Dealing with plaque and tartar buildup can be challenging, but it is necessary for the health of our teeth and gums. In this article, we give essential oral hygiene tips to help you preserve your oral health.
Dealing With Plaque and Tartar Buildup
Plaque accumulates on our teeth every day. It is a soft and sticky film of bacteria, food residue, and saliva. When plaque is not removed correctly, it hardens into tartar. Bacteria in plaque and tartar secrete acid, which destroys tooth enamel and harms gum tissue, eventually leading to cavities and periodontal disease.
That is why it is important to remove plaque daily and to seek professional help if tartar accumulates on your teeth. Let us look at the steps you can take to deal with plaque and tartar buildup.
Brush and Floss Your Teeth Properly
The best practice is to brush your teeth twice a day for two full minutes, spending 30 seconds on each side of the lower and upper arches. You should brush your teeth on the front, back, and chewing surfaces.
Make sure you reach the back teeth with your toothbrush, and brush well along the gumline. Choose a toothbrush that removes plaque well without harming your gums, hold it at a 45-degree angle to your gums, and use gentle, small circular or vibrating motions.
Floss your teeth thoroughly every evening to remove plaque and food debris that accumulate between the teeth. Be careful not to lacerate your gums by pushing the thread too far, and do not snap the thread against your teeth. Try additional flossing tools, such as floss picks, if traditional flossing is challenging for you.
Choose the Right Products
When dealing with plaque and tartar buildup, you should ensure your teeth’s enamel stays healthy and strong.
Dentists recommend using fluoride toothpaste, as it has been proven effective at remineralizing tooth enamel, making it more resilient to bacteria and cavities. Also, regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste can help reduce the number of bacteria in your mouth.
Avoid abrasive toothpaste (such as charcoal or soda) as it can damage your enamel, making your teeth more susceptible to decay and discoloration. Additionally, abstain from over-the-counter whitening solutions, as they can also cause severe enamel damage and tooth sensitivity.
Add a Water Flosser to Your Routine
A water flosser can boost the effectiveness of your oral hygiene routine and help prevent gum disease if you use it as the first step. Remember that it can not replace traditional flossing and brushing, but should be used in addition to them.
Get a Professional Cleaning Regularly
Tartar can accumulate on your teeth even with an excellent oral hygiene routine, especially in hard-to-reach areas or when your teeth are misaligned or crowded. Unfortunately, tartar can not be removed without professional dental tools and procedures.
That is why it is essential to schedule a professional cleaning twice a year. People who are prone to cavities or have gum disease might be recommended to have a professional cleaning more often, every 3 to 4 months.
Additionally, we recommend opting for a professional fluoride treatment after the cleaning to further enhance the health and strength of your teeth.
Get a Professional Cleaning at Dental Care of Chino Hills
To remove and prevent plaque and tartar buildup, do not hesitate to schedule a professional cleaning with an experienced dentist at Dental Care of Chino Hills. We are looking forward to your visit.