Have you noticed that your teeth are slowly turning brown or yellow despite flossing and brushing them daily? If so, this post will set the facts right on what may be causing the discoloration and how to prevent it at home. You know it’s essential to floss, brush and rinse with a mouthwash to stop tartar accumulation.
But do you know the best way of doing it? What is Tartar? How does it accumulate in your teeth? And what are the effects of tartar accumulation? Here we will help you learn what tartar and plaque on teeth are, what you can do to prevent their build-up, and why having an experienced dentist remove them is the most innovative, safest option. Without further ado, let’s dive into the facts straight away!
What is Plaque?
Dental plaque is a sticky, soft film on the surface of your teeth in which bacteria thrive. When you eat, the bacteria in your mouth break down the carbohydrates obtained from food into an acid, mixing with saliva and leftover food particles to create plaque. Plaque builds up in your teeth above and below the gum line.
Everyone has experienced plaque on their teeth to some degree. If your teeth have ever felt fuzzy when you pass your tongue over them, then that’s plaque. Plaque occurs when bacteria in your mouth mix with saliva or sugary foods like bread, pasta, milk, juice and fruits.
Regular flossing and tooth brushing can eliminate plaque. If you don’t get rid of plaque, it can harden to form tartar. Tartar can adversely affect your dental health, so it’s essential to keep it at bay. But can you remove plaque on your teeth at home? Read to know the effective, safe methods to remove plaque and tartar on your teeth at the comfort of your home or office.
How to Remove Plaque from Teeth: Effective Proven Tips
It goes without saying that the best solution to dental plaque is to avoid it before it begins. Good gum and tooth care is key to preventing plaque on your teeth.
- Brush daily: Brushing your teeth at least two times a day can prevent plaque from forming. This oral hygiene procedure shouldn’t be skipped or overlooked, preferably after every meal. The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth at least two times a day using fluoride toothpaste.
- Flossing once or twice a day: Floss your teeth daily to eliminate invisible particles between your crevices that remain no matter how hard you brush. Numerous studies have shown that flossing before brushing your teeth scraps off plaque.
- Eat healthy foods: Avoid sugary drinks and snacks because they allow plaque to develop and accelerate bacteria growth in your mouth. Instead, snack on vegetables and fruits to keep plaque at bay.
- Use mouthwash: Rinse your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash to keep bacteria at bay.
- Drink lots of Water to keep your body adequately hydrated.
Difference between Tartar and Plaque !!
Tartar vs. plaque- is there any difference? Both tartar and plaque can escalate the risk of gingivitis, cavities, and other oral health complications. Knowing how to differentiate between tartar and plaque on teeth can help spot the red flags of severe dental health issues.
A plaque is a sticky, soft film that accumulates under the gums or on your teeth throughout the day. And guess what? It comprises thousands or millions of bacteria. That’s why it is vital to maintain proper dental hygiene to avoid tooth decay and safeguard your smile from the bacteria that comes with plaque.
So, if that’s a plaque on teeth, what’s tartar? Simply put, tartar is what builds up on your teeth when plaque isn’t scraped off. If plaque lodges on your teeth for too long, it will harden to form tartar and is much more daunting to remove. In fact, you cannot remove tartar with regular flossing and brushing. Tartar removal is one of the primary reasons why people should visit the dentist twice every year.
If you want to know how tartar vs. plaque are different, understand how they form, their appearance, and their removal process. For example, tartar can best be removed by an experienced dental professional.
How to Prevent Plaque and Tartar from Forming ✨
Regardless of how hard you floss or brush, bacteria will inevitably increase in your mouth. They cling to food particles in your mouth, leading to the build of a yellow-pale deposit known as dental plaque. Plaque is a sticky film that forms under the gumline and on the surface of your teeth. It contains millions of bacteria that can cause gum problems and tooth decay.
It’s never too late to keep your gums and teeth free from plaque by introducing some habits to your lifestyle. Such practices include maintaining proper oral care to remove plaque on teeth, avoid smoking, and rinsing your mouth with an antiseptic.
Regardless of how excellent your oral hygiene is, tartar and plaque accumulation are inevitable. That explains why you should visit a dentist once every six months. Our job at Fitzgerald Dentistry is to assist you in maintaining a healthy, beautiful smile that’s tartar and plaque-free!
Visit Your Dentist at least Twice a Year
Plaque is an invisible sticky bacteria film that sticks to your teeth. Not only does the plaque erode your tooth enamel but also escalates your risk for gum disease and tooth decay.
Even if you take good care of your teeth and follow all the recommendations in this post, there still may be some tartar or plaque accumulation in your teeth. If you skip oral hygiene habits, tartar can build up to the extent of causing other serious health issues.
Visiting a dentist at least twice a year for cleanings and examinations will help prevent plaque on teeth from getting to threatening levels. For more information on how to get rid of plaque and prevent tartar build-up on your teeth or to schedule an exam or cleaning, call our experienced team at Fitzgerald Dentistry or book an appointment online today.
