Tartar is the hard yellow or light brown coating that can form on your teeth when plaque is left untreated. Tartar impacts the appearance of your smile, but it can also impact your dental health, so you'll want to get rid of it as soon as you notice it.

It may be tempting to use a tartar removal tool at home or try one of the many natural remedies for tartar you can find online, such as eating strawberries or brushing with coconut oil, but trying to deal with tartar yourself is not wise.

This is because you could damage the enamel on your teeth when trying to remove tartar with dental tools that you aren't trained to use and you may not be able to spot early signs of tooth decay or gum disease under the tartar. It's best to let a dentist remove tartar and give your teeth a thorough check to ensure they are healthy.

The Impact Of Tartar On Oral Health

Plaque is a sticky substance made up of food particles and bacteria. Good oral hygiene usually prevents the build-up of plaque on tooth surfaces, but when it is allowed to build up, it hardens and creates a porous covering of tartar on your teeth. The porous nature of tartar means more and more plaque can stick to it and the tartar will thicken on your teeth if it's not removed. This can cause gum irritation and inflammation and inflamed gums are susceptible to bacterial infection. Tartar can also erode enamel and cause permanent damage to affected teeth.

Preventing Tartar Build-Up

Twice daily brushing is sometimes not enough to keep tartar at bay. Difficult-to-reach tooth surfaces are prone to tartar formation, so you should also floss each day and rinse with a fluoride mouthwash to keep the bacteria levels in your mouth under control and minimise plaque and tartar formation. Regular dental check-ups are also important, as your dentist can remove any plaque you've missed, which will ensure no tartar can form on your teeth. If you have an underlying health condition, such as diabetes or certain autoimmune diseases, that can leave you more susceptible to the build-up of plaque or the development of oral health problems, a dentist may recommend more frequent dental cleanings for increased protection.

If you've noticed a build-up of tartar on your teeth, visit a general dentistry. They can assess your brushing technique and recommend products that can help keep your mouth clean and control bacteria.

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