Does Anything Dissolve Dental Plaque?
Tartar, also known as dental calculus, occurs on the surface of your teeth when plaque has been allowed to build up and it begins to calcify. Not only does tartar look unattractive, but it can result in serious long-term damage to your teeth and gums.
Having regular check-ups and exams at your dentist is the best way to prevent and remove plaque and tartar. You can take simple measures at home to prevent plaque buildup.
The best way to remove and prevent the build-up of plaque and tartar is by brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. Daily flossing and adding an antiseptic mouthwash will also keep the bacteria at bay in hard-to-reach areas.
Cleaning your Own Teeth like a Dental Hygienist
The most important thing you can easily do for your oral health is to brush your teeth twice daily, floss once daily, and visit your dentist every six months. If for some reason you cannot see your dentist, or if you want to keep your teeth healthy in between appointments, these tips will help.
* Thoroughly clean your teeth with an electric toothbrush- Choose an electric toothbrush with a small circular brush so you can brush each tooth individually and reach the gaps in between them. According to a recent study, even though both manual and electric toothbrushes will remove plaque, the use of an electric toothbrush, especially with the rotating brushes, can be beneficial in reducing the levels of gingival bleeding or inflammation.
* Use a fluoride toothpaste- Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by strengthening the tooth enamel against the damaging acid. Fluoride is a natural mineral that has been proven in numerous studies to effectively control cavities. Toothpastes can contain various levels of fluoride. For children, use a toothpaste specifically for their age to ensure they have the correct level of fluoride. If you are unsure of which toothpaste is best for you and your family, ask your dentist.
* Brush your teeth for at least two minutes each time - Brushing your teeth for two minutes is solid advice. Unfortunately, many people usually only brush their teeth for 45 seconds. The amount of plaque removed increases with your brushing time. According to one study, brushing your teeth for three minutes will remove 55% more plaque than brushing for 30 seconds.
* Use dental floss and interdental brushes regularly- Several studies have proven that daily flossing plus toothbrushing reduced mild gum disease, significantly better than just toothbrushing. Most people realize that flossing helps clean the hard-to-reach places in between the teeth, but interdental brushes can take cleaning a step further. Interdental brushes are used to gently clean between the teeth and gums.
* Use antibacterial mouthwash regularly- An antibacterial mouthwash has many benefits. It can freshen your breath, reduce plaque build-up, loosen stubborn food particles, and reduce the risk of cavities. Using mouthwash directly after brushing can remove the beneficial fluoride, so rinse your mouth during the day, like after eating a snack or lunch.
By moderating your consumption of foods that easily promote plaque and by maintaining a thorough dental hygiene routine you can control and reduce the risk of plaque build-up. Compliment your efforts with a six month preventative exam with your dentist.