Despite being largely preventable, visible tooth plaque affects around 66% of adults in the UK. Plaque begins forming on your teeth every day – and within just a few hours of eating, the sticky film can start to develop.

In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what plaque is, why it forms, and the warning signs to look out for. You’ll also discover how to get rid of plaque and practical steps to prevent it from returning. With the right knowledge and habits, keeping plaque under control is simple – and your smile will be healthier for it.

Plaque is produced when naturally occurring bacteria in your mouth release acids. These acids combine with carbohydrates in sugary or starchy foods. This creates plaque, a sticky film that coats the surface of teeth, typically around the gum line. It's totally normal to produce plaque, but if it's not cleaned properly, it can build up over time and begin to affect your oral health.

If plaque isn't removed through brushing and flossing each day, it can develop and harden into tartar, also known as dental calculus. Tartar is hardened plaque; it typically takes an off-white or yellow colour, although as time goes on, it can begin to take the colour of whatever you've eaten or drunk.

When it comes to how to remove tartar from teeth, professional intervention is required. A dentist will often use scaling and scraping techniques with metal tools to remove the tartar.

It's typically evident when you have plaque build-up because you will notice:

• A fuzzy or furry feeling on the surface of your teeth
• Persistent bad breath
• Dry mouth
• Sensitive teeth

If left untreated, more advanced signs include:

• Frequent filling
• Gingivitis (red, irritated and swollen gums)
• Periodontal disease
• Tooth loss

How to get rid of Plaque

Brush your teeth

Brushing your teeth twice daily is one of the best ways to prevent plaque or tartar build-up. Brushing once in the morning and once in the evening disturbs the bacterial film that naturally forms throughout the day. Maintaining this routine reduces plaque hardening into tartar, supporting your long-term oral health.

Floss your teeth

Daily flossing is essential for removing plaque from between the teeth and beneath the gumline – areas your toothbrush can't reach. Without regular interdental cleaning, plaque can accumulate in these spaces and harden into tartar, increasing the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.

Using Waterpik™ water flossers is one of the best ways to prevent plaque and tartar build-up. They offer a clinically proven alternative to traditional string floss by using a targeted stream of water to disrupt and remove plaque biofilm. This action helps flush out bacteria and food debris deep between teeth and below the gumline, where brushing and conventional flossing may fall short.

Laboratory and clinical testing show that Waterpik™ water flossers can remove up to 99.9% of plaque and are up to 50% more effective than traditional dental floss at reducing gingivitis and bleeding when used consistently.

Clean your tongue

Cleaning your tongue is excellent oral hygiene because it removes bacteria from your mouth. This stops the bacteria from turning into plaque. Use a plastic or metal scraper or even your toothbrush twice a day to keep plaque at bay.

Plaque prevention

Limit sugary or starchy snacks

The best way to prevent plaque and tartar build-up is to reduce your consumption of sugary and starchy foods. This approach addresses the root of the problem. Without these foods, the bacteria in your mouth can't create as much plaque. Of course, avoiding them entirely would be extremely difficult, but cutting down can have a positive impact on your oral health.

Regular professional cleaning

Scheduling consistent scale and polish appointments every six months will help to eliminate any plaque build-up before it becomes tartar. This is also a good idea to catch any other dental issues that might, if neglected, require expensive but necessary treatment. For example, if the plaque has advanced to tartar, fillings or extractions may be needed.

Plaque-specific mouthwash

Knowing what causes plaque means products with the right ingredients can be developed to treat it. Antimicrobial mouthwash eliminates bacteria in the mouth, therefore stopping plaque from forming. Using these mouthwashes twice a day is a great way to prevent plaque. Be sure to rinse thoroughly for at least 30 seconds for the best results. Remember, mouthwash is a supplement to, not a replacement for, brushing and flossing.

Tackle plaque build-up with Waterpik™

Keeping plaque under control requires more than brushing alone. Cleaning between the teeth and below the gumline is essential – and this is where Waterpik™ water flossers make a real difference. With features such as adjustable pressure settings and specialised tips for braces and sensitive gums, Waterpik™ offers a practical and clinically proven way to support healthier teeth and gums.

If you're looking at how to stop plaque build-up, adding Waterpik™ water flossers to your daily routine can help you clean more thoroughly and confidently, supporting long-term oral health.

Browse the full Waterpik™ range online to find the water flosser that best suits your needs. If you have any questions, contact our friendly team – or visit our FAQs page for expert guidance and advice.