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Say Goodbye to Tartar Build-up on Your Teeth

Published on: February 13th, 2020

What would you think if someone told you that tartar could be easily removed from your teeth with an electric toothbrush? You would probably think, wow, this is a great idea and now you won’t have to keep your dentist's appointment! Stop right there! This information is completely false. When your teeth are all gummed up with tartar you need a professional to get rid of it. So why is tartar so hard to banish from your mouth?

It all starts with plaque. Plaque is sticky and loves to hang around on your teeth and gums. It is caused by a buildup of bacteria and when left too long it turns into tartar. Plaque is relatively colourless but when it becomes tartar it is turned into a gross yellowy-brown colour and can wreak havoc with your oral health. Plaque can be removed from the surface of your teeth with good regular brushing and flossing but tartar must be removed by a dentist or dental hygienist. This hard substance not only looks bad while resting on your teeth but can lead to dental health issues such as bleeding gums and cavities. If left too long, tartar lends itself to a host of other problems like periodontal disease.

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Your dental professional has the tools and the skills to gently remove tartar from your teeth. You should not try to do it yourself because you can harm your enamel and gums without the proper equipment for the job.

You can avoid tartar by getting your oral health routine under control by doing the following:

  1. Brush your teeth a couple of times per day for about 2 minutes at a time. Using good fluoride toothpaste can also help prevent plaque and tartar.
  2. Don’t avoid flossing. Brushing alone only cleans the surface of your teeth. Did you know that about 40% of your teeth’s enamel is between your teeth? Flossing gets in the places that your toothbrush cannot. Even an electric toothbrush can’t reach in between your pearly whites.
  3. Try using a fluoridated mouthwash. A good mouthwash can aid in the removal of bacteria.
  4. Limit sugar. High sugar foods and sodas are tasty but they are the ultimate source of food for bacterial growth. Bad bacteria feeds and multiplies with the aid of sugar. Avoiding a diet high in sweets is essential.
  5. Visit your dentist twice every year for regular, professional cleanings and to ensure your mouth is healthy. Only your dentist can see between your teeth with their special equipment designed for oral health.

There are ways to avoid gunky buildup in your oral cavity. With simple, easy dental habits you can say goodbye to tartar and hello to healthy teeth.

We cater to all types of patients from adults with severe dental problems to children with general dental needs. We can even help seniors with options for a new set of teeth. In addition to our regular daytime hours, Fort McMurray office is conveniently open in the evenings and on the weekend.

Our unique hours are specifically designed with you in mind. We want to make sure you have access to the dentist you want to consult; no matter what your busy schedule holds.

Dr. Gurshant

Medically reviewed by Dr. Sameet Gill

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