Smile Like A Pro: How To Remove Plaque And Tartar Buildup

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Plaque and tartar are two common issues that can affect your oral health if not properly addressed. Plaque is a soft and sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth, while tartar is a hardened form of plaque that can only be removed by a professional cleaning. If left untreated, both plaque and tartar can lead to a range of oral health problems, including tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. In this article, we will discuss the importance of removing plaque and tartar and provide tips on how to do so effectively.

Why Is It Important To Remove Plaque And Tartar?

Plaque is a major contributor to tooth decay and gum disease. It contains bacteria that produce acid that can attack the enamel of your teeth, causing cavities. If plaque is not removed, it can harden into tartar, which can trap bacteria and lead to gum disease. Gum disease is an infection that causes inflammation and bleeding of the gums and can eventually lead to tooth loss if left untreated. Additionally, plaque and tartar can also cause bad breath, which can be both embarrassing and uncomfortable.

Causes Of Plaque And Tartar Buildup

Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth as a result of food particles and bacteria in your mouth. When plaque is not removed through proper oral hygiene practices, it can harden into tartar, which is much more difficult to remove. The main causes of plaque and tartar buildup include poor oral hygiene practices, a diet high in sugar and carbohydrates, smoking, and drinking excessive amounts of alcohol.

How To Remove Plaque And Tartar At Home

1. Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste: Brushing helps to remove plaque and prevent it from hardening into tartar. Make sure to brush all surfaces of your teeth, including the fronts, backs, and tops.

2. Floss daily: Flossing helps to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth, where a toothbrush can’t reach. Make sure to floss between all of your teeth, including the back molars. Consider using interdental cleaners, such as water flossers or dental picks, to help remove plaque from difficult-to-reach areas.
3. Use an antiseptic mouthwash: Antiseptic mouthwash can kill bacteria in your mouth and freshen your breath. Consider using an antiseptic mouthwash as part of your daily oral hygiene routine to help reduce plaque and tartar buildup.
4. Drink plenty of water: Drinking water helps to flush out bacteria and food particles from your mouth, reducing the risk of plaque and tartar buildup. Consider drinking water throughout the day to help keep your mouth clean and healthy.
5. Chew sugar-free gum: Chewing sugar-free gum can help to stimulate saliva production, which neutralizes plaque-forming acids in your mouth. Consider chewing sugar-free gum after meals to help reduce plaque and tartar buildup.
6. Avoid sugary and acidic foods: Sugary and acidic foods can cause plaque and tartar buildup, as well as increase the risk of tooth decay. Consider limiting your intake of sugary and acidic foods and drinks to help maintain good oral health.

How To Remove Plaque And Tartar Professionally

If you have tartar buildup, it can only be removed by a professional cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist. During a professional cleaning, the dentist or hygienist will use special tools to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth and gums. They may also recommend a scaling and root planing procedure, which involves removing plaque and tartar from the roots of your teeth and smoothing the root surfaces to help prevent future plaque buildup.

In addition to professional cleanings, regular dental exams and x-rays can help detect any potential issues with plaque and tartar buildup. Your dentist can provide recommendations and treatments to help keep your teeth and gums healthy and prevent plaque and tartar buildup.

Conclusion

By following these simple steps and maintaining good oral hygiene practices, you can prevent plaque and tartar buildup and maintain good oral health. Additionally, if you already have a buildup of plaque and tartar, it’s important to have it removed by a professional to avoid potential oral health issues.

In summary, plaque and tartar are common oral health issues that can lead to a variety of problems, including tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. By understanding the causes and effects of plaque and tartar buildup, as well as following proper oral hygiene practices and getting regular dental cleanings, you can help prevent and manage these issues and maintain good oral health.