Like neon signs in Vegas, the words, “Tartar Control!” seem be everywhere. But what exactly is tartar and how do you prevent its unsightly buildup?
According to Wikipedia.com, tartar is formed by the hardening of plaque on teeth. Plaque is a thin film created by the interaction of normal bacteria that live in the mouth and food and beverage particles left on teeth.
The key to preventing tartar is to prevent plaque from forming and hardening on teeth. This is best accomplished by adopting a regular oral hygiene routine consisting of brushing, flossing, rinsing, regular dental visits and making wise food and beverage choices. You also need to have direct contact on an emergency dentistry Batavia IL clinic so that you can immediately go to the clinic once urgent dental issues happen.
- Brushing
Brushing frequently and efficiently is the number one way to prevent tartar. The brisk brushing motion and the cleansing affects of toothpaste provides the cleanest mouth possible. Wikipedia explains that the tartar fighting agent is actually an additive called zinc citrate. Look for this additive on toothpaste for tartar fighting properties.
- Flossing
Flossing is important for tartar prevention too! Flossing removes food particles stuck between teeth and gums. Left there, these particles feed the normal mouth bacteria and increase their activity thus increasing the formation of plaque and eventually tartar. In addition to the old fashioned floss on a roll there are now flossing picks available. These picks come in a zip tight bag and can easily be kept in a purse of glove compartment for convenient flossing.
- Rinses
Mouthwash has routinely been thought of as more of a breath freshener than a preventative tool. However, certain mouthwashes and rinses are another weapon in the arsenal that can be used to prevent tartar.
- Regular Dentists Visits
Regular dentist visits are crucial in fighting tartar and evaluating your oral hygiene routine. Since tartar can only be removed by dentists, regular visits will allow your dentist to remove any tartar that may have formed and offer you suggestions about how to better your brushing and flossing.
- Other options
Brushing and flossing is the best way to keep your teeth free of tartar. But brushing after every meal is often inconvenient. Thankfully there are other options for keeping your teeth fresh when brushing isn’t convenient.
Apples are a great choice for keep teeth clean and strong. The crisp density of the apple, coupled with the juicy moisture help to rub particles off teeth and stimulate salivation.
Beverages affect tartar buildup too. Sticky drinks like sodas and sugary juices can leave a film on teeth that traps bacteria and other particles. The best choice of beverages is water. Drinking water cleanses teeth and provides a fluoride boost.
Prevention is incredibly important when it comes to dental health, especially tartar buildup. Left alone, plaque will turn into tartar and will require lengthy and uncomfortable dentist visits to remedy. The adoption of a good dental hygiene routine, one that includes brushing, flossing, rinsing and regular dental visits, and smart choices about food and beverage, can effectively prevent tartar buildup.