How does your smile look?
How does your smile look? There can be many reasons to be unhappy with your smile. Two of these reasons are plaque and tartar. Whether you have a dental degree, or avoid going to the dentist, you’ll have to learn more about these conditions before you can deal with them.
What Are They?
Plaque gathers on your teeth. You might notice it if you go a few days without brushing your teeth or using any mouthwash. It feels odd and sticky, you could say tacky, when you touch it. It forms due to bacteria that collects on your teeth during the day whenever you eat or drink something. But if you don’t get rid of plaque, it will eventually harden. The hardened form of plaque is known as tartar. Tartar is stuck to the enamel, so be sure to keep your enamel healthy. Healthy enamel means healthy teeth, and healthy teeth means a healthier smile.
How to Diagnose Them
During your morning or evening routine, take a close look at your teeth in the mirror. You can see layers of plaque and tartar on your teeth. The problem is, any buildup close to your gums will be harder to spot. You’ll have to use floss, either string or water, to get rid of it instead.
Tips for Prevention
Getting rid of any plaque or tartar can be harder than you expect. Here are some tips to follow:
- Brush both your teeth and your gums two or more times throughout the day for at least two minutes.
- Make sure you floss once a day.
- Don’t eat too much sugar or anything too starchy.
- Go visit your dentist and have a professional cleaning done twice a year.
Getting Rid of It
Just in case you have an excessive buildup of plaque and tartar, you will need to visit your dentist. The dentist can help you through a procedure called scaling. Scaling will clean your teeth and your gums simultaneously.
You Can Trust Olney Dental for All of Your Oral Care Needs
For all of your oral care questions and concerns, Olney Dental has the expertise and professionalism to get them the answers they need. Olney Dental is ready to supply you with expert service in a professional environment. Schedule an appointment online today! For more information on how we can give your family the best dentist experience available, give us a call at (301) 250-1057 or contact us online. For more dental tips, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, YouTube, and Pinterest.