How Can You Prevent and Control Tartar Buildup?

What can you do to remove tartar buildup? Also known as calculus, plaque and minerals that harden on your teeth and under the gumline form tartar. Before this sticky buildup causes too many dental problems, take a look at what you can do to reduce the risks and minimize an existing issue. Understand the Issue Do you have tartar buildup? If you're not sure, the first step is to understand and identify this common oral issue and learn how it's formed. Tartar starts with plaque-and plaque starts with bacteria. Improper oral care, dry mouth, some medications, and some chronic health conditions can result in bacterial overgrowth in the mouth. Plaque is a sticky, colorless biofilm that coats the teeth and can lead to enamel breakdown, dental decay, infection (abscesses), and gum disease. Along with these issues, failure to remove plaque can result in tartar buildup. As the minerals in your saliva mix with the sticky plaque, it hardens to form yellow or brownish deposits on or between teeth. Like plaque, tartar can also lead to dental decay and gum disease. This makes prevention absolutely essential. Read on for more information on how to prevent tartar buildup on your teeth. Prevent Tartar from the Start Prevention is the easiest way to reduce the risks of tartar buildup. Again, hardened plaque turns into tartar. If you prevent plaque formation, you can stop tartar in its tracks. To decrease plaque problems:

• Brush regularly . Brush your teeth at least twice a day (morning and night) for two minutes. To further reduce the risks of buildup, brush after meals-especially after eating sugar-filled foods. The bacteria that contribute to plaque and tartar buildup thrive on sugar.
• Choose the right toothpaste . A tartar-preventing paste or gel can make it more difficult for plaque and tartar to form on your teeth.
• Reduce sugar intake . Choose lower-sugar foods to decrease bacterial buildup. While this won't eliminate plaque or tartar, it can help to keep the microbes in your mouth under control.
• Floss regularly . Don't ignore the spaces in between your teeth. Tartar can build up in these places too. Floss twice a day or after meals to remove food debris.
• Swish with water . Did you forget your toothbrush or are you short on time? If you can't brush after meals, swish tap water in your mouth. This can help to remove leftover debris and decrease buildup.
• Visit the dentist . Regular dental visits reduce plaque formation and can stop tarter problems before they start.

What happens if, despite your best efforts, tartar forms? The next step is to take care of the problem and remove the yellow/brown buildup from your teeth. Remove Tartar Buildup Can you see yellow or brownish patches on your teeth? If you already have tartar buildup on your teeth, effective removal may include:

• A visit to the dentist . A professional cleaning is your best defense against an existing problem. The dentist (or hygienist) has the experience, expertise, and equipment needed to remove calculus from each surface of your teeth.
• A deep - cleaning . Severe tartar buildup under the gumline can lead to gingivitis. If you also have red, swollen, or bleeding gums, the dentist may recommend scaling and root planing to remove tartar from below the gumline.
• Repeat visits . The dentist may ask you to schedule a follow-up appointment or visit the office for cleanings multiple times each year. This allows the professional to remove additional buildup.

After the dentist removes the tartar buildup, they may suggest sealants (depending on your individual dental needs). This thin, protective coating can reduce the risks of plaque formation and help to prevent decay. Do you have tartar buildup? Contact us at the office of P.A. Daniel Jr., D.D.S. for more information.