Dental tartar is hardened plaque that forms on the gums, mostly on the lower part of the mouth. It is caused by the accumulation of minerals on top of plaque. The most common area for tartar to appear is the gum line. Tartar becomes incorporated into plaque, making it possible for other, more serious problems to develop, such as cavities, gingivitis, or some digestive issues.
Tartar is not only a problem for the health of our teeth, but it also causes aesthetic problems. Because it is porous, it absorbs stains very easily, so foods or drinks with coloring will always leave marks at the base of the teeth. Therefore, it is very important to prevent tartar buildup on our teeth.
Prevention of tartar formation
Dental tartar is a buildup of minerals that can be seen above the gum line. To find out if you have tartar, examine the base of your teeth to see if they are yellowish or brownish in color.
To reduce tartar buildup, it’s necessary to brush your teeth properly at least twice a day, paying special attention to the gum line and between your teeth. In addition, there are toothpastes specifically designed to control tartar formation, and you should also complete your cleaning routine by using mouthwash and flossing once a day.
When tartar settles in the mouth, it can only be removed at the dentist’s office, as they will perform a deep oral cleaning using root planing.
Remove dental tartar at home
In addition to daily dental hygiene, there are some food products that help in the early stages of tartar removal. Even so, it’s always important to visit the dentist once a year for a thorough cleaning to remove tartar.
One of the best foods for removing plaque buildup on teeth is sesame seeds. Take a handful of seeds and chew them for a couple of minutes. Then, without swallowing, use your toothbrush to brush each tooth as you would a normal daily cleaning. Finally, rinse your mouth with water and spit out any remaining seeds.
Strawberries are a natural remedy for teeth whitening. They shouldn’t be cut with a knife, but rather bitten with your teeth. Other fruits that help maintain healthy gums and prevent food from accumulating between teeth include apples and melons.
Sometimes you can also brush your teeth with strawberries. All you have to do is slice the strawberries and rub the slices on your teeth. When you’re finished, rinse your mouth with warm water. It’s a natural process and doesn’t damage your tooth enamel.
Parsley is also very beneficial, as it can remove tartar buildup behind the teeth. Wash and finely chop a handful of fresh parsley, mix it with a tablespoon of room temperature water, and apply the resulting paste to your teeth for a few minutes. After that time, rinse your mouth with warm water to remove the parsley.
When is it necessary to go to the dentist?
When tartar buildup becomes excessive, it’s necessary to visit the dentist for a deep cleaning to remove the tartar that can’t be eliminated with daily oral hygiene. A professional dental cleaning is recommended annually, although your dentist will determine if more than one cleaning is needed based on your individual tartar accumulation rate.
Dental tartar is not considered a cosmetic problem; rather, it promotes the development of other periodontal diseases. Therefore, it is necessary to visit the dentist once a year to have it removed and thus prevent tooth decay.
The best thing to do is visit the dentist regularly; this will ensure that our teeth are healthy and prevent more serious diseases that require aggressive treatments and excessive use of antibiotics.
