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Home Remedies For Removing Plaque - NewSmile® Dental Education

4 Home Remedies That Will Remove Plaque From Teeth

February 14, 2023

Plaque can ruin a beautiful smile and leave your mouth a breeding ground for bacteria. Plaque is a soft filmy bacteria that, when mixed with saliva, can harden into tartar and lead to gum disease and cavities. While brushing and flossing help keep plaque down, there are some natural remedies that can help, too.

Here are four home remedies to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth.

Oil Pulling

This technique has been around for a long time. Coconut oil is known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits. It is also high in lauric acid. Take one tablespoon of melted coconut oil and swish it around in your mouth for 15-20 minutes. When you’re finished, spit the oil out (don’t gargle or swallow it) and brush your teeth like normal. It’s best to do this in the morning before you’ve eaten.

Basically, the coconut oil pulls the bad stuff (plaque, bacteria, etc…) from your mouth, which is why you should always spit it out. If coconut oil isn’t your thing, warm sesame oil will also work.

Baking Soda

This pantry staple is surprisingly beneficial for your oral health. It’s also an inexpensive way to keep your mouth healthy and clean. Baking soda or sodium bicarbonate helps to neutralize acids in the mouth and reduces the amount of bacteria in your mouth. It can also help naturally whiten your teeth. Just don’t use it too often. Keep it to once or twice a week so it doesn’t damage your tooth enamel.


There are several ways you can use baking soda to remove plaque from your teeth:

  • Dip a wet toothbrush into the baking soda and brush your teeth like normal. Rinse your mouth completely with warm water.
  • Mix one part salt with two parts baking soda in a dish. Dip a wet toothbrush and brush your teeth normally. Rinse with warm water.
  • Mix one teaspoon baking soda with a small amount of hydrogen peroxide to form a paste. Use a toothbrush to brush your teeth and gums. Spit it out and rinse your mouth with warm water.

Aloe Vera

This prickly plant has amazing antimicrobial properties that are great for fighting bacteria. It helps kill the bacteria that causes bad breath and plaque. Take a whole aloe vera leaf and remove the pulp. Rub the pulp on your teeth and gums and allow it to remain there for about 10 minutes. Rinse with cold water. Do this twice a day for the best results.

White Vinegar

This isn’t just for salad dressings anymore. Vinegar can help protect your enamel and fight plaque build-up in your mouth. Mix two teaspoons of vinegar and one teaspoon of salt in a half a cup of warm water. Swish the mixture in your mouth for a few minutes before spitting it out.

Cleaning Your NewSmile® Clear Aligners

All of these methods will also work with your NewSmile® aligners as well. Using a mild cleaning solution and a soft toothbrush will ensure your aligners look great while they straighten your teeth. Removing plaque from your mouth is easy with these simple, natural ingredients!