Simple ways to prevent tartar buildup and reduce the amount of tartar in the mouth

• Methods to prevent tartar buildup include consuming meals in separate portions, staying away from foods high in starch and sugar. maintain proper oral hygiene, use toothpaste that helps reduce tartar accumulation, decrease or eliminate smoking habits.
• Tartar removal is the process of eliminating plaque and scraping off tartar deposits from the tooth surfaces and gum pockets using dental instruments. This procedure helps reduce the risk of gum disease, diminishes bad breath, prevents tooth decay issues, and promotes strong teeth.

If you don’t want to spend money on tartar removal every year, you must know how to prevent tartar buildup in your mouth. Tartar is undoubtedly one of the oral health issues that everyone has to deal with, regardless of age, gender, or nationality. However, if you neglect it and allow tartar to accumulate continuously, it will lead to other serious problems. Today, Dental Design Pattaya would like to share tips on preventing tartar buildup and provide information on how to maintain good oral health for a long time.

What is tartar?

“It is recommended to have tartar removal every 6-12 months.”

Since childhood, we often hear that we need to visit the dentist for tartar removal every 6-12 months. That’s because tartar or dental calculus, as referred to by dental  professionals, is a buildup of bacteria, proteins, and food debris that adheres to the tooth surfaces. It forms into a plaque, known as dental plaque, which commonly accumulates on the upper part of the gum line. Additionally, it can also accumulate below the gum line, an area that is not easily visible to us.

1. How tartar looks like ?

Generally, if we look in the mirror, we can often see hardened yellowish tartar deposits along the tooth surfaces and the gaps between teeth and gums. However, in reality, tartar comes in various colors. It can range from cloudy white, yellowish, to brownish hues, which are commonly found in individuals who smoke, and it can even appear black. The color of tartar tends to darken over time if it accumulates for a long period. If we are unaware of how to prevent tartar and neglect proper oral hygiene, and refuse to seek dental care, it increases the risk of developing more serious dental and oral health problems

2. What causes tartar buildup?

“bacteria + plaque or food debris”

Forgetting to brush your teeth or being lazy in brushing is considered a major factor in the development of tartar. This is because poor oral hygiene practices directly contribute to the accumulation of tartar in the mouth. If we do not clean our mouths properly, never use dental floss, it becomes easier for tartar to form. Additionally, other behaviors such as consuming frequently colored beverages like coffee or smoking further increase the chances of plaque or tartar buildup in the mouth.

How to prevent tartar in the mouth

1. Have a meal at a certain time.

One way to prevent dental plaque that is both easy and helps reduce weight is to eat meals at certain times. This means avoiding snacking between meals, whether it’s sweets, milk tea, cakes, or crispy snacks, because snacking provides more time for bacteria to combine with food particles throughout the day, leading to the formation of dental plaque in the mouth. Therefore, if you want to prevent dental plaque, it’s important to make an effort to eat food within specific meals.

2. Avoid foods high in starch and sugar.

Those who enjoy consuming starch or sweet foods need to be cautious because besides causing weight gain, they also contribute to the formation of dental plaque. Starch and sugar are favorites of the bacteria in our mouths. The more frequently we consume these types of foods, the more dental plaque builds up. Therefore, it is advisable to try to avoid such foods. Alternatively, if you really want to indulge in them regularly, it is recommended to increase brushing your teeth after meals. This is another way to prevent the formation of dental plaque.

3. Take proper care of oral hygiene.

The best way to prevent dental plaque is to maintain proper oral hygiene. This includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day, in the morning and evening, to remove plaque buildup. Additionally, using dental floss regularly helps remove food particles trapped between teeth. If any aspect of oral hygiene is neglected, it can lead to the accumulation of food debris and the continuous formation of dental plaque. Therefore, it is important to be diligent in maintaining oral cleanliness to prevent the development of dental plaque.

4. Using toothpaste that helps reduce plaque accumulation.

Choosing the right toothpaste can be an effective way to prevent plaque buildup. It is recommended to select a toothpaste that contains fluoride, as it helps strengthen the tooth enamel and not only protects against tooth decay but also aids in reducing plaque formation. Additionally, using a toothbrush with soft bristles, appropriately sized to reach all areas, including the gumline, in combination with the toothpaste, can further enhance plaque prevention.

5. Quit smoking.

Another clear way to prevent the formation of tartar is to reduce or quit smoking. Various studies have shown that smokers tend to have more tartar buildup on their teeth and gums compared to non-smokers. Smoking leaves a significant amount of residue and substances in the oral cavity, making it easier and faster for tartar to form compared to individuals who do not smoke.

What is Scaling ?

Dental scaling is a dental treatment method used to address the problem of dental calculus or tartar in the mouth. In cases where we are unable to prevent the formation of tartar, we would need to visit a dentist who will use specialized dental instruments to remove and scrape off the tartar deposits along the teeth and gum line. The duration of the procedure depends on the amount and density of the tartar buildup.

1.Merit of Dental Scaling

• Reducing the risk of gum disease, whether it’s swollen and red gums, bleeding gums, or bleeding during brushing, is largely caused by the accumulation of dental tartar around the gum line.
• Reducing bad breath is also important because the presence of dental tartar provides a favorable environment for a large number of bacteria, which is a significant cause of bad breath. Additionally, it helps boost confidence when smiling and engaging in conversations with others.
• Preventing tooth decay is another benefit as the bacteria residing on the plaque biofilm release acids that can damage the tooth enamel, leading to tooth decay.
• It helps maintain strong teeth because long-standing dental tartar can deteriorate the supporting bone structure, making the teeth more prone to mobility and eventual tooth loss.

2.Preparing before Dental Scaling

• Please ensure that your oral health is in good condition for an overall assessment of your dental health.
• Check your blood pressure to determine your levels before starting the dental scaling procedure. If you have high blood pressure, the dentist may ask you to take medication to stabilize your blood pressure before scheduling another appointment for scaling.
• Review your medication history. If you are taking blood-thinning medications, you may need to suspend them for at least 7-10 days before undergoing dental scaling. This will depend on the assessment of the dentist.

3. Taking care of your teeth after scaling

• • Pay close attention to your own symptoms after completing the dental scaling procedure. Check if there is any inflammation or discomfort in the treated area. If there is, it is important to promptly return to the dentist as it may indicate an infection.
  • If you experience toothache, gum pain, gum inflammation, or swelling, follow the prescribed medication given by the dentist or take the medication provided after dental scaling to alleviate the aforementioned symptoms.
  • If you notice an increase in tooth sensitivity, consider using a toothpaste that helps reduce tooth sensitivity to alleviate the discomfort. However, if the condition does not improve, it is advisable to consult with the dentist for further advice.
  • Avoid consuming highly flavored foods, including tea, coffee, and carbonated drinks, to maintain dental health and prevent the recurrence of dental plaque.

What are the dangers of dental plaque?

• Bleeding during toothbrushing occurs because dental plaque can damage the gums, making them sensitive and prone to bleeding.
• It can cause gum diseases such as swollen gums, gingivitis, or gum recession.
• It can lead to tooth decay as the bacterial plaque can produce acids that damage the tooth surface and cause cavities.
• It can increase tooth mobility as the plaque adhered to the teeth gradually destroys the gums and tooth roots, making the roots more susceptible to impact and easier to move.
• It can cause bad breath due to the presence of bacteria and plaque on the dental plaque, which is a significant cause of bad breath.

All of these are simple ways to prevent dental plaque that can effectively reduce the amount of plaque in the mouth. It is a practical guideline for many people to become more knowledgeable about preventing dental plaque. If anyone needs to have their dental health checked or wants to have dental scaling, they can come to us at Dental Design Center Pattaya, where we provide convenient, fast, and safe services to ensure that patients are impressed and satisfied.

Dental Design Pattaya is a comprehensive dental clinic that meets global standards. We provide services for dental health check-ups and dental scaling.

• You can be confident in our services and treatment quality with our team of dentists who have received education from institutions both domestically and internationally. They possess extensive expertise and experience.
• We are fully equipped with modern tools and treatment technologies to cover all aspects of dental care.
• We extend the lifespan of your teeth through dental scaling, reducing the risk of gum disease.
• We treat dental caries through dental fillings, ensuring the long-term care and preservation of your natural teeth.

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