How to Remove Calculus from Teeth

To prevent the buildup of tartar, otherwise known as calculus, it is vital to brush, floss and rinse using an antiseptic mouthwash. In this blog post, we are going to reveal everything you need to know about tartar, including what it is and how to remove it. 

What Is Tartar?

No matter how well you take care of your teeth, you are still going to have bacteria in your mouth. Bacteria mixes with food byproducts and proteins in order to form dental plaque, which is a sticky film. This gunk sticks to fillings and other dental work, as well as getting under your gum line and coating your teeth. The bacteria within the plaque can cause tooth enamel damage, resulting in cavities. However, if plaque is removed regularly, you can stop gum disease and stop tooth decay from happening. If plaque stays on your teeth and hardens into tartar, this is when bigger problems happen. This forms above and below the gum line. It is porous and rough and it can cause gum disease and receding gums. Dentists use specialist tools to remove it. 

How Does Tartar Affect Teeth and Gums?

A build-up of tartar on your teeth can make it difficult for flossing and brushing to be as effective as possible. When bacteria is left behind, you are at risk of developing tooth decay and cavities. Any calculus that forms under your gum line can be detrimental. This is because of the bacteria, which causes irritation and damage to the gums. Tartar can lead to gingivitis, the mildest form of gum disease, and can lead to progressive gum disease as time goes on.

Tips to Help Control Tartar

There are a number of different steps you can take to try and get tartar under control. The first thing you need to do is to make sure you thoroughly brush your teeth on a regular basis. You should brush for two minutes a time, twice a day. Using a brush with soft bristles is advisable. There have also been studies that have shown that powered or electric toothbrushes can help to remove plaque more effectively than manual models.

It is also important to use tartar-control toothpaste with fluoride. Fluoride is important because it helps with repairing damage to the enamel. There are some kinds of toothpaste that also have triclosan. This is a substance that can fight the bacteria found in plaque, so it’s a beneficial ingredient to look for when selecting a toothpaste.

It’s also a good idea to be cautious in terms of what you eat. The bacteria in your mouth will thrive on foods that are starchy and sugary. Harmful acids are released when they are exposed to these foods. Limit the number of sugary foods you expose your teeth to..

Please contact us today for an appointment for a cleaning and exam if you need help with tartar control

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