How to Prevent Tartar Build Up
Everybody wants good dental hygiene. When you look after your teeth and gyms, you don’t have to worry about unpleasant toothache, bad breath, and an unsightly smile. One thing you want to avoid in particular is tartar build up, which can easily form on your teeth and gums and lead to even worse problems down the road.
What is Tartar Build Up?
Tartar, also known as dental calculus, is plaque that has hardened on the tooth enamel. When comparing plaque vs tartar, plaque is soft and pretty easy to remove when you brush your teeth, whereas tartar forms a hard, crusty layer on top of the teeth and is usually yellow or brown.
Why is Tartar Build Up an Issue?
Tartar build up is a problem for several reasons, including:
It’s Unsightly: Most people want pearly whites, and a build up of dental calculus prevents that. Any tartar deposits that build up will look quite unsightly and affect your smile. In turn, that can ruin your confidence.
It Causes Bad Breath: Nobody wants bad breath! Unfortunately, even a small build up of tartar on the teeth can quickly lead to bad breath.
It May Lead to Worse Issues: Tartar is likely only the beginning. Having it on your teeth can mean brushing, and flossing is harder, which leads to cavities and potentially even tooth loss. It’s also common for people with tartar to later experience periodontitis and gingivitis.
It Can Only Be Treated by a Dentist: Once tartar has built up on the teeth, you cannot treat it at home – instead, you’ll need to get a professional cleaning at the dentist.
7 Ways to Prevent Tartar Build Up
You now understand how crucial it is to prevent tartar build up, so here are seven ways to do just that.
- Brush Twice Daily
The first tip is the most obvious – brush your teeth twice a day, every single day, without fail. This is the bare minimum you should do for the health of your teeth and gums, as it removes any plaque that may have built up throughout the day. Brush thoroughly for two minutes each time you do it is also important. Otherwise, your teeth may not get optimally cleaned, and tartar may still form.
- Floss everyday
Flossing should also be part of your daily oral hygiene routine. Flossing gets in between your teeth, where the brush cannot reach. It ensures any plaque build up or food stuck between the teeth does not stick around and cause problems.
- Get a Dental Cleaning Twice Per Year
Another way to minimise problems is by getting a professional clean twice a year. Not only does it mean the dentist will spot issues before they worsen, but it also means any potential build up of plaque or tartar gets eliminated before it causes any serious problems.
- Do Not Smoke
Smoking is one of the worst habits for your health, and it can even impact your teeth, causing staining and a build up of tartar. To prevent this, the solution is seemingly simple: stop smoking (or never start to begin with). Of course, nicotine addictions are no joke, so it’s worth seeking professional help from your GP if you’re struggling to quit. Your dental hygiene and overall health will be grateful! It’s also worth mentioning that chewing tobacco can be just as bad for your teeth as smoking cigarettes, so do not do that either.
- Replace Your Toothbrush Every Three Months
It’s easy to use a toothbrush for longer than you should, but you must avoid it if you want to keep your teeth optimally clean and prevent tartar from forming. Generally, replacing your toothbrush at least every three months is best. If you use an electric toothbrush (which can lead to a more thorough cleaning), you’ll only need to replace the head rather than the entire device.
- Use a Dental Sealant
A dental sealant is a coating you put on the exterior of your teeth at the back to prevent a build up of plaque and tartar. Professional dentists apply dental sealants and make it easier to care for your teeth overall, and will last for multiple years. This option is good for those who struggle with excess plaque and tartar.
- Watch What You Eat
The food you eat has a direct impact on your long term oral hygiene, so watch what you consume! Sugary snacks and drinks are the worst for your teeth, so limit how much of these you have.
How to Get Rid of Tartar Build Up
Do you have a build up of tartar on the teeth? Tartar deposits can be difficult to spot, but you can usually see if they’re there by closely examining your teeth in the mirror. If you notice a hard crust on top of your teeth that’s either yellow or brown, you have a tartar build up and will need to take steps to get rid of it.
You cannot remove tartar at home – it’s a job specifically for a dental professional like a dentist or dental hygienist. You will need to book an appointment and ask for a cleaning, it is a good idea to tie it in with your regular check-ups. The dentist will use a mixture of scaling and potentially ultrasonic instruments to remove the buildup. The treatments are typically not painful but it may be uncomfortable for some, especially those who don’t enjoy being in the dentist chair. You might also feel some soreness and tenderness following the deep cleaning, as you’ll have more gum exposed than before. To help with this, be gentler when brushing and flossing following your appointment.