Protecting your teeth from plaque and tartar can be easy and inexpensive. Plaque is the white or clear coating of bacteria that forms on teeth and dental appliances. Plaque bacteria cause tooth decay and gum disease. Removing plaque removes bacteria that damage teeth and irritate gums. Some of the bacteria in plaque are able to take calcium out of saliva. Salivary calcium re-hardens teeth in the early stage of decay. When a layer of plaque bacteria is left in place for about a half a day, the bacteria are able to incorporate enough calcium to harden into tartar.
Removing plaque is as easy as loosening the bacteria and rinsing it away with water. A soft-bristle manual toothbrush is important. Hard and medium bristles will not remove plaque better. However, firm bristles will damage teeth and gums. Brushing is very important, but the brush only cleans the top of the tooth and the cheek and tongue sides. If you only brush, your teeth will remain filthy in between.
Floss is important to clean in between teeth. There are many kinds of floss: thick, thin, waxed, flavored. Most importantly, choose floss that fits comfortably between your teeth without shredding. Ask your dentist, dental hygienist or dental assistant to show you the best way to floss.
Some people can't use standard floss or toothbrushes due to a physical handicap. Look for adaptive devices such as brushes with larger handles and floss holders. Mechanical brushes that rotate back and forth (i.e. those that do not rotate in only one direction) and vibrating brushes have large handles that are easier to hold. Oral-B and Water Pik make mechanical devices that clean between teeth when floss is not an easy option. These adaptive devices are useful for people wearing braces and with dental bridge work.
Use anti-microbial toothpastes and mouth rinses accepted by the ADA for preventing and reducing gingivitis.
Finally, see your dentist and your dental hygienist at least twice a year for a thorough examination and prophylaxis (professional cleaning). That is the only way to remove any tartar that may have built up over time. Your dentist may recommend more frequent prophylaxis.
Author: Dr. David Leader
© 2008 Associated Content