Does anything Dissolve Dental Plaque?
Tartar, which is also called dental calculus, accumulates on the teeth when plaque is not removed. Tartar is unattractive and can also result in serious issues which affect the teeth and gums.
The best way to remove or prevent the build-up of plaque and tartar is to practice good oral hygiene and make regular visits to the dentist. The following article will discuss methods for removing tartar and plaque from the teeth.
The best way to remove plaque and tartar build-up is with twice daily brushing with toothpaste which contains fluoride. Using an antiseptic mouthwash and flossing each day helps manage bacteria and clean areas which are difficult to reach. Other natural remedies which can include gargling with vinegar and brushing with baking soda can also be helpful.
Patients must practice good oral hygiene in order to maintain healthy teeth and gums. This includes twice daily brushing, daily flossing and regular visits to the dentist. Below are top methods which patients can use between visits to the dentist in order to remove plaque and prevent the development of tartar.
Properly Clean the Teeth
Choose a soft-bristled tooth brush to clean the teeth. Many patients opt to use an electric toothbrush, which is highly effective. Use gentle pressure to avoid damaging the gums. While manual and electric toothbrushes are can both remove plaque, electric toothbrushes can especially effective as they use a circular motion and can help prevent the use of too much force.
Fluoride Toothpaste
The use of fluoride aids in preventing tooth decay as it strengthens the tooth’s enamel. This protects the teeth from acid, helps prevent decay, and also prevents dental cavities. Toothpaste can contain various levels of fluoride based on the age of the patient. Children can use fluoridated toothpaste, however, it must be created for their specific age.
Brushing
Patients should brush their teeth for at least two minutes each time they brush. The amount of plaque which is removed directly correlates with the amount of time spent brushing. It is important to ensure patients use gentle pressure when brushing to avoid damage to sensitive gum tissue.
Flossing
Another critical component of good oral hygiene is daily flossing. Flossing the teeth helps clean debris and food particles which are trapped between the teeth. Interdental brushes can also be used to effectively clean between the teeth and gums. An interdental brush is similar to a small mascara brush with numerous bristles.
Mouthwash
An antibacterial mouthwash can be used for various reasons including improving the breath, removing plaque, cleaning food particles off the teeth, and preventing cavities. Patients should avoid using mouthwash immediately after brushing as it can remove the fluoride from the teeth.
The steps summarized above can help patients maintain healthy teeth and gums. Oral hygiene is critical for maintaining good oral health and cleaning the teeth between dental visits. Patients should avoid using certain products at home including dental scrapers, which should only be used by trained dental professionals. When patients use a dental scraper at home, they can potentially damage their teeth and gums.