Does Anything Dissolve Dental Plaque?
Tartar, also known as calculus, accumulates on the surface of your teeth when plaque has been allowed to form and starts to calcify. Not only does tartar look unattractive, but it can easily lead to serious long-term damage to your teeth and gums.
Having regular check-ups and exams with your dentist is the best way to prevent and remove plaque and tartar. You should also take simple measures at home to prevent plaque buildup.
The best way to both remove and prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar is by brushing twice a day for two minutes each time, with a fluoride toothpaste. Daily flossing and adding an antiseptic mouthwash will also reduce the bacteria in hard-to-reach areas.
Cleaning your Own Teeth like a Dental Hygienist
The absolute best thing you can simply and easily do for your oral health is to brush your teeth twice daily, floss once daily, and see your dentist every six months. If for some reason you cannot visit your dentist, or if you wish to keep your teeth healthy in between preventative appointments, these tips will help.
- Thoroughly clean your teeth with an electric toothbrush- Choose an electric toothbrush with a small circular brush, allowing you to brush each tooth individually and reach the gaps in between them. According to a recent study, both manual and electric toothbrushes will remove plaque, but the use of an electric toothbrush, especially with a rotating brush, can be beneficial in reducing the levels of gum bleeding or inflammation.
- Use fluoride toothpaste- Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by strengthening the tooth enamel and protecting it against the damaging acid. Fluoride is a natural mineral that has been proven in numerous studies to effectively help control cavities. Toothpastes can contain various levels of fluoride. For a child, use toothpaste specifically for their age to make sure they have the correct level of fluoride. If you are unsure which toothpaste is best, just ask your dentist.
- Brush your teeth for at least two minutes each time – Brushing your teeth for two minutes is sensible advice. Unfortunately, many people often only brush their teeth for 45 seconds. Simply put, the amount of plaque removed is relative to your brushing time. According to one study, brushing your teeth for three minutes removes 55% more plaque than brushing for 30 seconds.
- Use dental floss and interdental brushes regularly- Research has proven that daily flossing plus toothbrushing reduces mild gum disease significantly more than just toothbrushing. Most people realize that flossing will help clean the hard-to-reach areas in between the teeth, but interdental brushes can even take cleaning a step further. Interdental brushes are used successfully to gently clean between the teeth and gums.
- Use antibacterial mouthwash regularly- A mouthwash has many benefits. It will freshen your breath, reduce plaque build-up, loosen stubborn food particles, and reduce the risk of cavities. Using mouthwash after brushing might remove the beneficial fluoride, so rinse your mouth during the day, like after eating a snack or lunch.
Moderating your food selections can help control plaque, and maintaining a thorough dental hygiene routine reduces the risk of plaque build-up. Complement your efforts with a six-month preventive exam with your dentist.
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