Dental tartar is the calcification of the bacterial plaque that covers the teeth and part of the gums, forming a yellowish calcified plaque that, if left untreated, can cause tooth stains, cavities, gingivitis and bad breath.
To remove tartar from your teeth, it is necessary to consult with the dentist, who will do a thorough cleaning, which includes a kind of scraping to remove plaques, leaving your teeth healthier and free from all dirt. During cleaning, the dentist also removes the accumulated plaque, which is an invisible film full of bacteria, which appears mainly when you don't brush your teeth for a long time. Learn more about what plaque is.
To avoid the formation of tartar it is necessary to brush your teeth well and floss between all teeth daily. And to enhance prevention, a correct diet, rich in minerals is essential.
How to identify
Tartar is characterized by a darker layer, usually yellowish, which can be seen at the base of the teeth and between the teeth even after brushing the teeth correctly as shown in the images below:
The presence of tartar indicates that flossing and brushing are not being done correctly, which facilitates the accumulation of plaque and dirt on the teeth. Find out if you are brushing your teeth correctly on how to brush your teeth better.
How to prevent the formation of tartar
The best way to prevent the formation of tartar on your teeth is to maintain good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth after eating. A good strategy is to use an electric toothbrush that can be purchased at dental supply stores, pharmacies, drugstores and also over the internet and always use at least twice a day.
Flossing daily also helps to prevent the accumulation of dirt between the teeth, thus reducing the formation of tartar.
In addition, eating foods that stain your teeth can make them dark, stained, or yellow. If this is your case, check out some strategies that can help make your teeth always white and healthy:
