossing is crucial for removing plaque from between teeth and along the gum line, where a toothbrush cannot reach. This method takes just a couple of minutes and can significantly reduce plaque buildup and prevent gum disease.
Steps to Floss Properly:
Choose the Right Floss: Use waxed dental floss or a floss pick if you find regular floss challenging to use. Waxed floss slides more easily between tight teeth.
Cut About 18 Inches of Floss: Wind most of the floss around each middle finger, leaving about 2 inches to work with.
Hold the Floss Correctly: Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers, using a gentle sawing motion to guide it between your teeth.
Curve the Floss Around Each Tooth: Once the floss is between your teeth, curve it into a « C » shape against one tooth and gently slide it under the gum line. Move the floss up and down to remove plaque.
Continued on next page
