Do you know what makes tartar different from plaque? Plaque is a filmy collection of oral bacteria that can accumulate on your teeth. If this material is left untreated for too long, the hardened form is referred to as tartar. The problem with tartar is that it can be too tough to eliminate with at-home care. Luckily, it can be successfully addressed by your hygienist during a routine dental cleaning. These cleanings are meant to totally eliminate all harmful debris from your teeth, to help prevent cavities.
Keeping Up With At-Home Care To Prevent The Development Of Tartar
While your hygienist’s skills are needed to knock out tartar, your at-home oral care can eliminate plaque before the material hardens. Brushing your teeth should take at least two minutes, and at a minimum this activity should happen twice daily. You also need to floss, so that you can be sure to attack plaque that may reside in the spaces between your teeth.
A Regular Checkup Will Include A Cleaning And An Exam
Of course, when you go to the dentist for a routine cleaning, you will also receive a regular dental exam. The exam is how your dentist makes sure your teeth are healthy. If there is a problem that turns up, the focus of the appointment can shift to the best means of restoring your oral health. One benefit of keeping up with these visits (they should happen twice a year) is that your dentist can pay attention to long-term trends in your oral health. For instance, if your dentist suspects you are unusually cavity-prone, they can recommend dental sealants to help with the problem.
