Best Toothpaste to Remove Plaque

The Best Toothpastes to Effectively Remove Plaque and Improve Oral Health

Plaque represents one of the main culprits behind tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues. This sticky, transparent film harbors millions of harmful bacteria. When plaque builds up on teeth, it can lead to serious dental problems over time. Using an effective toothpaste designed to remove plaque makes an important part of any oral care routine. This guide explores some of the best toothpaste options for combating plaque and maintaining a healthy, beautiful smile.

What is Plaque?

Before diving into toothpaste recommendations, it helps to understand exactly what plaque is. Plaque consists of a sticky layer of bacteria, food debris, and saliva that constantly forms on teeth. When not removed thoroughly, plaque hardens into tartar (also called calculus).

This hardened plaque triggers inflammation within the gums. Over time, it creates pockets separating the gums from teeth. Harmful bacteria accumulate in these pockets, causing deterioration of the bone and tissue surrounding teeth. Advanced gum disease may eventually lead to tooth loss.

Removing plaque daily disrupts this chain of events. That’s why using an effective plaque-removing toothpaste proves so crucial for oral hygiene and cavity prevention.

Key Plaque-Fighting Toothpaste Ingredients

When shopping for a plaque-busting toothpaste, look for formulas containing these scientifically-proven, active ingredients:

Fluoride: This natural mineral battles cavity-causing bacteria while strengthening and remineralizing tooth enamel.

Triclosan: An antibacterial agent that disrupts plaque formation and fights gingivitis.

Stannous Fluoride: Provides extra protection against plaque, gingivitis, and bad breath with antibacterial properties.

Baking Soda: A mild abrasive that gently scrubs away plaque while whitening and freshening breath.

Xylitol: This sugar alcohol prevents plaque from sticking to teeth and neutralizes acids that erode enamel.

Arginine: An amino acid that creates an environment hostile to plaque and cavity formation.

The most effective plaque removal toothpastes contain concentrated levels of multiple antimicrobial and antibacterial agents. Active ingredients like these disrupt plaque accumulation at the source.

Toothpastes for Removing Plaque and Tartar Buildup

For tackling existing plaque and tartar deposits, look for toothpastes with added cleaning and whitening power:

Crest Gum & Sensitivity: Formulated with stannous fluoride and a unique multi-clean system to remove plaque and protect gums.

Tom’s Antiplaque & Whitening: Baking soda gently scrubs away plaque while peroxide whitens and freshens breath.

Colgate Total Advanced: Triclosan and copolymers create an anti-bacterial shield to prevent plaque buildup.

Arm & Hammer AdvanceWhite: Baking soda and peroxide lift stains while combating tartar buildup.

Sensodyne Tartar Control: Sodium hexametaphosphate helps prevent calculus accumulation on tooth surfaces.

Whitening toothpastes with added abrasives like baking soda and peroxide provide extra cleaning power. Just be cautious with overuse, as they can potentially wear down enamel over time.

Natural Plaque Removal Toothpastes

Those seeking natural, botanical formulas can find effective plaque-fighting properties from these toothpaste options:

Tom’s Antiplaque & Whitening (Fluoride-Free): Relies on vegetable-based glycerin and silica for cleaning instead of triclosan.

Auromere Ayurvedic Herbal: Formulated with anti-microbial neem and peelu to prevent plaque from forming.

Desert Essence Tea Tree Oil: Packs antimicrobial, antiseptic properties to eliminate plaque and freshen breath.

Hello Oral Care Activated Charcoal: Activated charcoal binds to plaque and lifts stains for whiter teeth.

Natural options tend to rely more heavily on herbs, essential oils, and other botanical ingredients to dislodge plaque and freshen breath. But fluoride-free varieties lack enamel protection.

 Kids’ Toothpastes for Plaque Removal

Teaching children proper oral hygiene habits early pays dividends. These kid-friendly plaque removal toothpastes make brushing fun:

Tom’s Silly Strawberry Toothpaste: Naturally-derived fruit flavors with xylitol to prevent cavity-causing bacteria.

Hello Oral Care Kids Toothpaste: Features anti-plaque erythritol and fun character designs on packaging.

Burt’s Bees Kids Toothpaste: Plant-based formula with natural fruit flavors safe if swallowed.

Tanner’s Tasty Paste: Fluoride-free, SLS-free gel with xylitol and natural fruit extracts kids love.

Establishing a brushing routine with an effective plaque-fighting paste sets kids up for better oral health outcomes from an early age. Just be sure any fluoride formulas use only a rice-grain sized amount for youngsters.

 Choosing the Right Plaque Removal Toothpaste

With so many options, here are some tips for selecting the ideal plaque-busting toothpaste:

Determine Key Needs: Whether it’s fighting plaque, whitening, sensitivity relief, or natural ingredients – focus the search.

Consider Texture Preferences: Pastes/gels made with humectants like glycerin provide a smooth, non-gritty feel.

Give it Time: Stick with a new toothpaste for 4-6 weeks to experience full plaque-fighting effects.

Mix it Up: Using different toothpastes in rotation maximizes effectiveness and freshens the routine.

Pair with Flossing: No toothpaste fully removes plaque between teeth where flossing must happen too.

For best plaque prevention, use an antibacterial toothpaste diligently twice per day. Brush thoroughly (at least two minutes) with a soft-bristled electric toothbrush. Regular dental cleanings then remove any hardened plaque deposits left behind.

Developing an Oral Care Routine for Plaque Prevention

While an effective toothpaste provides the first line of defense, a comprehensive anti-plaque oral care routine involves these steps:

Brushing: Brush gently twice daily for two minutes using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.

Flossing: Floss once daily to remove plaque and food debris between teeth brushing misses.

Tongue Scraping: Gently clean the tongue each morning to remove bacteria, freshen breath, and improve taste.

Fluoride Rinse: Use an anti-bacterial rinse 30 minutes after brushing to access hard-to-reach plaque areas.

Diet Adjustments: Reducing snacking and consuming fewer sugary/acidic foods deprives plaque-causing bacteria of fuel.

With diligent and consistent daily oral hygiene habits, even the most troublesome plaque buildup can get disrupted before causing serious dental issues. Following an anti-plaque regimen takes discipline but provides exponential benefits.

When to See a Dentist for Plaque Buildup

Even those adhering to an impeccable oral care routine may still need professional cleanings now and then.

Schedule a dental appointment for plaque and tartar removal if experiencing:

Bleeding, swollen, tender gums
Bad breath that won’t resolve
Brown/yellow staining or buildup on teeth that won’t brush away
Receding gums or loose teeth

A dentist or dental hygienist has specialized tools to detect and thoroughly remove hardened deposits. Most recommend professional cleanings every six months for optimal oral health.

Plaque accumulation may seem harmless. But when allowed to calcify and spread unchecked, it sets the stage for cavities, gum disease, and potentially even tooth loss over time. Using a proven plaque removal toothpaste, coupled with excellent daily hygiene habits, empowers anyone to take control of their oral health.