Breaking News! Flossing Prevents Tartar Build Up

Brushing twice a day is always recommended by dentists, but it isn’t enough to keep your mouth healthy. With each bite, you introduce a new strain of bacteria into your mouth, which subsequently combines with the protein and food products you consume. Plaque, a sticky substance that coats your teeth, is formed due to this mixture.

Have you ever tried rubbing your tongue along the surface of your teeth after not brushing for several days? If so, you’ve probably noticed that the surface is sticky or fuzzy—that sticky coating is known as dental plaque. You can’t see the plaque because it’s colorless, but you can definitely feel it.

Plaque is generated in the mouth when food leftovers interact with bacteria. If it is not removed promptly, it can harden into tartar. Plaque hardens into tartar and builds over and above your gums over time, making it impossible to remove with brushing alone. As the plaque accumulates, it releases acids that erode your tooth enamel, resulting in tooth damage and disease.

When you floss, you can remove plaque that has accumulated in the crevices between your teeth and along the gum line. This helps to keep tartar at bay. In fact, many people believe that flossing is more helpful than brushing in preventing tartar buildup on the back of the molar teeth.

Regular dental checkups will help you have all of the plaque and tartar removed and monitor your teeth and mouth for any oral diseases that may be developing.  You should see your dentist at least every 6 months for a professional cleaning.

How to Spot Tartar Buildup

Tartar in the mouth has the texture of a rough surface that brushing alone cannot remove. Tartar that accumulates below the gum line can cause severe bleeding and inflammation. If the deposit above the gumline is not eliminated, it turns yellow or tan and expands. Under the gum line, it could be brown or black.

Why Should you Floss?

Flossing is recommended each day to help loosen up plaque and wash it away. Although brushing helps clean a substantial portion of the teeth, there are spots where plaque can build and slowly but steadily harm your teeth, such as the gaps between your teeth, cracks, and crevasses.

Flossing can help to reduce plaque buildup. Cleaning between teeth removes plaque that might contribute to cavities or gum disease from locations where a toothbrush cannot reach. Furthermore, flossing has been shown to aid in the removal of debris between teeth that can lead to plaque buildup.

Other Methods to Prevent Tartar Buildup in Your Mouth

The use of mouthwash is another option to help prevent tartar buildup. However, mouthwash should not be used as a substitute for flossing. Mouthwash aids in the rinsing of your teeth, mouth, and gums. Using an antiseptic mouthwash aids in the reduction of bacteria and the prevention of bad breath. However, mouthwash may not effectively remove food particles that have become caught between the teeth.

Avoid sugary and starchy foods. Food residue containing sugar or carbohydrates might serve as a breeding ground for bacteria in your mouth. And as previously said, these bacteria produce plaque, which eventually hardens into tartar. So, stop this loop by eating less starchy and sweet foods.

Floss, brush, and see your dentist regularly to avoid large tartar build-ups.