You may have noticed by brushing your teeth that a sticky film develops on the enamel: that is plaque. If not removed, the plaque can harden and turn into tartar. Tartar is a rough, uneven deposit that settles along the gums and can cause gum disease if not removed. Even if the only one who can completely remove tartar is the dentist, you can learn how to prevent it and improve the cleaning of your teeth by brushing and flossing them the right way. You can also be careful about what you eat and use an antiseptic mouthwash after meals.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Brush Your Teeth Properly
Step 1. Brush your teeth with a toothbrush at least twice a day
Since tartar is caused by accumulations of plaque, it is important that the plaque is removed by brushing the teeth for about 2 minutes at least a couple of times each day.
Wait about half an hour after the end of the meal before using the toothbrush, as some substances contained in the food can soften the tooth enamel. By brushing them immediately after eating, you could risk removing the enamel, weakening your teeth over time
Step 2. Brush the front, back and top of the teeth
Make sure you rub them on all sides to remove all the plaque. If you are using a manual toothbrush, keep it at a 45 ° angle to the gums. If you use an electric toothbrush instead, follow the directions in the instruction manual to make sure you use it correctly.
- Use a toothbrush approved by the National Association of Italian Dentists (ANDI), which will have evaluated its quality and safety.
- Don't forget that it is also good to brush your tongue, as well as your teeth, to remove bacteria.
Step 3. Use a fluoride anti-tartar toothpaste
Fluorine is a mineral that strengthens tooth enamel and counteracts the damage caused by acid substances. It is essential to use toothpaste that contains fluoride, even if you live in an area where it is added to tap water. The same product must also guarantee protection against tartar. Tartar toothpastes contain chemicals or antibiotics that are capable of destroying plaque, thus preventing it from turning into tartar.
Step 4. Once a week, add some baking soda to the toothpaste
The baking soda added to the toothpaste helps to destroy plaque, whiten teeth and fight bad breath. Pour a small amount into a saucer and scoop it up with a damp toothbrush before adding the toothpaste.
Don't use baking soda more than once a week, as it may damage your tooth enamel over time
Step 5. Rinse with antiseptic mouthwash after brushing your teeth
It will help kill the bacteria that feed the plaque. Once eliminated, plaque will have a harder time proliferating and turning into tartar.
Method 2 of 2: Additional Methods to Remove Tartar
Step 1. Floss once a day
Plaque can also build up between your teeth in places you can't reach with a toothbrush. You should use dental floss regularly (you can use a wire fork for convenience) to remove food particles and plaque buildup so that tartar does not form in the space between the teeth.
Step 2. Use a tartar scraper once a week
It is a small tool very similar to what dentists use to remove plaque and tartar from teeth. It must have a curved end to allow you to easily reach the spaces between the teeth and a narrow, sharp tip.
The tartar scraper is used by sliding the sharp tip between two teeth starting from the gum. After each use, rinse it under running water, then repeat until you have eliminated the tartar everywhere. Use a small dental mirror to be able to spot tartar buildup between your teeth. Tartar can be yellowish or whitish
Step 3. Eat lots of raw vegetables every day
When you chew them, their fibers naturally brush and clean your teeth. When you're hungry, eat celery, carrots, or other raw vegetables instead of a sugar-rich snack.
Plaque-causing bacteria are fond of foods high in sugars and starches. The more you eat, the more bacteria thrive in your mouth. Try to moderate your consumption of these foods and rinse with water or mouthwash immediately after eating
Step 4. Stop smoking if you are a smoker
It is proven that people who smoke are more prone to tartar formation. Part of the reason is that the mouth's ability to fight bacteria decreases, so those that cause plaque proliferate more easily. In addition, the accumulations of tartar can lead to infections and the body will have more difficulty in defending itself.
- Write down your reasons why you want to quit smoking and re-read them every day to stay true to your choices during the detox process.
- If you are unable to quit completely, gradually reduce the number of cigarettes. Make an effort to smoke less and less every day until you quit completely.
- If you need help quitting smoking, consider taking nicotine replacement therapy using a product such as a patch, chewing gum, lozenge, or nicotine inhalator.
Step 5. Go to the dentist every 6 months to have the tartar removed
Do not skip the recommended checkups, even if you practice good oral hygiene every day. Once tartar has formed, it is almost impossible to remove it completely without asking your dentist for help, so you should have your teeth cleaned every six months.
