Is DIY Plaque Removal Okay?

There’s been a massive movement toward DIY over the last several years. It’s touched virtually every industry from construction to healthcare, including dentistry. While it’s fine to DIY some things, it’s not the best approach to everything. These days you can find dental cleaning tools easily, which may have you wondering if it’s okay to try removing plaque yourself.

Plaque Removal Matters

Plaque comes from the bacteria that live in your mouth. It’s a microfilm they create when they digest food particles left over from when you eat. Dental plaque is acidic enough to erode your enamel over time if not removed. That’s part of why it’s so important to see a dentist regularly. Plaque removal is a normal part of the cleaning process.

DIY Plaque Removal Is Dangerous

As important as removing plaque is, it’s not a good idea to do it yourself, even if you have the tools for the job. Plaque scrapers are sharp. It’s easy to slip and injure your mouth. Improper use can lead to gum recession, tooth sensitivity, infection, and other mouth injuries. Leave plaque removal using dental tools to the professionals. Dentists and dental hygienists know how to use those tools safely so you don’t get hurt. They also have a better view of your teeth than you do, allowing them to do a more thorough job.

Plaque Prevention Is Best

Most people only see their dentist once every six months or so, which means you could go for a long time without having all the plaque removed from your teeth. Because of that, it’s important to take steps to prevent plaque from forming. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing at least once a day is critical to preventing plaque from forming on the teeth. A thorough, two-minute brushing twice a day, combined with flossing helps remove plaque from the teeth before it hardens into tartar and becomes impossible to remove on your own.

You only get one set of permanent teeth. It’s up to you to take good care of them. That said, the best thing you can do is to brush and floss. It may be tempting to try using dental tools yourself, especially if you hate going to the dentist. That can be a huge mistake though. Leave plaque removal to dental professionals for the sake of your mouth’s health and safety.

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