How to remove plaque? Brush twice a day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth once a day with floss, interdental brushes or a water flosser. Plaque is soft and can be removed at home; once it hardens into tartar (calculus), only a professional cleaning can remove it. Cleaning between the teeth matters because a toothbrush cannot reach those surfaces.
What is plaque, and why does it matter?
Plaque is a soft, sticky, pale film of bacteria that forms on teeth every day, especially along the gum line and between the teeth. If it is not removed:
- The bacteria produce acids that cause decay
- They irritate the gums, which become red, swollen and bleed
- Within days, plaque starts to harden into tartar, which traps more plaque and cannot be brushed away
Plaque is not removed by rinsing or by mouthwash alone. It has to be physically disturbed and wiped away.
Brushing: the foundation
Brush twice a day, for two minutes, with a soft brush and a fluoride toothpaste. Angle the bristles towards the gum line and use small, gentle movements, cleaning every surface. Spit out the toothpaste but do not rinse, so the fluoride keeps working. Our guide on how to brush your teeth correctly explains the technique step by step.
Even perfect brushing leaves the surfaces between the teeth uncleaned, roughly a third of each tooth’s surface. That is where cleaning between the teeth comes in.
How to floss correctly
- Take about 40 cm of floss and wrap most of it around your middle fingers, leaving a short section between your hands.
- Guide the floss gently between two teeth with a back-and-forth motion. Do not snap it onto the gum.
- Curve the floss into a C-shape around one tooth and slide it gently under the gum line.
- Move it up and down along the side of the tooth several times, then do the same on the neighbouring tooth.
- Use a clean section of floss for each space, including behind the last teeth.
Some bleeding is common in the first days if the gums are inflamed; it usually stops within one to two weeks of daily cleaning. Persistent bleeding is a reason to see a dentist; see our article on bleeding gums when brushing.
Interdental brushes, floss picks and water flossers
- Interdental brushes are small cylindrical brushes that fit between the teeth. For people with larger spaces, bridges or gum recession they are often easier and more effective than floss. The right size should fit snugly without forcing.
- Floss picks hold a short piece of floss on a handle; they are convenient, especially for children and people with limited dexterity.
- Water flossers spray a pulsed jet of water. They are helpful around bridges, implants and braces and for people who find floss difficult, but they do not replace brushing.
The best tool is the one you will use every day. Your dentist or hygienist can show you which sizes and tools suit your mouth.
Plaque you can remove, tartar you cannot: when you need a dentist
Tartar is hardened plaque, yellow or brown, usually behind the lower front teeth and near the upper molars. It cannot be removed with a toothbrush, floss or home “scrapers”, which can damage the gums and enamel. A professional scaling and polishing removes it safely; our article on scaling and polishing explains how often you need it.
Habits that help keep plaque under control
- Limit how often you eat sugary snacks and drinks
- Drink water after meals
- Do not smoke, as smoking encourages tartar and gum disease
- Replace your toothbrush every three months or when the bristles splay
- Have regular check-ups and professional cleaning
Prevention and cleaning at Ajam Dental Clinic, Tripoli
At Ajam Dental Clinic, Fouad Chehab Boulevard, Al-Makateb Building, 1st floor, Tripoli, we remove tartar with professional scaling and polishing, show you the areas you tend to miss and help you choose the right floss or interdental brush sizes. Learn about our preventive care and contact us by WhatsApp or phone to book a cleaning.
Frequently asked questions
Can I remove tartar at home?
No. Once plaque has hardened into tartar, it is firmly attached to the tooth and cannot be removed by brushing or flossing. Scraping it yourself with metal tools risks injuring the gums and scratching enamel. A professional scaling removes it safely and is followed by polishing.
Should I floss before or after brushing?
Both work; what matters most is doing it thoroughly once a day. Many dentists suggest cleaning between the teeth before brushing, so that the fluoride from the toothpaste can then reach the surfaces you have just cleaned. Choose the order you will stick to.
Is a water flosser as good as floss?
A water flosser is a useful option, especially around bridges, implants and braces, and for people who find floss hard to use. For many people, interdental brushes are the most effective tool for cleaning between the teeth. A dentist can advise what works best for your gaps and gums.
Does mouthwash remove plaque?
Mouthwash alone does not remove plaque, because plaque is a sticky film that must be physically cleaned off. Some mouthwashes reduce bacteria and can be a useful addition, but they cannot replace brushing and cleaning between the teeth.
Why do my gums bleed when I start flossing?
Bleeding usually means the gums are inflamed by plaque that has been sitting between the teeth. With gentle daily cleaning, bleeding normally decreases within one to two weeks. If it continues, or if your gums are swollen or receding, have them checked by a dentist.
Have a question about your teeth?
Send a WhatsApp message to Dr. Abdel Rahman Ajam or Dr. Soumaya Ajam, or call the clinic to book a consultation.
This article provides general information for patients. It does not replace an examination by a dentist, who can advise you on your own situation.
