If you are looking for a way to protect yourself against tartar at home, make sure you fully clean your teeth before the substance has a chance to form. Tartar is a word used in reference to plaque that has had time to harden on teeth. Once that hardening occurs, regular brushing and flossing will not be able to dislodge it. During a professional teeth cleaning, your hygienist seeks signs of tartar, and will remove any and all of the material found on your teeth. This removal matters to your oral health – when tartar is left behind, the bacteria can continually damage your oral health, and put you at risk for a cavity, or gum disease.
Tartar Removal And Other Benefits Of A Dental Cleaning
One important part of a routine dental exam is your professional cleaning. By taking care of tartar, your teeth will be better defended against decay. The visits also allow your dentist to take a careful look at your smile, and catch any developing issues. Those semiannual visits make it easier to have a problem discovered, and treated, before complications occur. This means that if your dentist does find a cavity, your tooth should be fine after a dental filling is placed. Larger cavities can demand more involved work.
How You Can Prevent Tartar From Forming
If you are worried about having tartar develop on teeth, make sure you are brushing at least twice a day. The process of hardening from plaque to tartar can take time – when you brush twice a day, you can put a stop to tartar. Cleaning your teeth diligently, so that you do not miss areas, is also important.
