Whether you seen a toothpaste commercial, spoke to your dentist or read one of our previous blogs on the subject, you’ve probably heard that tartar on your teeth is bad, and if you want to maintain good oral health you have to prevent the buildup. Yes, Tartar is bad, but do you actually know why it’s bad for our teeth? Knowing this can help you control Tartar while preventing any serious or long-term health issues.
Well, it all starts with plaque, which is a buildup that forms from food residues and proteins in our mouth. Plaque build-up can be visible and it can also form between your teeth and other crevices, such as the gum line. If the plaque is not removed, it starts to turn into tartar in as little as 24 hours. Tartar looks different from plaque and often develops into brown or yellow stains that can only be removed and prevented through routine dental cleaning.
What is The Impact of Tartar on Your Teeth?
The formation of tartar is closely associated with the presence of bacteria in the mouth. Therefore, once calcified tartar forms on your teeth, cavities are more likely to develop, along with other dental problems, such as bad breath and gum disease. If left unchecked, your oral health can really suffer. For instance, once gum disease has progressed past a certain point, the damage to your teeth can be irreversible.
In extreme cases of tartar build-up, you might even end up losing your teeth.
What Are the Best Ways to Eliminate Tartar Build-up?
The first step to getting rid of tartar build-up is to brush your teeth after every meal or at least twice a day, using a dental gel toothpaste that can combat tartar. You must also floss to ensure you're removing plaque from places your toothbrush can't reach.
Be sure to replace your toothbrush at least every three months, since bacteria tend to multiply on the bristles over time. Studies have found that electronic, or powered, toothbrushes may get rid of plaque better than manual models. No matter which type you use, be sure it has the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval. These have undergone rigorous quality control and safety tests.
Rinse daily. Use an antiseptic mouthwash daily to help kill bacteria that cause plaque.
Watch your diet. The bacteria in your mouth thrive on sugary and starchy foods. When they’re exposed to those foods, they release harmful acids. Try to eat a healthy diet and limit the amount of sugary foods you eat. That goes for snacks, too. Every time you eat, you also feed the bacteria in your mouth. You don't have to give up sweets or between-meals munches. Just be mindful about how often you indulge. Brush and drink plenty of water during and after meals.
Don't smoke. Studies show that people who smoke cigarettes or use other tobacco products are more likely to have tartar.
All this helps you to maintain good oral hygiene by getting rid of a mild tartar and plaque build-up that would otherwise cause serious and costly dental problems.
However, there's also a more effective way of combating tartar build-up and that is to go for routine dental cleaning and checkup. That's because no matter how vigorously or frequently you brush your teeth, it's not always possible to remove the hard build-up caused by tartar and plaque. The good news is your dentist has special tools that enable them to remove the build-up you can't get rid of. This process is known as scaling and should be only done by a professional dentist or hygienist. Do not try to scrape plaque on your own, you can do more harm than good.
After reading this, hopefully you now know why eliminating tartar build-up is important. Practice good oral hygiene as recommended above and schedule routine dental cleanings with your dentist. Following these guidelines will help eliminate serious problems caused by the prolonged build-up of tartar.
If you are look to remove plaque and control tarter, check out LivFresh today!