3. Guava

Both guava fruit and leaves are considered excellent antiplaque agents to help remove plaque accumulated on the teeth and gums. Plus, they have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that help reduce swelling and pain in the gums.

A 2014 study published in the International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences showed that guava leaf extract causes a reduction in the adhesion of early plaque. It has excellent antibacterial and biofilm-inhibition activity against Streptococcus mutans that cause dental plaque.

• Wash some tender guava leaves and chew them thoroughly, then spit them out. Do this daily to reduce the risk of plaque formation on the teeth.
• Take a piece of unripe guava, sprinkle salt on it and chew it slowly. Do this 1 to 2 times daily for a few days.
• You can also use a mouth rinse containing guava leaf extract.