How to Reduce Plaque and Prevent Tartar Build-Up
Tartar and Plaque are not the same. Plaque is the yellowish layer that is created between our teeth by food attaching to the tooth surface which is not removed during brushing. If you have a build up of plaque, go to your dentist to have a dental clean or polish to remove the plaque, otherwise it may lead to the formation of tartar.
Tartar is a hardened layer of plaque which attaches to the tooth enamel above and belwo the gumline. As well as being unsightly, it is very detrimental to oral health, since it is the main cause of the gingivitis and periodontitis.
If you have this problem and do not know what to do to prevent this, in this OneHowTo article we show you some very useful techniques to prevent tartar on teeth.
Steps to follow:
As well as food adhering to the tooth surface, tartar can form as a result of bleeding gums. If this is your case and you gums bleed every time you brush your teeth, do not hesitate to visit your dentist to have a checkup and discover the cause of this.
To prevent plaque from forming on our teeth, brushing and cleaning your teeth needs to be done very thoroughly and in the right way. You should brush by making circular movements and applying a little pressure. For more information check out our article on how to remove plaque.
A thorough brushing is very important, but you should also accompany this with a through floss of your teeth. Flossing once a day is essential to prevent tartar on the teeth. The brush is not enough to clean all the spaces between the teeth. Using a dental floss or specialised tool will help keep your teeth squeaky clean, even in those hard to reach places.
A very effective way to prevent the occurrence of tartar on your teeth is to eat hard fruits and vegetables. These foods strengthen gums and help prevent bleeding. As explained above, bleeding gums are one of the causes of bacterial plaque so if we can stop this, we can prevent tartar from building up.
Acidic fruit juices are also very effective in preventing tartar on the teeth. Acidic foods help remove food debris and whiten teeth. However it is necessary to consume in moderation, since excessive consumption can lead to dental cavities.
Desserts and pastries are foods that most favor tartar on teeth. Thus, an effective way to avoid the appearance of plaque is to eliminate these foods from our diet or moderate their consumption.
So there you have our best tips and techniques for preventing the build up of tartar on teeth, but don't forget to go to your dentist regularly. To completely control plaque you should go for a dental polish at least once a year.
This article is merely informative, oneHOWTO does not have the authority to prescribe any medical treatments or create a diagnosis. We invite you to visit your doctor if you have any type of condition or pain.
If you want to read similar articles to How to Reduce Plaque and Prevent Tartar Build-Up, we recommend you visit our Family health category.
