Learn what tartar is, how it works, and how you can best avoid tartar buildup on your teeth.
What is tartar?
Dental tartar (also called calculus) is simply calcified plaque that builds up on your teeth and under your gum line. Plaque, when left unchecked, eventually hardens into calculus and can cause a number of dental problems, including receding gums and gum disease. It isn’t easy to brush away like plaque and requires thorough scraping to be properly removed.
How to avoid tartar build-up
Here are a handful of ways you can prevent harmful build-up!
Floss daily
Flossing (or interdental cleaning) removes harmful bacteria, acid, and plaque from those tricky spots that your toothbrush may have missed. This is essential to an effective dental routine because skipping flossing could invite cavities and buildup, regardless of your brushing habits.
Rinse with mouthwash daily
Using a fluoride or antiseptic mouthwash each evening will help you wash away the things that harm your teeth and gums most.
Watch what you eat
Some foods are more likely to cause buildup. So stay away from excessively sweet and starchy things, such as white bread and sodas. Click here for a short list of foods to avoid for the sake of your teeth.
Try an electric toothbrush
Using a toothbrush designed for plaque removal is a terrific investment in buildup prevention.
Dental tartar and heart health
Did you know that dental health and heart health are closely connected? In fact, this type of buildup is known to be one of the early warning signs of a heart attack! A dental professional can spot excessive buildup early, promoting not just dental but also heart health! So don’t skip your regular dental checkups.