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Buildup on teeth calculus7/31/2023 ![]() It’s dangerous because the tartar doesn’t just stay on your teeth. Research suggests that it occurs within 1 to 14 days of plaque formation. The process doesn’t take that long, either. This calcified dental plaque is also called dental calculus. If you don’t brush and floss your teeth soon after to remove the sticky film, it can eventually harden into a substance called tartar. ![]() Now you have a combo of carbohydrates, acids, and bacteria that begins to form a colorless layer over your teeth. The residue from that food mixes with the bacteria in your mouth, releasing acids that break down the carbohydrates in your food and drinks. This sticky film develops not long after you eat or drink something - usually something starchy or sugary. If you already have tartar your dentist or dental hygienist will have to remove it for you at your next cleaning.Plaque forms very easily on your teeth. You can keep tartar at bay by brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash regularly. The best way to tackle tartar buildup is to avoid letting it form in the first place. The longer you smoke, and the more frequently you smoke, the more likely you are to develop gum disease. According to the CDC smokers are nearly twice as likely to develop gum disease than non-smokers. Smoking causes a wide variety of health problems and can make it harder for your body to fight off infections and gum disease. Mouthwash is an excellent way to kill the harmful bacteria in our mouths that cause plaque to develop in the first place. You don’t have to give up the foods you love, just make sure you drink plenty of water during and after meals and brush your teeth when you are finished eating. The bacteria in our mouthes thrive on sugary and starchy foods, and when they interact with these foods they produce acids that damage our tooth enamel. Brushing our teeth is important, but toothbrushes are not designed to get between the gaps in our teeth, and according to the Canadian Dental Association, means that we can miss more than one-third of the surface of our teeth. Whichever toothbrush you choose make sure it features the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance. Studies have found that electric toothbrushes may be more effective at removing plaque than manual toothbrushes. Consider switching to an electric toothbrush.Fluoride is an excellent way to prevent, slow, and even reverse tooth decay. Choose a tartar control toothpaste that contains fluoride.When you brush don’t forget to scrub hard to reach places such as the backs of your teeth and your molars. Choose a toothbrush with soft bristles, that is small enough to comfortably fit in your mouth. If you don’t brush for the minimum two minutes you may not be able to remove all the plaque, which will allow tartar to form. Brush your teeth at least twice per day, for a minimum of two minutes.There a few things you can do at home on a daily basis to help combat tartar buildup. However, the best way to combat tartar is to avoid letting it form in the first place. During your annual cleaning, your dental hygienist will use specialized tools to scrape the tartar off your teeth, as well as remove any tartar that has built up below your gumline. The only way to completely get rid of tartar is to have it removed by a professional, such as your dentist or dental hygienist. This condition is called gingivitis, and if it is allowed to progress it can evolve into periodontal disease, which may result in tooth loss. When plaque hardens into tartar it irritates our gums, causing them to turn red and swell. The most common sign of tartar buildup is a yellow or brown deposit between your lower front teeth or along your gumline. Unlike plaque, tartar is fairly easy to see. Tartar, also called calculus, is much harder to remove than plaque, and can solidify both on our teeth and below the gumline. Tartar forms when we do not regularly remove plaque from our teeth. Plaque is a colourless film, which can harden into tartar if it isn’t removed regularly through brushing and flossing. This process causes plaque to form and can damage our teeth and gums if it is allowed to linger. Small pieces remain on our teeth and gums, which is consumed by the bacteria that live in our mouths. When we eat we don’t actually consume all of the food we put in our mouths. Brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash are important parts of any oral hygiene routine. Though we all know that an annual trip to the dentist is important for keeping our teeth and gums happy and healthy, good oral hygiene also depends on a solid routine at home. Tartar is one of the leading causes of gum disease, so it is important to tackle it quickly and efficiently.
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