Say Goodbye to Tartar: Simple Tips for a Healthier, Brighter Smile

How to Tackle Tartar: Fun & Simple Oral Care Tips

Have you ever noticed your teeth starting to look a little yellow or feel rough in certain spots over time? Chances are, tartar (also known as dental calculus) could be the culprit! Let’s dive into the world of tartar, why it forms, how to clean it, and most importantly, how to prevent it, all while keeping your smile healthy and bright.

What Is Tartar?

Tartar is a hard, mineralized substance that forms on the surface of your teeth. It starts as plaque—a soft, sticky film of bacteria and food particles—that hardens over time due to the minerals in your saliva. At first, tartar is usually colorless or white, but over time it can turn yellow or brown, especially if it’s exposed to food, drinks, or smoking.

While tartar itself isn’t painful, it can lead to serious oral health issues, like gum disease, bad breath, and even tooth loss if left unchecked. So, let’s talk about how to clear it up and prevent it from building up in the first place!

How Does Tartar Form?

Our mouths are warm, moist environments, making them a perfect breeding ground for bacteria. After eating, especially foods high in sugar, the leftover food particles and bacteria stick to your teeth, forming plaque. If you don’t remove it by brushing and flossing, plaque eventually mineralizes and turns into tartar. The most common areas where tartar forms are the inside of your lower front teeth and the outside of your upper back teeth.

How to Clean Tartar?

1. Brush and Floss Regularly
The number one way to prevent tartar is by brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing once a day. Make sure you brush for at least two minutes, ensuring you reach all tooth surfaces. Flossing is crucial to remove plaque from between your teeth, where your toothbrush can’t reach.

2. Use a Tartar Removal Device
There are several tools available to help remove tartar from your teeth, such as the LUNA Electric Portable Teeth Flusher. This portable device helps clear away plaque and light tartar buildup from your teeth, keeping your mouth feeling fresh and clean.

3. Professional Cleaning
If you already have stubborn tartar, it’s time to visit the dentist for a professional cleaning. Dentists use specialized instruments, like ultrasonic scalers, to remove tartar and plaque from your teeth, and they may also polish your teeth to give them a smooth, shiny finish. Regular dental cleanings are the best way to prevent serious tartar buildup.

How to Prevent Tartar?

1. Improve Your Diet
Limit sugary and starchy foods, as these provide fuel for bacteria. Instead, eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, especially fiber-rich foods, which help naturally clean your teeth.

2. Drink Plenty of Water
Drinking water, especially after meals, helps rinse away food particles and bacteria in your mouth, reducing plaque buildup.

3. Regular Dental Check-ups
Even if you’re diligent about brushing and flossing, it’s a good idea to visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. A professional will catch any tartar buildup early and keep your teeth and gums healthy.

The Bottom Line

Tartar might be a sneaky villain in the story of your oral health, but with the right care, it doesn’t stand a chance! By brushing, flossing, using tartar-removal tools, and visiting your dentist regularly, you can keep your teeth free of tartar, avoid gum disease, and protect that sparkling smile of yours.

Start today—take action for your dental health and enjoy a clean, fresh mouth every day!