If you already brush at least twice a day for two minutes and floss once, congratulations! While your oral hygiene efforts go a long way toward eliminating harmful plaque buildup, they can’t do the whole job.
Plaque builds up on all surfaces of your teeth, and when it’s not removed from hard-to-reach spaces, it hardens into tartar or calculus. Tartar is filled with bacteria, and as it builds up underneath the gum line, it can cause inflammation that leads to gingivitis.
You can’t remove tartar with a toothbrush because it clings stubbornly to your teeth. Only a dentist or hygienist can remove tartar using their skill, experience, and specialized instruments.
5 Tips for Controlling Plaque and Tartar Buildup
Your dentist in Lincoln, NE, will also recommend steps you can take to minimize plaque and tartar buildup in the future, including:
- When you brush, be sure to clean all surfaces, including along the gum line and between teeth.
- Consider switching to an electric toothbrush that does a better job of removing plaque than manual models.
- Rinse daily with an antiseptic mouthwash that helps kill cavity-causing bacteria.
- If you smoke, consider quitting. Tobacco users have been found to develop more tartar than non-smokers.
- Eat a healthy diet and limit your intake of foods high in sugar and carbohydrates.
If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to ask us—we are here to help you!
Schedule Your Next Teeth Cleaning with Us
At Roots Dental, we provide preventive dental services like exams and dental cleanings to help you avoid cavities and gum disease. Please call our Lincoln, NE, dental office to schedule your next appointment with us.