Have you ever thought about why it's so important to brush your teeth twice a day? Did you know that by brushing your teeth effectively twice a day, you're disrupting the cycle of plaque becoming tartar and protecting your smile? Here's what you need to know.
The Plaque to Tartar Cycle
Whenever you eat a meal, plaque begins to form on your teeth due to food residue. Plaque is the sticky, white film that attaches to your teeth.
If you don't remove the plaque from your teeth, it begins to mineralize and harden within 24 to 72 hours. When this happens, it becomes tartar that you can no longer remove with brushing alone. Tartar has to be scraped from your teeth with the dental hand tools your hygienist uses.
The Problems Caused by Tartar
Tartar contributes to creating the pockets around your teeth that harbour infection and cause gum disease. Initially, it causes gingivitis, an early form of gum disease, during which you may notice red, swollen, or bleeding gums. If you don't remove tartar, it can lead to advanced gum disease, or periodontitis, which destroys the gums and bone that support your teeth and eventually causes tooth loss.
Tartar also contributes to chronic bad breath, which is another telltale sign of gum disease.
How to Get Rid of Tartar
As we mentioned before, tartar can only be removed with your dental hygienist's hand tools. However, with that said, it's important to note that you can avoid the development of tartar simply by removing plaque during your daily home care routine. Brushing effectively removes plaque from the surfaces of your teeth, while flossing removes plaque that accumulates between your teeth. Yes, you can get cavities in between your teeth.
If it's time for your next dental cleaning and check-up, contact your Scarborough dentist at (416) 366-8188 to schedule an appointment.