Even if you take good care of your teeth, you can't avoid the buildup of bacteria in your mouth. They mix with carbohydrates and food byproducts to form a sticky layer called plaque. Plaque carries bacteria that penetrate under the gum line and stick to fillings or braces. These bacteria can damage enamel and lead to tooth decay. However, if you remove plaque regularly, you can prevent permanent tooth decay and gum disease.
More serious problems occur when plaque is not removed and hardens, taking the form of tartar. Tartar forms below and above the gums. I Tartar is a porous and rough layer that can only be removed by a dental professional. Tartar contributes to tooth discoloration, tooth decay, and gum disease.
Unlike plaque, which is usually colorless, tartar is visible to the naked eye if it is above the gumline. Most often, tartar has a yellow to brown hue, which greatly affects both the health and the appearance of your smile.
The build-up of tartar can be prevented. A proper oral hygiene routine is the best way to reduce your chances of developing tartar. This is where electric toothbrushes, which remove up to 100% more plaque than regular manual toothbrushes, prove very useful. It is also worth choosing an appropriate stannous fluoride toothpaste with antibacterial, and enamel strengthening properties like Crest Pro-Health Densify Daily Protection Toothpaste. Its 2X Enamel Protection System remineralizes weakened enamel and prevents demineralization for a long-lasting smile. The frequency and length of brushing is important. Proper oral hygiene will help reduce the amount of plaque on teeth, and in turn, prevent the formation of tartar.
Removing plaque at home on a daily basis lessens your chances of tartar buildup and experiencing more serious dental problems such as cavities, gingivitis, and bad breath. Healthy dental habits, such as brushing for two minutes twice daily and flossing after every brush, can help you prevent the harmful effects of plaque buildup. If you have kids, remember: It’s never too early to help them learn good oral care.
The best ways to get rid of plaque include:
Below, we describe why you should choose electric toothbrushes. Note that not only do they provide better performance when it comes to the amount of plaque removed, but they also come with technologies that help ensure that you are brushing your teeth the correct amount of time. This is especially important for children and busy people who brush their teeth reluctantly and quickly. Such toothbrushes allow you to control the time of brushing more easily, guarantee a nice smile without unsightly plaque, and at the same time help prevent gum disease.
This easy at-home routine, along with using Oral-B Electric Toothbrushes, can help ensure you’ll keep your mouth healthy for a long time to come.
How to brush your teeth effectively with an electric toothbrush:
Remember that electric toothbrushes help remove plaque and stains while also preventing tartar. By following these tips, you will be able to clean the spaces more thoroughly between your teeth, remove plaque and keep your gums healthy.
If you don’t remove plaque from your teeth with proper flossing and tooth brushing, you are increasing your risk for developing a cavity and plaque buildup. Cavities are among the most common dental problems in people around the world, but good oral care, including proper flossing, can help prevent them.
And don’t forget to schedule regular dental checkups for a professional cleaning and to identify problems before they become serious. If your dental professional identifies tartar buildup or a cavity early, he or she might recommend a series of fluoride treatments to help restore or re-mineralize the demineralized tooth enamel and help prevent the need for a filling. Fluoride treatments can be in the form of a gel, rinse, foam, or varnish. The fluoride product is placed on the teeth for a short time and is incorporated into the tooth structure to make enamel harder and more resistant to demineralization (break-down).
Since tartar buildup bonds strongly to enamel, it can only be removed by a dental professional to avoid damage to teeth and gums. If you start seeing any signs like a yellow or brown color on your teeth, be sure to seek treatment immediately.
Only a dental professional can remove tartar, but you can proactively prevent it with a good brushing regimen utilizing Oral-B® Electric Toothbrushes like the Oral-B iO. Featuring the latest in oral care technology, the Oral-B iO cleans away more plaque from more areas of the mouth for a professional clean feeling every day.
Plus, an Oral-B electric toothbrush like the Oral-B Pro 1000 even removes 26% more plaque than Sonicare DiamondClean* and 100% more plaque than a regular manual toothbrush.
*based on an 8 week clinical study; Ccahuana-Vasquez RA, et al., J Clin Dent 2018;29:27–32
This blog has been reviewed and approved by Dr Robert Lee, a dental professional of 35 years
Dr Robert Lee
Dr Robert Lee is a dentist with more than thirty years of experience in the industry.
Graduating from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery and from the University of New South Wales with a Master of Business Administration, Robert’s career has taken him all over the world – from Australia to Germany to his current position in Chicago, where he is the founder of Denticus Inc., offering strategic dental consulting.
Robert has previously worked for Procter & Gamble as the Director of Professional Scientific Relations in both the Cincinnati and Sydney offices, being responsible for external relations and scientific exchange with leading professional associations and industry thought leaders. He was also responsible for all technical and scientific training for the professional teams in North America and Australia.
Robert has been assisting the team at Oral-B by fact-checking and reviewing our blogs on dental health. You can find a list of the blogs Robert has approved below:
SEE LESS
Related Articles
Tooth Plaque and Dental Tartar
The Best Electric Toothbrush of 2021
The Benefits of Electric Toothbrush vs. Manual