How Flossing Can Prevent Tartar Buildup

Dentists always recommend that you brush twice a day, but that isn’t enough to keep your mouth safe. With every bite, you ingest a variety of bacteria into your mouth that then mixes with the protein and food products you consume. This mixture then forms plaque, a sticky substance that coats your teeth. 

And as the plaque continues to build, it releases acids that damage your tooth enamel, causing tooth decay and damage. Over time, the plaque turns into tartar and forms over and above your gums, becoming impossible to get rid of simply by brushing.

Flossing Is Necessary

That’s where flossing comes in. According to the American Dental Association, a simple act of flossing for a few minutes a day is an “essential part of taking care of your teeth and gums.'' Although brushing helps clean a significant area of the teeth, there are areas such as the gaps between your teeth where plaque can form to slowly but surely damage your teeth. 

Flossing can remove the buildup. “Cleaning between teeth removes plaque that can lead to cavities or gum disease from the areas where a toothbrush can't reach,” the ADA adds. "Interdental cleaning is proven to help remove debris between teeth that can contribute to plaque build-up."

Other Ways to Avoid Tartar Buildup in Your Mouth

Tartar is a result of your eating habits. Aside from brushing and flossing, here are a few practices that can help you keep tartar and other potentially harmful oral health conditions at bay. 

• Use a mouthwash: Use a mouthwash with fluoride or visit a dentist for an antibacterial variant. Gargled mouthwash can reach and clean areas of your mouth where brushes or even floss can’t reach. 
• Avoid sugary and starchy food: Food residue that has starch and sugar can become bacteria breeding grounds in your mouth. And as mentioned, these bacteria form plaque that builds up into tartar. So nip this cycle in the bud by cutting down on sugary and starchy food.
• Visit your dentist regularly: Regular visits to the dentist will not only help you have all the plaque and tartar cleaned but also monitor your teeth and mouth for any oral conditions that may be building.

In case you are suffering from plaque and tartar and are worried about your oral health, contact Dr. David Powell at All Care Dentistry for an appointment at (801) 266-1414. Say hello to a healthy smile!