How Can I Reduce Plaque and Tartar Build-Up?

Dental plaque can spell bad news for your teeth and gums. Once plaque has formed it attaches to the tooth enamel. If plaque builds up over time it may turn into tartar or calculus.  That's a great reason why you should consider methods to reduce plaque and tartar build-up.

We all have plaque. For some it is kept under control with solid dental hygiene practices. For others, plaque that is left unattended can lead to a whole lot of dental problems such as tooth decay, cavities and gum disease.

Over time, plaque that forms on your teeth turns into tartar. This is a slow process but once you have tartar buildup on your teeth or at or under the gum line it can compromise you dental health.

There are a number of key methods you can use to reduce or prevent plaque and tartar building up on your teeth.

Brush Your Teeth To Reduce Plaque

Minimise the risk of developing tartar by staying on top of your dental hygiene such as regular brushing and flossing. Brushing your teeth is a great way to reduce plaque and tartar buildup.

Brushing with a good quality tooth brush can remove the plaque before it has time to mineralise. It’s also a good idea to review your brushing technique. It’s important that your technique is effective so all teeth are cleaned. There are a number of techniques that you can use that are effective in maintaining your teeth and gums in good health.

With plaque hiding between teeth and under the gum line, your first line of defense is to prevent its build up. That means, while you won’t be able to avoid plaque completely, you can certainly reduce its impact to your teeth and gums.

By employing good oral hygiene practices such as brushing and flossing twice a day, it reduces the risk of plaque remaining undetected and causing bigger issues.

Toothpaste with fluoride can also help reduce the development of plaque.

Don’t forget to floss

Another way to minimise plaque and tartar build-up is by flossing regularly.

Flossing is great at removing food particles from between your teeth. Brushing alone will not remove residual food deposits. It is in between your teeth that plaque can remain undetected and is ripe for calcification.

Watch your diet

There are a number of foods that are considered as causes of plaque. Some of the main culprits include:

-         Foods that contain carbohydrates such as bread and pasta

-         Milk

-         Soft drinks

-         Cakes

-         Raisins

-         Juice

Regular Professional Dental Cleaning

Even with the best dental hygiene practices, we all experience plaque and tartar build up at some stage

If left unchecked, tartar will simply keep building up and damaging your teeth and gums. By the time the plaque has hardened into tartar, it can't be removed simply by brushing. You will need the tartar to be removed by a dental professional.

The good news is that tartar can be removed with a professional dental cleaning. Tartar cannot be removed by just brushing with your tooth brush at home. A dental professional can remove tartar that has deposited on your teeth or beneath or on your gums. In fact, plaque and tartar can form on all teeth surfaces and in between teeth too.

This is especially important because this tartar deposit can lead to an inflammation of the gum and eventually can lead to the gums breaking down.

Dental Check-ups Help Detect Plaque and Tartar

We often think of plaque as a yellow or furry feeling film over your teeth. But plaque can also be colourless and difficult to identify with the naked eye. Regular check-ups help detect plaque and tartar build-up that you may not be able to readily see or notice.

A dental checkup is a great way to better understand whether you have tartar buildup and if has caused damaged. A dental checkup is your way of checking in with you dental health, being aware of your oral health needs and with this knowledge be armed to keep plaque and tartar at bay.

Optimise Your Dental Routine Today!

Your teeth are an important part of your overall appearance and confidence. Make their care a feature of your overall health and well being by getting solid and consistent oral hygiene practices in your day to day routine.

Want to learn more? Our dental practice can provide high quality dental care.

Call our friendly staff at Woodville & Seaton Dental Clinic on (08) 8268 5422 and book an appointment today!