Plaque is the colorless, sticky film of bacteria which accumulates on the teeth. If left untreated, it continues to buildup and hardens into tartar, leading to gingivitis, or inflammation of the gum tissue.
Fortunately, there are several natural remedies which will prevent these issues in a completely safe and effective way.
Luckily for us, there are natural remedies for almost every condition. We present your one of the most popular and powerful natural remedy for a plaque.
Coconut oil is an extremely beneficial natural oil that offers a myriad of health benefits, including supporting oral health. Its potent qualities can help you prevent dental issues and maintain a healthy and white smile.
Baking soda is also highly effective in whitening the teeth and eliminating plaque. It reduces a number of dangerous bacteria as it neutralizes the acids in the oral cavity.
According to a 2008 study published in The Journal of Clinical Dentistry, which analyzed 5 clinical studies, baking soda paste or powder is far more efficient in eliminating plaque than all the other non-baking soda products.
Yet, note that its excessive use might damage your enamel, so it is best to use it moderately.
The following natural paste recipe will prevent plaque formation:
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of extra virgin (unrefined) coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons of baking soda
- A few drops of your favorite essential oil
- (for example, peppermint oil) *optional
Instructions:
In a bowl, mix the ingredients until you get a homogeneous paste. If you like, you can add a few drops of some essential oil.
Use:
Dip your toothbrush into the paste and brush the teeth twice daily, in the usual manner.
The following natural recipes are also highly effective in removing plaque if used once or twice a week:
- Mix a teaspoon of salt and 2 tablespoons of baking soda, and gently brush the teeth with the paste.
- Mix a teaspoon of baking soda with some hydrogen peroxide to make a paste, and brush the teeth and gums. Then, spit it out and rinse the mouth well.
- You can simply put a bit of baking soda on the wet toothbrush, and brush the teeth. Then, rinse the mouth with lukewarm water.
When it comes to teeth whitening, experience has shown that coconut oil is the most potent natural ingredient for the cause, especially when used in a process known as oral pulling.
This oil is a rich source of medium chain fatty acids, 50% of which are lauric acid. Lauric acid has strong anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties which eliminate plaque and bacteria in the mouth. It also helps to keep your breath fresh and whitens the teeth.
The findings of a study published in the Nigerian Journal of Medicine in April 2015, which observed 60 subjects between the ages 16 and 18 who used oil pulling as part of their oral hygiene over a period of one month, revealed that the levels of plaque and gum diseases had dramatically lowered after 7 days of oil pulling.
This is how to conduct this method:
Swish a teaspoon of coconut oil in the mouth for 15-20 minutes, but ensure that it covers all the areas of the oral cavity. Do not gargle it, but spit it out to remove the bacteria it has absorbed from the gums and teeth.
Rinse with lukewarm water, and brush the teeth. Repeat this on a daily basis, and in several days, you will start noticing that your teeth gradually whiten.
You can also add some coconut oil to a toothbrush or a clean cloth, and rub gently. Very soon, everyone will give you compliments for your pearly whites!