Tartar is a combination of dead bacteria, minerals from your saliva, and acids from the bacteria of your teeth. Unlike plaque, which you can brush off your teeth, tartar cannot be removed with tooth brushing alone. Instead, you have to have your tartar removed by a professional hygienist or a dentist. Here is a description of tartar, what problems it can cause in your mouth, and how you get it removed from your teeth.
What Does It Mean if You Have Tartar?
People with very clean teeth usually do not have a lot of tartar because they do not allow the tartar to harden onto their teeth. Instead, adults who brush their teeth daily and floss generally do not have tartar. Tartar begins as plaque, which happens when bacteria in your mouth leave remnants and acids on your teeth. Plaque becomes tartar when it hardens. Once the plaque hardens, you cannot brush it away.
Is There Anything I Can Use to Remove Tartar At Home?
While you will not be able to remove all of your built-up tartar by yourself, there are some things you can do to help keep tartar at bay until you can come in to see our dentist. First, you will want to clean your teeth thoroughly after every meal or snack.
Also, use antibacterial toothpaste and mouthwash to keep the levels of bacteria in your mouth low. If you have tartar on your teeth, you may want to switch to an electric toothbrush because research shows that electric toothbrushes may be more effective at removing plaque and the beginnings of tartar from your teeth.
Be sure that you are using fluoride because fluoride toothpaste helps keep the enamel of your teeth strong. Also, be sure you are brushing your teeth for at least two minutes, and preferably three, to remove as much plaque from your teeth as possible.
Finally, come see our dentist frequently for dental cleanings. If you have a lot of tartar, you may have gum disease as well. Why not call our office for an appointment so our dentist can develop a treatment plan for your teeth?
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