Preventing Plaque and Tartar Buildup

The buildup of plaque and tartar is responsible for a host of oral health ills, from tooth decay and gingivitis to periodontitis and tooth loss. Preventing this buildup is essential to having a healthy mouth. Although everyone develops plaque on a daily basis, it can be easily prevented with basic oral hygiene habits. Once plaque has hardened into tartar, you will need the help of our Torrance cosmetic dentist to remove it.

Brushing your teeth after every meal, or at least twice daily, will remove the sugars and starches that feed the bacteria in your mouth and combine to create the sticky film that is plaque. You simply can't reach all the surfaces of your teeth with brushing alone, however. You'll also need to floss on a daily basis to clean the spaces between your teeth and along the gum line.

Plaque that is not regularly removed can become tartar. Only a dentist can remove tartar through a process called scaling. Preventing tartar buildup is as simple as preventing plaque buildup through proper brushing and flossing techniques. You can also use an American Dental Association-approved tartar control toothpaste for an extra measure of protection.

One final but equally important step in the prevention of plaque and tartar buildup is making regular visits to our Torrance dentist for checkups. Our dentist will examine your mouth for signs of decay or gingivitis as well as plaque or tartar. Your teeth will be cleaned and polished, and plaque and tartar will be removed with special instruments that can reach above and below the gum line.

Source: Dentist Torrance

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