A comprehensive oral hygiene routine is essential to maintaining a healthy mouth. Tartar removal is key to keeping a variety of dental concerns at bay, so let's explore what tartar is, how you can remove it, and how it can be prevented.
What is tartar?
Also referred to as dental calculus, tartar forms when a layer of dental plaque and bacteria calcifies onto the teeth. Plaque is something that accumulates in the mouth on a daily basis, so tartar can form quickly when plaque isn't being properly removed through brushing and flossing.
Tartar can form on all teeth, however, it's most commonly seen on the sides of your teeth, particularly where your teeth face your cheeks. Often, tartar can only be removed by your dental professional, particularly if it has formed over a long period of time.
Are there any at-home tartar removal tools I can use?
Depending on the severity of your tartar, there are some tartar removal tools that you can use at home which may help.
The Ultrasonic Tooth Cleaner from Smile Therapy utilises vibration technology to deeply clean the teeth and remove stains, plaque and tartar. The Tooth Cleaner vibrates up to 12,000 times per minute, and this high intensity frequency can easily clean away stubborn calculus. The precision tip enables you to reach all areas of your mouth, including between your teeth, and it's gentle enough to use on fillings, veneers and composite bonding.
How can I prevent tartar?
As tartar can cause a variety of dental concerns, including gum disease, preventing it from forming can have a hugely positive impact on your oral health. Here are some tips to help you keep tartar at bay.
1. Brush your teeth twice per day
As a buildup of plaque and bacteria causes tartar to develop, keeping your teeth clean by brushing at least twice per day is key. While you can achieve a good clean with a manual toothbrush, switching to an electric toothbrush can help you to reach all areas of your mouth with ease. Additionally, electric toothbrushes come with built-in timers, so you can be confident that you're brushing long enough to properly clean your mouth.
Look for an electric toothbrush which comes with a variety of cleaning modes, as this will help you to achieve a custom clean every time. It can be beneficial to start on the gentlest cleaning mode, and as your teeth and gums adjust, you can start exploring some of the other options, including deep clean, polish, and whitening.
Top Tip: Choose a high quality toothpaste designed to strengthen your teeth and prevent cavities from forming.
Buy Air Advance Electric 3-In-1 Toothbrush
2. Floss daily
It can be incredibly easy for plaque and food debris to accumulate between the teeth, particularly if you've got very small gaps. Flossing every day is a great way to flush out these areas and prevent tartar from developing. The right technique is necessary when using traditional dental floss or dental tape, however an electric water flosser can make it much quicker and simpler to effectively reach all areas of your mouth.
We recommend choosing a water flosser with different cleaning modes, as this will allow you to find the right option for you. Always start with the gentlest setting before exploring the other modes, however you'll start to see results regardless of which setting you ultimately decide is best for you.
3. Attend regular dental appointments
Attending dental appointments as often as your dentist recommends is one of the best ways to maintain excellent oral health. If your dentist notices tartar building up on your teeth, they will offer you a deep clean, which will leave your mouth feeling fresh and restored.
4. Choose healthy lifestyle habits
Maintaining a healthy diet is important for both our general and oral health. Additionally, it's recommended to avoid smoking as tartar can absorb tobacco smoke and cause black or brown tartar stains to build up along your gum line.
Looking for better oral health? read our guides for the latest news and tips for better, cleaner and whiter teeth.