What is tartar?
Tartar is a hardened form of plaque that builds up on your teeth and below the gum line. It is a yellow or brown, crusty deposit that can irritate the gums and cause inflammation. Tartar can also lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
How does tartar form?
Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth after you eat or drink. If plaque is not removed regularly, it can harden into tartar. Tartar is more difficult to remove than plaque and can only be removed by a dental professional.
What are the risks of tartar buildup?
Tartar buildup can lead to a number of dental problems, including:
- Tooth decay: Tartar can trap bacteria and plaque against the teeth, which can lead to tooth decay.
- Gum disease: Tartar can irritate the gums and cause inflammation. This can lead to gum disease, a serious condition that can cause tooth loss.
- Bad breath: Tartar can harbor bacteria that produce bad breath.
How can I prevent tartar buildup?
The best way to prevent tartar buildup is to practice good oral hygiene. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste and flossing once a day. You may also want to use a tartar control toothpaste.
Here are some additional tips for preventing tartar buildup:
- Avoid sugary foods and drinks. Sugar is a major food source for the bacteria that cause plaque and tartar.
- Eat a healthy diet. A healthy diet can help to reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth.
- Quit smoking. Smoking can increase the risk of tartar buildup and other dental problems.
- Use a mouthwash. Mouthwash can help to kill bacteria and reduce plaque buildup.
- See your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. Your dentist can remove tartar and plaque that you cannot remove yourself.
How is tartar treated?
Tartar can only be removed by a dental professional. During a dental cleaning, your dentist or hygienist will use special instruments to remove tartar from your teeth above and below the gum line.
When should I see a dentist for tartar buildup?
You should see a dentist for tartar removal if you notice any of the following:
- Yellow or brown deposits on your teeth
- Irritated or inflamed gums
- Bad breath
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
What can I do if I have tartar buildup?
The best thing to do if you have tartar buildup is to see your dentist for a cleaning. They can remove the tartar and give you advice on how to prevent tartar buildup in the future.
We understand that tartar buildup can be a frustrating problem. It can be difficult to remove on your own and can lead to a number of dental problems. However, there are a number of things you can do to prevent tartar buildup and treat it if it does occur.
By practicing good oral hygiene and seeing your dentist for regular cleanings, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy and tartar-free.
Please don’t hesitate to talk to us about any concerns you have about tartar buildup. We are there to help you maintain good oral health.
Contact us today at Sbenati Dentistry to schedule a consultation and let us help you with any of your dental needs. [https://calendly.com/sbenatidentistry/interview]
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