Plaque buildup happens over time, and the rules of thumb like brushing twice daily and flossing helps prevent and remove plaque from under your gums. Oil pulling is a unique and natural remedy that can help clean plaque. Pair this natural plaque removal process with preventative strategies to keep your teeth clean and clear of any plaque buildup.
Oil Pulling & Plaque Prevention Supplies
Oil pulling is the first recommended course of action to help remove plaque from under the gum. Oil pulling is a simple process, but it does require a little bit of patience. After completing this process, you can brush your teeth and follow the steps for plaque prevention. Here are a few options and supplies you will need to clean the plaque from along your gumline.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is one of the natural oils you can use for the oil pulling procedure. Oil pulling helps reduce bad breath, prevent cavities, reduce inflammation, and much more.
- SMOOTH EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL: Expertly crafted by The Olive Oil People, this extra virgin olive oil is made from first cold pressed olives, grown and nurtured by our family of farmers.
- SMOOTH, DELICATE TASTE: Pompeian Extra Virgin Olive Oils are ideal for any meal that starts with a sauté and ends with a drizzle. With its smooth, delicate taste, Pompeian Smooth EVOO is perfect for sautéing and stir-frying!
- 100% FARMER CRAFTED: Quality from The Olive Oil People since 1906.
- IMPORTED, FIRST COLD PRESSED EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL: Certified for Authenticity by the North American Olive Oil Association (NAOOA).
- COMMITTED TO QUALITY: Pompeian Smooth Extra Virgin Olive Oil is Naturally Gluten Free and Non-Allergenic, Kosher, and Non-GMO Verified by the Non-GMO Project.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is known for its anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory effects and is another great choice for oil pulling. One of the all-important fatty acids contained in coconut oil is lauric acid, which can help remove plaque and keep the oral cavity healthy.
- NATURALLY EXTRACTED and NUTRIENT DENSE: Nutiva’s all-natural cold press extraction process yields a pure, light-tasting, nutrient-rich oil containing 63% medium chain triglycerides and 50% lauric acid without the use of dangerous and harmful chemicals, hexane, or heat.
- PREMIUM DIET COMPATIBILITY: Nutiva Virgin Coconut Oil is an ideal addition to vegetarian, vegan, raw, whole food, paleo, ketogenic, and gluten-free diets.
- HEALTH AND BEAUTY: Nutiva Virgin Coconut Oil has natural moisturizing and deep conditioning properties, making it an invaluable part of every body care regimen.
- COMMITMENT TO QUALITY: Nutiva partners with organic farmers to source the world’s finest fresh, organic virgin coconuts and stringently adheres to USDA certified organic and non-GMO guidelines to deliver superfood that is good for you and good for the planet.
- EASY TO USE PACKAGING: Nutiva Virgin Coconut Oil is packaged in safe, convenient, BPA-free packaging.
Toothbrush
A good toothbrush is necessary for plaque prevention. There are many different toothbrush options on the market. Some of them can even be used to floss your teeth, clean your tongue and remove plaque along the gumline.
- Includes rechargeable handle, charger, 2 brush heads, travel case
- Position Detection to help you know where you've brushed, so you never miss a zone
- Multicolor SmartRing on electric toothbrush provides coaching on brushing time
- Pressure sensor technology slows brush speed to protect gums
- Includes a travel case
Toothpaste
Baking soda is another all-natural plaque prevention and removal strategy. Therefore, you should purchase a toothpaste that contains baking soda. When shopping for toothpaste, make sure that it has fluoride to strengthen your tooth enamel.
- Extreme Whitening
- Stain Prevention
- Deep Cleaning
- Fluoride Cavity Protection & tartar control
- Low abrasion formula
Mouthwash
Oil pulling loosens plaque and bacteria from your oral cavity; however, a daily mouthwash is still needed for optimal oral health. An effective mouthwash will contain ingredients that fight against the bacteria and germs that cause plaque buildup.
- MOUTHWASH: Listerine Total Care anticavity mouthwash improves overall oral health by helping to prevent cavities & strengthen teeth; Leaves your mouth feeling fresh and clean when used as part of your regular oral hygiene routine; Fresh Mint flavor.
- Cavity PREVENTION: Anticavity remineralizing mouthwash freshens breath while strengthening teeth 50% more than brushing alone (according to laboratory studies); Helps to prevent cavities in hard to reach places that brushing may miss.
- Fluoride RINSE: Mouthwash with fluoride offers six dental hygiene benefits in one oral rinse to help kill germs that cause bad breath, strengthen teeth, help prevent cavities, restore enamel, and clean your mouth/freshen breath; Zero Alcohol Formula.
- #1 DENTIST RECOMMENDED: ADA-Approved and from the #1 Dentist recommended brand for over the counter mouthwashes; Listerine mouthwash has been clinically studied for over 75 years and is the most widely used mouthwash in the world.
- INCLUDES: Pack of 2, 1 L mouthwash; Use regularly during your oral care routine to help contribute to overall good oral hygiene; Rinse for 60 seconds both morning and night or otherwise instructed by a dentist or physician.
Floss
Flossing your teeth daily is recommended for plaque prevention and removal. Taking care of your teeth takes time, but skipping steps is going to find you scheduling more dental appointments.
- Includes 90 Solimo Mint Dental Flossers (1 pack of 90 flossers)
- Mint flavor
- Designed to slide easily between teeth without shredding
- Fold-away pick can be used like a toothpick
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How To Remove Plaque From Gums
Removing plaque from gums can be achieved by employing both plaque removal techniques and plaque prevention strategies. Oil pulling is one way to tackle the problem of plaque along the gumline. This oral care procedure can be followed by your daily oral health routine. Follow these four easy steps so you can have a fresher, cleaner mouth.
Step One: Oil Pulling Procedure
The oil pulling process can be completed in one simple step. This process can take up to 30 minutes, so it is important that you remain patient through the oil pulling process. You will need one tablespoon of olive oil or coconut oil. You want to swish this oil around your mouth for 20-30 minutes just like you would do a mouthwash. Make sure that the oil reaches every area of your mouth and is pulled through each of your teeth. After you complete the oil pulling procedure for plaque removal, spit the solution out and rinse your mouth out with a bit of water.
- Pro Tip: Swish gently, as your jaw can get sore after several minutes of swishing. It does not take a lot of pressure to effectively oil pull.
Step Two: Brush Your Teeth
Brushing your teeth is necessary after oil pulling. Brushing your teeth helps to remove any loosened plaque, it also helps whisk away germs and any remaining traces of oil in your mouth. When brushing your teeth, make sure you reach every tooth and brush for at least two minutes. To help keep plaque away and keep your teeth looking beautiful, brush your teeth at least twice daily.
- Pro Tip: Remember to use a toothpaste that contains baking soda. If your toothpaste does not contain baking soda, sprinkle a small amount of baking soda on your toothbrush and toothpaste.
Step Three: Floss Your Teeth
Now it is time to floss your teeth. There are many different tools that can be used for flossing. You can use traditional floss, floss picks, and even devices that are designed to floss for you. You should floss after each meal; however, that is not always feasible. For best results, floss at least twice daily.
- Pro Tip: You will need between 18 and 24 inches of dental floss if you are flossing traditionally. This amount of floss gives you plenty of string to maneuver between your teeth.
Step Four: Use a Mouthwash
Mouthwash, like oil pulling, helps you reach the areas of your mouth that brushing alone cannot. An effective mouthwash will kill germs and help remove bacteria and plaque that reside along the gumline.
- Pro Tip: An antiseptic mouthwash helps to not only prevent plaque buildup but fight against the germs that cause gingivitis.
Final Thoughts
Plaque buildup is inevitable if you do not use both plaque prevention measures and plaque removal strategies. Oil pulling is great, and when paired with brushing, flossing, and rinsing, your pearly whites are going to be sparkling clean. Finally, schedule an appointment with your dentist for a check-up and teeth cleaning to keep your teeth looking their best.
