Your teeth are vital parts of the aesthetics of your face. Most people spend time and money to get cosmetic dentistry done to get a perfect set of pearly whites. But it’s not only the visual aspect that’s important. Every cosmetic dentistry work you get done will be useless if you don’t protect your teeth’s well-being from common dental problems such as tartar and plaque build-up.
Tartar and plaque are a nasty yellowish substance that sticks on the surface of your teeth. You may think that it is just dirt and that you can eventually brush it off, but it can stick like the plague.
If you don’t brush them off every day, they stick around, cause discoloration, and eventually cause other oral diseases such as cavities or periodontal disease.
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Since tartar and plaque attack the protective layer of your teeth known as enamel, it is only wise to make sure you do what you can to remove them.
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Here are 20 ways to reduce tartar and plaque.
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Vinegar
Acid kills bacteria and also whitens teeth. Simply gargle a mixture of vinegar, salt and warm water for 30-45 seconds at a time regularly.
Baking Soda
Make a mixture of 2 parts water to 1 part baking soda to create a paste. Spread the paste over the surface of your teeth, leave it for 30 seconds and rinse. Repeat every 2 days.
Salt
Sodium is a great tartar reducer and is completely safe for your enamel. Gargle warm water with some salt every night to keep your teeth and mouth clean.
Orange Peels
If you eat oranges, leave the peel on the surface of your teeth for a while. The citric acid will reduce the tartar build-up.
Lemon Juice
This is not meant to be directly applied on the surface of your teeth because it’s high acidity will damage your enamels. Instead, mix a teaspoon with your baking soda paste or with your salt water.
Milk and Cheese
Dairy products are rich in calcium. Calcium strengthens your teeth and your enamel.
Spicy Food
Spicy food is good for killing bacteria. And since plaque and tartar are made of them, spicy food is a great tartar reducer.
Oil Pulling
Swishing a tablespoon of virgin coconut oil is great for oil pulling and has antibacterial properties.
Less Smoking
Smoking has been proven to cause plaque and tartar. Decreasing your smoking or completely quitting will reduce tartar immensely.
Eat Healthily
Tartar feeds on sugar and eating a lot of sweets will increase the tartar build-up. Eat more teeth-friendly foods such as; fruits, dairy, and vegetables and lessen the sweets.
Brush Regularly
Our dentists recommend brushing at least twice a day or better, three times a day after every meal. Brushing gets rid of bacteria, therefore reducing tartar.
Floss
Tartar and plaque get stuck in areas that your toothbrush can’t reach. Floss regularly to clean the in-betweens of your teeth.
Use Tartar Control Toothpaste
Our dentist will recommend a good tartar control toothpaste if you’re not already using one. You can use it as part of your daily dental hygiene.
Fluoridated Toothpaste
Using toothpaste that’s high in fluoride helps build your enamel and protect your teeth from bacteria.
Rinse Regularly
If you can’t brush right after every meal, rinsing would tide you over until you can brush thoroughly.
Drink Lots of Water
Saliva washes away bacteria stuck on teeth. Make sure to drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated and your saliva flowing.
Use Soft Bristles
Hard bristles can damage your enamel in the long run and increase the chance of bacteria clinging to your teeth.
Electric Toothbrush
Although a normal toothbrush would work, many dentists recommend an electric toothbrush for a more thorough and systematic cleanse.
Professional Cleaning
Getting a regular professional cleaning from your dentist is important and recommended. At Friendly Dental Group of South Park, we have tools that effectively scrape off tartar buildup on obvious surfaces and even the ones stuck in between.
Proper Dental Hygiene Routine
Maintaining a proper dental hygiene is the most effective remedy to reduce tartar and plaque. Brushing regularly, flossing and gargling on a daily basis may be a mundane routine but makes all the difference.
Above all else, self-discipline and understanding the importance of maintaining a healthy dental routine is needed to make sure your oral condition is in top shape. Be consistent and visit your dentist regularly for professional preventive procedures as well!
Friendly Dental Group of South Park is one of the largest and fastest-growing dental practices in the South Park family dentistry industry, providing a wide range of dental care services, including; teeth whitening, extractions, braces and Invisalign, dentures, tooth fillings, and many other dental care procedures. We have the best dentists in the South Park Charlotte, NC area, that guarantees top of the line yet affordable dentistry services. Book your appointment now or visit one of our locations near you!
