How to Prevent Tartar

Tartar are hard minerals that accumulate when plaque on the teeth is not cleaned. You can only get rid of tartar by going to the dentist to have your teeth cleaned, so it’s best to avoid letting tartar form in the first place. To prevent tartar, you need to maintain good oral hygiene. This also means getting rid of plaque quickly with regular brushing, flossing, and regular dental cleanings. With good precautions, your teeth can stay healthy and free of tartar for years to come. ^{[1] X Trusted Source University of Rochester Medical Center Go to Source}

Table of Contents

Maintain good oral hygiene

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Brush your teeth at least twice a day. Brushing is an important step in removing plaque from your teeth, which in turn also helps prevent tartar. You need to brush your teeth at least twice a day to prevent plaque and tartar. ^{[2] X Research Source}

Usually, you should brush your teeth in the morning when you wake up and at night before you go to bed. However, you can choose a brushing schedule that works for you and try to get it right.

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Use dental floss daily. Tartar can form between teeth if you don’t clean the food stuck in your teeth. By flossing once a day, you will remove substances that can cause plaque and tartar. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

When flossing, you need to gently thread the floss between each tooth. Move the thread between the teeth to remove debris, then pull the thread with a “saw” motion.
The sugars and starches that accumulate between the teeth are especially at risk for plaque and tartar formation. If you eat sugar or starch, you should consider flossing right after eating.

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Use mouthwash to remove plaque. Some mouthwashes are formulated to remove plaque from the teeth. These mouthwashes often loosen plaque, making brushing and flossing more effective. Using one of these mouthwashes once a day in conjunction with brushing and flossing can improve oral health and prevent tartar. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

Use mouthwash immediately after brushing and flossing to remove any remaining debris.
Read the label on the mouthwash bottle and make sure it has antibacterial ingredients specifically formulated to dislodge plaque. Good mouthwashes are often stamped by dental organizations, such as the American Dental Association.

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Avoid foods that are not good for your teeth. To prevent plaque from accumulating on your teeth, you should avoid foods that can facilitate plaque growth. These foods include sugar and starches, such as candy, soft drinks, and bread. ^{[5] X Research Sources}

If you eat these foods, you need to brush your teeth immediately after eating. If you don’t have a toothbrush and toothpaste available, be sure to drink plenty of water to wash away food from your teeth.

Effective plaque cleaning

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Use an appropriate toothbrush. If you want to remove plaque and prevent tartar, you need an effective toothbrush. Use a soft brush to clean plaque without damaging gums and enamel.

Use a brush with round bristles. The bristles are designed with a rounded tip that also helps protect tooth enamel and gums from damage. ^{[6] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}

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Use a toothpaste that controls tartar. There are many toothpastes on the market, but you should choose the one that says tartar control on the label. These toothpastes have mild abrasives that help clean plaque on the tooth surface. ^{[7] X Trusted Source University of Rochester Medical Center Go to Source}

If you have sensitive teeth, be sure to use a tartar-control toothpaste for sensitive teeth.

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Brush at a 45° angle with short brushing movements. To remove plaque below the gum line, you need to brush at the right angle. When holding the brush tilted at a 45° angle, some bristles may reach below the gum surface. ^{[8] X Research Sources}

Use short, gentle, circular movements when brushing your teeth. This is the most effective way to clean plaque and food debris.

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Brush all teeth. Take the time to brush each tooth one by one. If you brush all of your teeth, brushing will take about 2 minutes. ^{[9] X Research Source}

Cleaning all tooth surfaces is also important. You need to spend time brushing the inside, outside, and top of your teeth.

Professional teeth cleaning

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Schedule regular dental cleanings. To prevent tartar, you should visit the dental clinic for regular dental cleanings. Remember to schedule in advance so you can stick to your plan.

Although many dental professionals recommend having a professional cleaning twice a year, this depends on the individual case. Ask your dentist to determine how often you should have your teeth cleaned based on your risk factors or dental problems. ^{[10] X Trusted Source American Dental Association Go to Source}

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Contact your dental clinic if there is a problem with your teeth. If you have pain or irritation in your mouth, it could be a sign that there is a problem that needs treatment. Please contact your dentist and schedule an appointment to see and treat your teeth.

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Go to the dentist. First, the dental hygienist will examine and evaluate your teeth. They will look at the entire tooth and look for signs of plaque and tartar. ^{[11] X Research Source}

The dental hygienist will also look for signs of other dental problems, such as gingivitis.

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Go clean your teeth. When you go to the dental office to have your teeth cleaned, the dental hygienist usually first removes plaque and tartar manually. They will use a scaler to do this. The dental hygienist will then continue to clean your teeth by brushing with a granulated toothpaste to remove remaining plaque and tartar. ^{[12] X Research Source}

A granular toothpaste used in the dental clinic will give you shiny teeth, but should only be used twice a year. This cream, if used regularly, can damage tooth enamel.

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Clean teeth with ultrasonic waves. After your dental hygienist helps you with a general cleaning, you may need extra care. If plaque and tartar build up, your teeth can be cleaned with an ultrasonic cleaner. This method uses vibration and water to clean large plaques of tartar. ^{[13] X Research Source}

Steps

Maintain good oral hygiene

Effective plaque cleaning

Professional teeth cleaning

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