Running your tongue over your teeth and feeling a rough or gritty surface may indicate tartar buildup. Tartar forms when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, hardens on your teeth. If not removed, tartar can lead to gum disease, cavities, and even tooth loss.
Patients often ask, “How can I remove tartar from my teeth before my next visit?” While professional dental cleanings in Anchorage, AK are essential, here are expert tips to help manage tartar and maintain oral health between appointments.
What is Tartar, and Why Should You Care?
Tartar is the hardened form of plaque. Once tartar forms, it cannot be removed by brushing or flossing alone, so regular dental cleanings are necessary. If left unchecked, tartar buildup can lead to serious oral health issues like gum disease, bad breath, and tooth decay. While professional help is required to remove tartar thoroughly, there are ways to reduce its buildup and prevent plaque from hardening into tartar between visits.
Step 1: Brush Twice a Day with Fluoride Toothpaste
Brushing your teeth is your first line of defense against plaque and tartar. Most dentists suggest using fluoride toothpaste to help strengthen enamel and prevent plaque from turning into tartar. For optimal results:
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush: Soft bristles are gentle on your gums and effective at cleaning your teeth without causing damage.
- Brush for two minutes: Cover all areas of your mouth, including the back teeth.
- Use gentle, circular motions: Avoid scrubbing too hard, which can wear down enamel and hurt your gums.
For added tartar control, consider using a toothpaste specifically designed for tartar prevention.
Step 2: Floss Daily to Remove Plaque from Between Teeth
Flossing is just as important as brushing because it helps remove plaque from areas your toothbrush can’t reach, like between your teeth and under the gumline. Follow these tips for effective flossing:
- Use enough floss: About 18 inches is ideal, giving you enough length to use a clean section between each tooth.
- Be gentle: Slide the floss carefully between your teeth to avoid irritating your gums.
- Form a “C” shape: This allows you to clean under the gumline, where plaque tends to hide.
If you find traditional flossing difficult, water flossers or floss picks are great alternatives to remove plaque effectively.
Step 3: Use an Antiseptic Mouthwash
An antiseptic mouthwash is an excellent addition to your oral hygiene routine. It can help reduce the bacteria in your mouth that cause plaque and tartar, keeping your breath fresh and your mouth cleaner. When using mouthwash:
- Swish for 30 seconds: This allows the mouthwash to reach all areas of your mouth.
- Don’t rinse with water afterward: Let the mouthwash’s active ingredients continue working without being diluted by water.
Step 4: Consider an Electric Toothbrush
Electric toothbrushes can be more effective than manual ones in removing plaque, especially in hard-to-reach areas. Many electric toothbrushes have rotating heads designed to clean more thoroughly and are especially useful for preventing tartar buildup. Some even have built-in timers to ensure you’re brushing for the full two minutes.
Step 5: Eat a Tartar-Reducing Diet
Your diet can significantly impact tartar buildup. Certain foods can help clean your teeth, while others promote plaque formation. Follow these diet tips:
- Eat crunchy fruits and vegetables: Foods like apples, celery, and carrots can help you naturally clean your teeth.
- Limit sugary and starchy foods: These foods promote plaque formation, which can eventually turn into tartar. Try to minimize your intake of candy, sodas, and starchy snacks.
- Drink plenty of water: Staying hydrated helps wash away food particles and neutralizes acids in your mouth that contribute to plaque formation.
Step 6: Don’t Skip Your Dental Visits
Even with the best at-home care, professional cleanings are essential to keeping your mouth healthy. A dental hygienist can remove tartar that has already formed, particularly in hard-to-reach areas below the gumline. Skipping dental appointments can lead to serious oral health issues, so it’s essential to maintain a regular schedule for cleanings.
Get Your Guide To Cosmetic Dentistry!
Fill out the form below and we will email/text you the guide along with a $300 savings offer!
The Guide Will Show You
- Factors That Affect Eligibility
- Average Pricing
- Dental Implant Options
- And More!
Get Your Guide To Cosmetic Dentistry!
Fill out the form below and we will email/text you the guide along with a $300 savings offer!
Keep Tartar at Bay with Consistent Care
To minimize tartar buildup between dental visits, stick to a solid oral hygiene routine. Brushing twice daily, flossing daily, using an antiseptic mouthwash, and following a healthy diet are vital to keeping your teeth and gums in great shape. However, nothing replaces professional dental cleanings. At Delaney Park Dental, we’re here to help you maintain optimal oral health and a bright, clean smile.
If you’re due for teeth cleaning in Anchorage, AK or have questions about how to remove tartar from your teeth, contact Delaney Park Dental today. Let us take care of your smile!
