How to Tackle Tartar

We all know that it’s essential to get dental check-ups and teeth cleanings at least twice a year. But between visits, it’s important to keep a regular oral care routine that includes brushing with toothpaste and flossing. A daily routine is one primary way to fight tartar buildup on your teeth and near your gums.

What’s Tartar & What Causes Buildup?

Every time we eat, a little bit of food sticks to our teeth. Although some foods are harmful to our teeth in themselves, the bigger problem is the bacteria that thrive on the food that clings to our teeth. When these bacteria build up over time, it’s called “plaque.” When plaque accumulates, it can harden and become even more difficult to get off. This hardened plaque is known as “tartar.”

How Do I Fight Tartar Buildup?

When tartar builds, it attracts even more plaque which then hardens into tartar, creating a vicious cycle. Luckily, there are a few easy things you can do to remove tartar and prevent it from building up, including:

• Brushing and flossing regularly. You guessed it. Tartar is one of the main reasons dentists stress the need for regular brushing. If you don’t do it every day, you give tartar a chance to form.
• Switching to an electric toothbrush. Modern conveniences like an electric toothbrush can make your routine more efficient and effective. The unique motions that an electric toothbrush offers are specifically designed to break up plaque and tartar.
• Changing your diet. An easy way to prevent tartar buildup is to make healthier food choices. Avoiding sugary drinks and starchy foods is a great idea. Soda and potato chips are delicious but are they worth the cost to your dental health?
• Visiting a dentist regularly. Even if you have the best oral health routine in the world, a cleaning from the dentist is still an important part of fighting tartar buildup.

Schedule Your Cleaning

Panatella Dental offers dental cleanings to patients of all ages. Request your appointment now.