Dental Plaque

Dental plaque is a biofilm or mass of bacteria that grows on surfaces within the mouth. It appears as a white or pale yellow "slime layer", that is commonly found between the teeth and along the cervical margins. Dental plaque is also known as microbial plaque, oral biofilm, dental biofilm, dental plaque biofilm or bacterial plaque biofilm. While plaque is commonly associated with oral diseases such as caries and periodontal diseases (gum diseases), its formation is a normal process that cannot be prevented.
See also : Periodontal Diseases

Natural Remedies

• Fiber : In particular, celery, apples, carrots, sweet potatoes and other crunchy fruits and vegetables help keep your mouth moist by producing excess saliva -- your body's natural weapon against bad breath. These foods also clean the mouth, scrape away plaque buildup and help naturally remove foods that are stuck between teeth and gums.
• Neem Tree : Applying neem leaf extract gel to the teeth and gums twice daily for 6 weeks might reduce plaque formation, according to developing research. It also might reduce the number of bacteria in the mouth that can cause plaque.
• Tannins : Most noticeable among tannins’ many characteristics is their being astringent. This styptic power binds proteins located on the surface of the mouth, thereby making the harmful bacteria in the mouth ineffective while putting in check the buildup of plaque and preventing tooth decay.
• Xylitol : In addition to preventing cavities, consuming xylitol in small amounts helps decrease plaque formation, and promotes salivation to prevent “dry mouth”, which aids in enhancing mineral absorption for repairing damaged tooth enamel, while increasing tooth strength.
• Coconut oil already has antibacterial properties and is much safer than the endocrine-disrupting triclosan found in many fluoridated toothpastes. You can even use coconut oil as toothpaste if you like! Research suggests it can actually slow the growth of some bacteria that can lead to tooth decay. Another study suggests oil pulling–or oil swishing–with coconut oil can also lead to a significant decrease in overall plaque.
• Cranberries : cranberry pills contain properties that inhibit bacteria from adhering to the teeth and gums, reducing the risk for plaque build-up and periodontal disease, according to the Nutritional Supplement Educational Centre.
• Sesame Seeds : Sesame seed oil has been used for oral health for thousands of years in the traditional Indian medical tradition known as Ayurveda in a process known as “oil pulling.” It involves swishing sesame seed oil in the mouth for prolonged durations and has been said to prevent teeth decay, halitosis, bleeding gums, dry throat, and for strengthening the teeth, gums and jaw. Clinical research now confirms that it compares favorably to chemical mouthwash (chlorhexidine) in improving plaque-induced gingivitis,and that it is capable of reducing Streptococcus mutans growth associated with oral plaque formation. (see also : Oil pulling)
• Lactobacillus Reuteri : chewing Lactobacillus reuteri containing gum decreases plaque and gingivitis.
• Staphysagria (Homeopathy)
• Sea Cucumber : Use of a toothpaste containing sea cucumber extract may be beneficial to people with gum disease, according to a preliminary study published in the Journal of Oral Science in 2003. For the study, 28 adults with chronic gingivitis or early stages of periodontitis brushed their teeth with either a sea cucumber-enriched toothpaste or placebo toothpaste twice daily for three months. At the study's end, participants who used the sea cucumber toothpaste showed significantly greater improvements in several markers of gum health (such as plaque buildup and bleeding) compared to those assigned to the placebo.
• White Tea has been shown to protect animals from certain pathogenic bacteria, such as Salmonella tryphimurium. A 2004 study at Pace University revealed that white tea extract may help slow viruses and bacterial growth, thus reducing the incidence of staphylococcus and streptococcus infections, pneumonia, fungus growth, and even dental plaque.

Medical Disclaimer

This information is not meant to be substituted for medical advice. Always consult a medical professional regarding any medical problems and before undertaking any treatment or dietary changes.