Plaque and tartar buildup on the teeth can cause some dental problems, from dental cavities to serious gum disease. If you're wondering how to get rid of plaque and tartar effectively, you're not alone! We all know regular brushing and flossing are necessary as a daily habit, but sometimes they aren't enough to fight persistent plaque and tartar. Keep reading to discover effective solutions that will be helpful during your plaque and tartar remover lookout!
Plaque and tartar are two different terms but many people may confuse the meaning and their formations. Plaque is a soft, sticky film that forms on your teeth and gums during the day. It consists of bacteria, food particles and saliva. After you eat, -especially sugary foods- the bacteria in plaque produce acids that may attack the tooth enamel. This may result in tooth decay and cavities. So, you have to remove the plaque regularly. If you don't remove them by brushing or flossing, it can turn into a hardened substance called tartar.
Tartar (calculus) is plaque that has hardened on your teeth. It usually forms at and below the gumline and can cause discolorations. It cannot be removed by brushing or flossing as they are hardened. It requires professional dental cleaning. When you have a tartar, it creates a cycle of bacterial buildup which means over time more plaque is created. Both plaque and tartar are very harmful to your teeth. If plaque is left untreated, it can lead to gingivitis, which is the first stage of gum disease. It is characterized by swelling and bleeding gums. As the gum disease progresses, a periodontisis -a severe gum infection- starts. This damages the tissue and bone that support your teeth. Tartar can lead to the same progression of gum disease and it also causes bad breath and tooth loss.
Understanding how to get rid of plaque and tartar is important to seek the best solution in your case. There are certain well-known options for this purpose.
The simplest solution to get rid of plaque and is by brushing your teeth twice daily with a plaque removal toothpaste. These specialized toothpastes are designed to break down plaque, making it easier to remove. As you remove them before turning into tartar, you reduce the risk of further harming your oral health. These products often contain ingredients like fluoride and pyrophosphates that can help prevent plaque from hardening into tartar. But make sure you brush your teeth daily at least 2 times! Also, electric toothbrushes are proven to be more effective in getting rid of plaque when compared to usual toothbrushes. The vibrating action helps break down the plaque and tartar efficiently.
Plaque happens when bacteria in the mouth feed on sugars. Limiting the sugary food intake can reduce the amount of plaque on the teeth. Also, chewing sugar-free gum after meals stimulates the production of saliva. Saliva is the body’s defense against plaque and it helps to neutralize the acids of bacteria that cause plaque.
For more thorough cleaning, using a plaque removal tool or tartar removal tool can be necessary. These tools are often used by dentists and are designed to scrape away plaque and tartar from the surface tooth’s surface, especially in unreachable areas. You may be looking for ways to scaling teeth at home by using these tools, but remember this kind of intervention always requires dental professionals to avoid harming the teeth or gums.
While at-home care is essential, professional cleanings, also called dental scaling, are crucial for removing heavy plaques and tartar. During a dental cleaning, your dentist will use specialized tools to remove plaque and tartar that you cannot reach or remove while scaling teeth at home. When people see the heavy plaque removal before and after photos, they are generally surprised as they do not think plaques can change the color of the teeth that much.
Preventing to formation of plaque is crucial as if left untreated it can even cause tooth loss in severe cases. In case of a missing tooth, a dental implant is the only solution to create an artificial tooth root. It is a surgical operation and it requires dedicating a certain period. So, take care of your teeth before losing them!
As you now know how to get rid of plaque and tartar and what to do to prevent them, let’s discuss how to decide if you need professional help. Well, if you think you tried everything at home to get rid of plaque but they are persistent, it is probably high time to seek professional help. The Smile Center offers a range of treatments that effectively address several issues. Whether you need a routine dental cleaning or a more intensive procedure to remove heavy tartar deposits or help restore your smile, the Smile Center provides personalized treatment plans designed to meet your specific needs with years of experienced dentists.
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Beyond plaque and tartar removal, the Smile Center is also known for its skills and successes in cosmetic dentistry in Turkey. One of the most popular services offered is Hollywood smile, which can dramatically improve the appearance of your smile by combining different treatments such as dental veneers and dental implants. You can restore missing teeth and gain a bright and healthy smile with this procedure. To get a free quote, please reach out to one of our medical experts!
LISTERINE®. (n.d.). The difference between plaque and tartar.
MedlinePlus. (n.d.). Plaque and tartar - Dental Encyclopedia. National Library of Medicine
Brazier, Y. (2023, July 11). Plaque vs. tartar: What is the difference? Medical News Today.
