Using Tartar Control Toothpaste For Healthy Teeth And Gums

Put simply; tartar is hardened plaque. You know plaque is that sticky film of bacteria that constantly coats your teeth. It feeds on the sugars in your food and produces acids that can harm your enamel and cause tooth decay and gum disease. If the plaque is not removed, it eventually absorbs calcium and phosphates in your saliva and hardens into tartar, also known as dental calculus.

Tartar appears as rough, yellowish deposits along the gumline, which might cause you to raise a cosmetic complaint or two. However — more importantly — tartar can form both above and below the gumline as well as between your teeth. This puts you at risk of periodontal disease.

In the earliest stages of periodontal disease, the tartar causes some mild gum irritation, such as inflamed, red, or bleeding gums. If addressed early, the gum disease can be reversed with treatment from your dental professional and proper oral care. If tartar is not removed, the infection can spread to the tissue and bone that support your teeth, leading to periodontal pockets, bone loss, and — eventually — tooth loss. Fortunately, you have access to all the tools you need to remove plaque, fight tartar and keep your smile happy and healthy.

If you're constantly fighting plaque build-up, your dental professional might recommend tartar control toothpaste. Check out the benefits of adding a plaque removal toothpaste to your routine:

• Anti-calculus agents. Tartar control toothpaste is specifically formulated to delay the calcification of plaque on your teeth, allowing you more time to remove the plaque through normal brushing. Common anti-calculus agents in toothpaste include zinc ions and pyrophosphate.
• Abrasives. These kinds of toothpaste also contain abrasives to help remove the sticky plaque or biofilm from the surfaces of your teeth. The abrasives help grind away the bacteria and polish your teeth without damaging the enamel.
• Fluoride. This natural mineral plays an important role in strengthening your enamel and protecting teeth from cavities caused by plaque build-up. Fluoride can also help prevent the growth of harmful bacteria in your mouth.

Unfortunately, once tartar forms on your teeth, it will take more than toothpaste to get rid of it. If you notice tartar build-up on your teeth, make an appointment with your dental professional. Your dentist or dental hygienist will eliminate the tartar using a non-surgical treatment called scaling to carefully remove plaque and tartar both above and below the gumline.

Taking control of your oral health starts with proper brushing techniques and the right tools. Adding a tartar control toothpaste to your oral care arsenal can help protect your teeth from the harmful effects of plaque. Ask your dental professional for recommendations on the best tartar control toothpaste and take another step toward a healthier smile.

This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.