Dental plaque is very easy to form, especially in people who like to smoke. Tartar is a substance that makes teeth black or has plaque. That is the importance of brushing your teeth twice a day, or removing food scraps with floss or gargling with antiseptic drugs.
To better understand tartar and plaque on teeth, now we will discuss how to control teeth away from plaque due to tartar.
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What Is Tartar?
Oral bacteria are always there even if we always take care of our teeth. Bacteria that enter the mouth mix with various foods or proteins and various by-products that we eat every day. Over time these proteins and bacteria turn into sticky plaque on the tooth surface. Dirt from food and bacteria coats the teeth under the surface of the gums. Plaque that sticks to teeth also contains bacteria which can slowly damage tooth enamel and eventually lead to cavities. However, regular dental care every day can prevent the potential for tooth decay as we mentioned.
If plaque is on the teeth, not only cavities, but other health problems will arise.
Tartar, known as calculus, is formed above and below the gum line. The shape is hard like coral and porous. This tartar growth can cause gum problems. So the tartar that is formed from tartar must be removed using tools and done by a dentist.
How does Tartar Affect Teeth and Gums
Tartar that forms on the surface of the teeth or above and below the gum line can make it difficult for us to brush our teeth and use floss to remove food debris between the teeth. So finally the holes are formed in the teeth, for that we must remove this tartar properly.
The tartar that forms on the gums will worsen your teeth. The bacteria in tartar will worsen and can damage the teeth. Even over time this condition can cause progressive gum disease.
The mildest gum disease is gingivitis. If you clean your teeth properly and regularly this condition will usually get better. You can use toothbrushes, dental floss and use an antiseptic to rinse your mouth and regularly check with the dentist.
If the condition of gingivitis is not treated and cared for properly, the condition will get worse. Between the teeth and gums will be a nest of bacteria known as periodontitis. Then, the body’s immunity releases chemicals to attack these bacteria until they mix with the bacteria. This will damage the bone and tissue that holds your teeth. It doesn’t stop there, some studies even say there is a close relationship between gum disease and heart disease that you experience.
Tips to Help Control Tartar
The best and easiest way is to maintain healthy teeth and mouth and not let tartar form plaque on your teeth. Here are 6 tips you can do to prevent tartar formation.
1. Brush your teeth twice a day
Brushing your teeth should pay attention to the procedure, brush twice a day using a soft toothbrush and do at least two minutes to brush your teeth. If you only scrub for 30 seconds, this will not remove plaque on your teeth. Use a brush with soft bristles so as not to damage the gums and reach the deepest parts such as the molars and the back of the teeth.
Research shows that brushing your teeth with an electronic toothbrush is cleaner than brushing manually. However, the most important thing in choosing a toothbrush is to pay attention that your brush meets the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval standards. This toothbrush has been tested for quality and safety.
See more: Why Your Gums Bleed When Brushing The Teeth
2. Using toothpaste containing fluoride
Toothpaste with fluoride is a toothpaste that can control tartar formation. The benefit of fluoride is to repair damaged tooth enamel. There is also a form of toothpaste that contains substances to fight tartar and bacteria, this is a toothpaste that contains triclosan.
3. Using floss
Dental floss is the best way to help you deal with plaque problems. It doesn’t matter how well you use a toothbrush, the use of dental floss is needed to clean plaque or food debris between your teeth. By using floss, we can remove food scraps that are difficult to reach with a toothbrush.
4. Gargle with an antiseptic
Anti-septic gargling is another way to support your oral health. Antipetic will kill plaque-causing bacteria, so rinse your mouth every day using this substance.
5. Watch your diet
Sugary and starchy foods are highly preferred ingredients by bacteria and they thrive if you often eat sugary and starchy foods. So, avoid consuming foods with these ingredients. Just multiply to consume healthy foods free of sugar.
When bacteria are exposed to sweet or starchy foods, they tend to release acids. Brush and rinse your mouth as regularly as possible either before eating or after eating. Make it a habit to brush your teeth before bed and after waking up in the morning.
See also: Choosing Between the Vegan & Paleo Diet
6. Don’t smoke
“Don’t smoke”, this is not advice that needs to be ignored. Smoking is proven to be the cause of the formation of tartar because tobacco contains many substances including tartar. The more you smoke and are lazy to brush your teeth, the faster your teeth will break.
Also see: Essential Oils For Quitting Smoking
Smokers or other tobacco users have a very high risk of getting tartar If the tartar has formed then you will not be able to remove it easily, only a dental specialist with tools can remove it. So, visit your dentist every 6 months to clean your teeth and remove plaque that may form.