How to Remove Dental Plaque & Prevent Cavities?

If you’re dealing with persistent oral health issues like recurring mouth ulcers, embarrassing bad breath, bleeding gums while brushing, or even hereditary tooth cavities, you’re not alone. These problems affect a vast majority of people, and yet, many tend to overlook their significance. 

According to the World Health Organization, a staggering 95% of Indians face some form of dental or gum issue. What's more alarming is that 86% of people tend to take these problems lightly, ignoring the fact that oral health is intricately linked to the well-being of various organs in our body. In fact, doctors often examine the mouth to gain insights into overall health.

Oral problems like cavities, sensitivity, gingivitis, and bad breath can cause discomfort and affect confidence. But here’s the good news: nature has provided us with some incredible remedies that are not only easy to access but also backed by both ancient wisdom and modern science. 

These remedies have been celebrated in Ayurveda and are now gaining recognition in contemporary research for their effectiveness.

In this blog, I’m going to walk you through six amazing natural solutions that can transform your oral care routine. From clove oil to the traditional datun stick, these simple yet powerful tools can help you maintain strong teeth, healthy gums, and fresh breath. 

So, if you’re ready to ditch harsh chemicals and embrace natural oral care, read on to discover how these age-old secrets can work wonders for your smile.

Clove oil - Try using this as a mouthwash

Clove is a spice found in almost every Indian kitchen. What many don’t realize is that clove oil, derived by soaking powdered cloves in a base oil for 10-15 days, is a powerhouse for oral health. The magic lies in a compound called Eugenol, which has been used medicinally in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine for centuries.

You don’t need to make clove oil at home; it’s readily available at chemist shops for about Rs 30. Using clove oil as a mouthwash can significantly reduce harmful bacteria in your mouth within just 21 days. 

Studies have shown it also reduces stubborn yellow plaque and strengthens gums. Unlike commercial alcohol-based mouthwashes, which can cause dryness, irritation, and even worsen mouth ulcers, clove oil mouthwash preserves the good bacteria essential for oral health.

To use, add 10 drops of clove oil to 250 ml of water, shake well, and swish it around your mouth for a few seconds before spitting it out. 

You’ll experience a refreshing sensation without the harsh chemicals. It’s also an excellent remedy for toothache since Eugenol acts as a local anesthetic and anti-inflammatory agent. You can even add a drop to your toothpaste for enhanced benefits.

Quick tip: Rubbing a drop of clove oil directly on your gums creates a tingling sensation, a clear sign it’s working its magic.

Guava Leaves - Guava is one tree that is so easily available near us. Use them in this way

Guava trees are common in many neighborhoods, making guava leaves an accessible natural remedy. If you suffer from mouth ulcers or persistent bad breath despite regular brushing, guava leaves might be your new best friend.

Research has demonstrated that chewing guava leaves can reduce the pain and size of mouth ulcers faster than topical creams. In a study involving 60 participants, all experienced relief, and the leaves prevented the growth of harmful microorganisms.

To use, simply take 2-3 fresh guava leaves, chew them for about 2 minutes until you feel your breath freshening. Swallow a little juice and spit out the rough parts. Even if your mouth ulcers are painful, you’ll notice instant relief and fresher breath within minutes.

Toothpowder - Try this 30 Rs DIY toothpowder

Toothpowder has been a traditional oral care staple in India for ages, known as dant manjan. Unlike toothpaste, toothpowders help massage the gums, which is crucial for preventing bleeding, swelling, and receding gums. 

Dentists agree that gum massage improves blood circulation, delivering oxygen and nutrients to gum tissues and reducing inflammation.

You can make an effective toothpowder at home for just Rs 30 using common kitchen ingredients:

• 25 grams rock salt (reduces tartar formation)
• 25 grams clove powder
• 10 grams black pepper powder
• 10 grams turmeric powder
• 10 grams baking soda (a well-known teeth whitener)

Mix these ingredients and store them in a small jar. To use, take a little toothpowder, add mustard oil to make a paste, and optionally add a drop of clove oil. 

Use your index finger to massage your gums in circular motions for 1-2 minutes, then brush your teeth normally. This ritual boosts gum health and keeps your teeth strong, all while costing a fraction of commercial products.

Oil Pulling - This 2 minutes oil swish technique is now propagated by various celebrities as well

Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that involves swishing a spoonful of oil in your mouth for at least 2 minutes (though traditionally it can be up to 5-10 minutes). It’s gained popularity worldwide, with many celebrities endorsing its benefits.

Personally, oil pulling has been part of my morning routine for over six years, and I’ve witnessed its benefits firsthand. It helps reduce swollen gums, whitens teeth, freshens breath, reduces acidity, and even curbs smoking urges. Some people have noticed improved skin glow and decreased tooth sensitivity.

Scientific studies back these benefits, showing that oil pulls out harmful bacteria not only from the mouth but also from the food pipe. You can use any cold-pressed oil like coconut, sesame, or mustard oil. Adding a few drops of clove oil enhances the effect.

Note: Accidentally swallowing the oil won’t harm you, but it’s best to spit it out after swishing.

Datun - This age old thing is one of the best things for teeth and gums. But can it be practical? yes, checkout how?

Datun, or chewing sticks, have been used for centuries in India for oral hygiene. Neem and babul (acacia) datuns are especially popular due to their antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. When you chew a datun, it acts like pushups for your teeth and gums, strengthening them naturally.

Chewing neem datun activates taste buds and leaves an unmatched freshness in your mouth. Ayurveda even suggests it stimulates brain muscles. However, datun can be hard to find in the market.

Here are some practical tips to include datun in your routine:

• Buy neem datun sticks online for around Rs 5 each and store them in the fridge.
• Ask a local gardener if they can source fresh datun sticks for you.
• Find a neem tree nearby, pluck 4-5 leaves, chew them, make a paste, and spit it out. This gives you about 50% of the datun benefits.

Also Read: Drink this Tea for a Month, the Result Will Amaze You

Tongue Cleaner - Many people use a tongue cleaner. But which tongue cleaner? Don't use plastic. Use this instead.

Cleaning your tongue is as vital as brushing your teeth. Surprisingly, 31% of people admit to not cleaning their tongue daily. Without tongue cleaning, a thick bacterial layer forms, contributing to bad breath and transferring bacteria to teeth, causing yellow stains.

Simply rinsing your mouth with water isn’t enough to remove this bacterial film. Brushing your tongue helps but isn’t foolproof. The best tool is a tongue scraper.

Among plastic, stainless steel, and copper tongue cleaners, copper is the most effective. Copper is naturally antibacterial and can remove over 80% of bacteria in a single scrape. Hospitals have even used copper surfaces to reduce bacterial counts significantly.

Copper tongue cleaners are affordable (around Rs 100) and durable, lasting for years. Clean them occasionally with lemon and salt to keep them fresh.

Summary Table: Natural Oral Care Remedies

Remedy	Key Benefits	How to Use	Cost Approx.
Clove Oil	Reduces bad bacteria, plaque, strengthens gums, relieves toothache	Add 10 drops to 250 ml water for mouthwash; apply 1 drop to toothpaste or gums	Rs 30 per bottle
Guava Leaves	Heals mouth ulcers, freshens breath, prevents bad microorganisms	Chew 2-3 leaves for 2 minutes, swallow juice, spit rough parts	Free (if tree nearby)
Toothpowder (DIY)	Massages gums, reduces inflammation, whitens teeth	Mix rock salt, clove, black pepper, turmeric, baking soda; massage gums with paste	Rs 30 for batch
Oil Pulling	Removes harmful bacteria, reduces gum swelling, whitens teeth	Swish 1 spoonful cold-pressed oil for 2-5 minutes; spit out	Varies (coconut/sesame oil)
Datun (Neem/Babul)	Strengthens teeth and gums, antimicrobial, freshens breath	Chew datun stick daily or chew neem leaves	Rs 5 per stick or free leaves
Copper Tongue Cleaner	Removes bacteria, reduces bad breath, improves taste sensation	Scrape tongue once daily; clean with lemon and salt occasionally	Rs 100

Frequently Asked Questions (F&Qs)

1. Is clove oil safe to use daily as a mouthwash?

   Yes, using clove oil diluted in water as a mouthwash daily is safe and effective. However, avoid swallowing it and use only a few drops to prevent irritation.

2. Can I use any guava leaves or should they be fresh?

   Fresh guava leaves work best for chewing. Avoid dried or old leaves to get maximum benefits.

3. How often should I massage my gums with toothpowder?

   Massaging gums 2-3 times a week is sufficient to improve circulation and gum health.

4. Is oil pulling suitable for everyone?

   Generally, oil pulling is safe for most people. If you have any allergies to specific oils, avoid those. Consult your dentist if you have severe oral conditions.

5. Can I replace my toothbrush with datun?

   Datun can complement your oral hygiene but shouldn’t completely replace brushing with a toothbrush. Use both for best results.

6. Why is copper better than plastic for tongue cleaning?

   Copper has natural antibacterial properties that plastic lacks, making it more effective in reducing bacterial load on the tongue.

Conclusion

Taking care of your teeth and gums doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. These six natural remedies—clove oil, guava leaves, toothpowder, oil pulling, datun, and copper tongue cleaners—are time-tested, backed by science, and easily incorporated into your daily routine. 

They not only help in removing plaque and preventing cavities but also support overall oral hygiene by strengthening gums, reducing bad breath, and healing common oral issues like ulcers and sensitivity.

Embracing these traditional methods allows you to avoid harsh chemicals found in many commercial oral care products, promoting a healthier mouth environment. 

Whether it’s the instant relief from clove oil or the deep cleansing of oil pulling, these simple practices can make a significant difference in how your mouth feels and functions.

Start small—maybe add clove oil mouthwash to your routine or try chewing guava leaves when you experience mouth ulcers. Over time, you will experience improved gum health, fresher breath, and stronger teeth. 

Remember, oral health is a window to your overall wellness, so nurturing it naturally is one of the best investments you can make for yourself.

Here’s to a healthier, happier smile—naturally!