Removing hard tartar from teeth, also known as dental calculus, is critical for preserving oral health, but it can be difficult to manage, especially when it accumulates significantly. Here’s how to treat tartar and keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Professional Dental Cleaning
Tartar removal is most effective when performed by a dentist or dental hygienist. They utilize specialized tools including ultrasonic devices and hand scalers to precisely remove tartar from both above and below the gum line. This procedure is referred to as scaling.
Regular Dental Visits
Preventive care through frequent dental check-ups is essential. Dentists can detect tartar buildup early and remove it before it progresses to more significant issues such as gum disease. It is generally suggested that you see your dentist every six months for a cleaning and examination.
At-Home Oral Hygiene
While tartar cannot be eliminated at home after it has developed, regular oral hygiene habits can help prevent its formation and manage plaque (which eventually transforms into tartar).
Brushing: Brush your teeth twice a day using fluoridated toothpaste. Brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush in circular motions, paying specific attention to the gum line, where plaque accumulates.
Flossing: Floss at least once a day to eliminate plaque from between your teeth and under the gumline, where your toothbrush cannot reach.
Mouthwash: To minimize plaque bacteria, use an antiseptic or antiplaque mouthwash. This is not a replacement for brushing and flossing, but it can be a useful tool in your dental hygiene arsenal.
Diet Considerations
What you eat influences your oral health. To avoid plaque and tartar buildup:
Limit Sugary Foods and Drinks: Sugar promotes bacterial growth and plaque development.
Eat Teeth-Friendly Foods: Fiber-rich foods, such as fruits and vegetables, boost saliva flow, which aids in mouth cleansing. Cheese, yogurt, and other dairy products can help neutralize the acids tooth plaque bacteria produce.
Avoid Smoking
Smoking promotes tartar formation and gum disease. Quitting smoking can greatly minimize these risks while improving your overall oral health.
Conclusion
While you can manage plaque at home to prevent tartar formation, only professional dental instruments will successfully remove it once tartar has formed. To prevent tartar buildup and maintain oral health, it is essential to have regular dental checkups, brush, and floss properly, eat a nutritious diet, and avoid smoking. If you discover any tartar, make an appointment with your dentist to have it professionally treated.
