LIFESTYLE: Plaque, tartar and how to treat the teeth

The terms ‘plaque’ and ‘tartar’ are commonly used in an interchangeable fashion.

It is tartar that you can see on the outside of teeth, in the form of yellow or white patches.

If left untreated, chronic gingivitis and degenerative tooth loss may be the outcome.

Below are ways to treat them

1.Careful and Sustained Brushing

Brushing is the number one treatment for plaque prevention. If you brush properly after every meal (wait half an hour after eating), you can significantly reduce your chance of developing unsightly tartar patches.

2.Using Fluoridated Toothpaste or a Tartar Control toothpaste.

Flouride strengthens the tooth enamel and lessens the risk of decay from acidic foods and drinks. In fact, it actually helps decayed teeth to heal and regenerate. The tartar contain a concoction of ingredients designed to battle against crusty build ups in the mouth.

3.Eating Lots of Fruit and Vegetables

This is an all-round great tip. Whether you like them or not, vegetables are a super ingredient. They are great for physical health and the teeth are no exception. Start munching on apples,carrots, and peppers to get your teeth looking strong and healthy in no time.

4.Rinsing with an Antiseptic Cleanser

You can also control tartar and plaque build-up with a hydrogen peroxide based mouthwash or cleanser. You must make sure that the substance you use is of a suitable concentration or you could damage your teeth.

5.Gargling with a Vinegar Solution

This is not a pleasant method for removing plaque, but it is natural, effective and guaranteed not to harm teeth. Take a solution consisting of two tablespoons of vinegar, one tablespoon of salt, and four ounces of water. Rinse and repeat every 2-3 days for maximum value.

6.Cleaning with Baking Soda

It is slightly abrasive so it pries and files nasty stuff from the surface of enamel. Take (only) one tablespoon of baking soda. Add a pinch of salt then, dampen a toothbrush and dip it into the mixture. Clean your teeth as you usually would and rinse thoroughly.

7.Mixing Aloe Vera and Glycerine

Take a cup of water, combine it with half a cup of baking soda, and a teaspoon of aloe vera gel, add a healthy dose of lemon essential oil and 4 teaspoons of a vegetable glycerine. Now, scrub your teeth with the formula and wake up to a shiny set of gnashers in the morning.

8.Rubbing the Teeth with Orange Peel

You can rub orange peel directly onto your teeth and this will help to fight tartar building microorganisms on the enamel. You can also mash up the peel and apply it to the stained areas. Leave to rest and then rinse. You should find that this noticeably whitens the teeth.

9.Feasting on Spicy Cuisines

According to dental scientists, spicy food are great for reducing plaque and tartar levels in the mouth. They increase your production of saliva. Saliva is the secret weapon of the oral environment. It washes over teeth and cleanses them of nasty stuff.

10.Making a Super Vitamin Paste

Mash together a paste of vitamin C heavy fruits. So, oranges, tomatoes,etc. Mix until you get a thick paste and then apply this to the tartar and plaque build ups. Leave to rest for five minutes and then rinse thoroughly. The vitamin C will help to remove bacteria and keep your mouth healthy.