How to Control Tartar Buildup on Your Teeth

Before we get into how you can control tartar buildup on your teeth, let’s get clear on what tartar is…

Bacteria in your mouth mixes with proteins and by-products of food to form a sticky film…also known as plaque. Plaque coats your teeth, weasels it’s way under your gumline, and sticks to dental work. And as you know, the result of that, is often nasty cavities and gum disease.

When plaque stays on your teeth too long, it hardens into tartar (also known as calculus). Tartar forms above and below the gumline…and is quite porous and rough. Too much tartar can lead to receding gums and gum disease.

It can actually make it more difficult to brush and floss. Plus, you cannot brush away tartar. It has to be removed by your dentist with special tools and care, as to not cause further damage to your mouth.

Here are the Best Ways to Control Tartar:

• Good dental hygiene – brush twice a day for 2 minutes at a time.
• When you brush, ensure that you cover all surfaces of your teeth – don’t miss your back molars.
• Floss daily and thoroughly. Be sure to get all of the hard to reach areas.
• Use an antiseptic mouthwash to help kill bacteria that cause plaque.
• Use an electric toothbrush vs. a manual one.
• Buy toothpaste with “tartar control” and fluoride to help protect your enamel.
• Eat a healthy diet.
• Drink a lot of water (the recommended 8 glasses per day is ideal).
• Stop smoking. It’s known that smokers are more likely to have tartar buildup. (Just one more reason to quit that bad habit!)
• Visit your dentist every 6 months for a professional cleaning and checkup.

Located in Surrey? We would love to have you and your family at our dental clinic. Call us to book an appointment today: 604-593-8201