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Tartar can be the impetus behind cavities, tooth decay, gum disease and even the loss of teeth. That’s why you need to know what tartar is and why it’s important to control its buildup.
At the office of Dr. Azra Saleem, our skilled professionals are experts at diagnosing dental issues as well as providing the treatment needed to maintain excellent oral health. Your care and comfort are our priorities, and we take as much time as you need to address your every concern and explain your options in care.
Your and everyone else’s mouth have bacteria. Even people who practice meticulous oral care can’t escape them. When bacteria mingle with proteins and food particles, the mixture produces dental plaque. This sticky film eats away at enamel and infiltrates your gum line. Plaque hardens and becomes tartar, which is also called calculus, spreads over each tooth. Only a dentist can remove tartar.
Take comfort in the fact that you can take steps to eliminate plaque before it turns into tartar.
Give your teeth a thorough brushing twice a day for at least two minutes each time. A quick, haphazard session is not sufficient.
Use a soft-bristled brush whose head is appropriate for the size of your mouth. A large head for small arches will only skim over much of your dental real estate. And be assiduous about reaching behind each tooth and getting to those back molars.
Manual or powered? Chose the type of toothbrush you are most comfortable using. But whichever one you pick, it must have the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval. That means that it has passed the ADA’s demanding quality and safety tests.
The type of toothpaste you use also plays an important role. Use one that includes fluoride, focuses on tartar control and has the ADA stamp of approval.
Even if you’re a whiz with a toothbrush, some of your tartar-control efforts will be for naught if you don’t use dental floss. It’s the main way to banish plaque from between your teeth and under your gums. Flossing also removes food particles that cause plaque to form in the first place. And if you want to “go for the gold,” use a water flosser to blast the particles out of your mouth before brushing.
Dr. Azra Saleem’sfriendly team is eager to help you feel comfortable and relaxed while receiving the best dental care. For more information about how we can help you, don’t hesitate to call us to schedule an appointment.
By Dr. Azra Saleem
December 1, 2022
