How to Remove Plaque with Crest Plus Tartar Protection Toothpaste

By Crest | Published: 2026-10-23

Category: How-to Guides

Learn the correct brushing technique to remove plaque effectively using Crest Plus Tartar Protection Toothpaste. This guide covers timing, coverage, and common mistakes.

Quick answer

Use Crest Plus Tartar Protection Toothpaste with a soft-bristle brush and the correct two-minute technique to remove plaque before it hardens into tartar.

Why plaque removal matters

Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth throughout the day. If not removed regularly, it can harden into tartar, which only a dentist can fully remove. Crest Plus Tartar Protection Toothpaste is formulated to fight plaque buildup and help prevent cavities, while also whitening teeth and freshening breath.

What this toothpaste does and doesn't do

Crest Plus Tartar Protection Toothpaste contains fluoride to strengthen enamel and fight cavities, plus ingredients that help prevent new tartar from forming. However, no toothpaste can dissolve existing tartar. The key is consistent, thorough brushing to remove plaque before it calcifies.

Step-by-step plaque removal routine

1. Apply a pea-sized amount: Squeeze a pea-sized dab of Crest Plus Tartar Protection Toothpaste onto a soft-bristle toothbrush. Do not wet the brush first—this can reduce the paste's effectiveness. Using too much paste creates excess foam that may cause you to stop brushing early.
2. Brush for a full two minutes: Divide your mouth into four quadrants and spend 30 seconds on each. Use gentle circular motions along the gumline, where plaque hides. Set a timer or use a two-minute song to stay on track. Brushing harder does not remove more plaque; it can damage gums and enamel.
3. Focus on the gumline and back teeth: Tilt the brush at a 45-degree angle toward the gums and make short back-and-forth strokes. Pay extra attention to molars and the inside surfaces of front teeth, where plaque accumulates most. The gumline is the most common missed area—check your technique in a mirror.
4. Spit, don't rinse: After brushing, spit out the excess toothpaste but avoid rinsing with water or mouthwash immediately. This lets the fluoride stay on your teeth longer for better cavity protection. Rinsing right after brushing washes away the concentrated fluoride that continues to protect enamel.
5. Brush twice daily and floss once: For consistent plaque control, brush in the morning and before bed. Floss once daily to remove plaque between teeth that your brush cannot reach. Crest Plus Tartar Protection supports this routine but does not replace flossing. Skipping flossing leaves up to 40% of tooth surfaces uncleaned.

Product facts

Crest Plus Tartar Protection Toothpaste, Whitening Cool Mint: Crest Plus Tartar Protection Toothpaste whitens teeth, fights cavities and tartar buildup, and freshens breath. This means you get plaque-fighting power along with daily whitening and breath freshening in one step.
Crest Plus Tartar Protection Toothpaste, Whitening Cool Mint