Why do i have tartar on my teeth

Plaque can be a pale yellow color, but it can also be colorless making it difficult to see. They may use dental mirrors to spot plaque in hard to see places, and scrape the plaque between your teeth with a dental scaler. Every set of teeth is unique, so ask your dentist for brushing and flossing tips to help address plaque buildup. So why is plaque a problem? Staying on top of your oral health and preventing plaque buildup on teeth is the best way to prevent tartar.

To help prevent tartar, be sure to brush your teeth and use mouthwash at least twice daily, preferably with a tartar-control fluoride toothpaste like many from Crest, and floss once a day. And visit your dental office regularly for oral exams and cleanings. Tartar feels like a rough substance in the mouth that brushing alone will not remove. It also irritates the gums, causing inflammation, bleeding and eventually gum disease.

When tartar appears below the gum line, it can cause raised swellings that may bleed. Buildup above the gum line is yellow or tan and grows larger if not removed. Below the gum line, it may be brown or black. Only dental professionals can successfully remove tartar buildup on teeth through a process called scaling. How can I Prevent Tartar Buildup? Your best bet is not to let tartar form on your teeth. Once tartar has formed, only a dental professional will be able to remove it from your teeth.

So, visit your dentist every six months to remove any plaque and tartar that might have formed and to prevent further problems. Do you have any questions about tartar? Call Westermeier Martin Dental care to schedule an appointment with your dentist What is Tartar. Previous Next. View Larger Image. While you may assume that you know your mouth better than anyone else, your dental professional should be the one in charge of safe tartar removal.

Only they can successfully remove tartar buildup on teeth. They do this through a process using manual scaling tools called scaling or with an ultrasonic device. Don't let affordability be the reason you shy away from professional help, either. If cost is a concern, there are many options for affordable dentistry , such as dental and dental hygiene schools.

At these clinical facilities, supervised students provide low-cost care to gain clinical experience. With the proper at-home prevention of a daily oral hygiene routine and regularly seeing your dentist and dental hygienist for a checkup, you'll no longer be wondering how to remove tartar from your teeth! This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics.

It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Shop Now. Our Mission. Contact Us. United States US English. Submit an Idea. Brand Logo. All rights reserved. Terms Of Use. Privacy Policy.

You'd certainly rather strengthen your teeth than mineralize your plaque to form tartar! So, make sure you brush for minutes before bed. And, focus on the gum lines with a soft, light-pressure technique. The reason? Most tartar builds around the gum lines. In addition, regular dental cleanings will prevent long-term accumulation of bulky tartar deposits. Lastly, you may choose to add brushing and flossing after lunch to your routine. This will also help to decrease daily plaque accumulation and eventual tartar formation!

Alright, so I wanted to get our readers some more helpful information about teeth and tartar. Here are some commonly asked questions about tooth tartar! Well, tartar is a broad mixture of things but 2 of those things are plaque and harmful bacteria. Live bacteria form on the outer layers of tartar and the tartar itself provides a fuel source.

Add to that the fact that tartar keeps bacteria and other contaminants pressed against your gums and teeth, and you can see why stagnant tartar is a recipe for developing tooth decay and gum disease. Well, maybe we shouldn't "go there" with this question. Most things that dissolve tartar will do so by breaking down mineral content. These tartar-fighters could also demineralize your enamel. Some mouthwash formulations contain anti-tartar ingredients.