Excellent oral hygiene is something that everyone should be maintaining. Not only does it prevent gum disease and tooth decay, but it also keeps tartar and plaque at bay. Everyone will have plaque on their teeth, whether it be in miniscule amounts or otherwise. The important thing to remember is that it should not be allowed to build up on the teeth and around the gums.
This is because it can cause complications in the future, including tooth decay and gum disease. Both of the aforementioned problems can, eventually, cause tooth loss. This is more than enough reason to do everything you can to prevent the build up of tartar on the teeth. So how do you do it? Let’s take a closer look at what it is, how it forms and how it can be prevented.
What is tartar?
Tartar deposits, also known as calculus, is a hard layer of plaque that sits on the teeth. It is made up of calcium phosphates, primarily, and it looks white or cream. Tartar will only ever form on the tooth surface, but it can build up in between the teeth also. This is when it can cause complications and issues. Tartar can irritate the gums, but it also provides the perfect environment for bacteria to collect, which is why tartar buildup can be troublesome for many. If you are not flossing or brushing your teeth regularly, then tartar buildup, to some extent, is inevitable.
How does tartar form?
Tartar forms when bacteria accumulates and begins to grow on the surface of your teeth. The most common place for tartar to sit in includes the inner surface of the front teeth and the outer surface of the upper molars. Typically, tartar builds up there because it is where the salivary duct openings are, feeding saliva into the mouth from those locations. Combine this with sugary or starchy foods and you will soon experience tartar buildup on the teeth. Those sugary and starchy foods can include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Bread
- Pasta
- Milk
- Juice
- Soft drinks
- Fruit
How to prevent tartar buildup
The buildup of tartar is easy enough to prevent if you follow the right steps. Where most people will simply rely on the brushing of their teeth alone to prevent tartar buildup, it is simply not enough to keep the problem at bay. Here are a few ways in which you can prevent tartar buildup, but use them in combination with each other for the best possible results:
Maintain a thorough and regular dental hygiene routine
A thorough and regular dental hygiene routine includes brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice a day. Twice daily is a minimum requirement, as you should also be brushing your teeth and using mouthwash between meals. This prevents food debris from sitting in the mouth and in between the teeth for hours on end.
Something else you should do is invest in an electric toothbrush if you have not already. Where manual alternatives are sufficient, they are simply not powerful enough to completely rid your mouth of food buildup. Brushing and flossing at least twice a day is an effective way of preventing tartar from forming on and in between your teeth.
Visit your dentist at least biannually
Visiting your dentist for regular six-monthly checkups is a great way of keeping an eye on any problems, from minor tooth decay to spotting the first signs of tartar buildup. They will be able to see and access places in the mouth that you can not, therefore notifying you of any problems they find, and that includes the buildup of tartar on the teeth.
Where this should be done every six months, you should also be visiting a dental hygienist biannually. A dental hygienist will be able to remove any plaque or tartar that has built up on the teeth, restoring them back to a healthy condition. Essentially, you should be visiting a dental professional four times a year to ensure ultimate tooth and gum health.
Avoid consuming sugary food & drink
We have touched on this briefly already, but consuming sugary and starchy food and drink is a great combination if you’re looking to encourage the buildup of tartar. This is because the bacteria that causes tartar will live off the sugars and carbohydrates that exist within your food.
Anything that contains high levels of sugar and starch should be avoided as much as possible. If, however, you do find yourself eating or drinking anything that is sugary or starchy, then wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth. This allows the enamel to remineralise. If you must do anything, rinse your mouth out with some plain water in the meantime.
Stop smoking
It’s not a surprise that smoking can cause the buildup of tartar on the teeth, especially considering the other dental health problems it can cause, like gum disease and tooth decay. Smoking actually damages the gums and it can dry the mouth out, therefore reducing the amount of saliva the body produces.
This allows for more harmful bacteria to develop. Extensive tartar buildup can cause permanent tooth damage, and smoking will only accelerate that process. If you’re looking to prevent the buildup of tartar on the teeth, then either avoid smoking altogether or quit as soon as possible. Here are some tips from the NHS about how to quit smoking.
Quorn Dental Practice and Implant Clinic are pleased to have a team of specialist dental professionals at the helm of our operations. We are able to deliver meticulous dental treatments that cover a wide range of patient needs. From gum disease treatment and root canals to cosmetic dentistry and emergency appointments, you will always be able to count on our team of friendly experts for all of your dental requirements. For further information about the dental treatments we have available, get in touch with us today – we are always happy to hear from you.
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