06
Feb
5 Safe Ways to Get Rid of Tartar and Plaque on Teeth
There is a reason dentists tell you to take good care of your teeth and gums. The last thing you’d want is plaque to begin calcifying (hardening). Not only does this make your smile look unattractive, but it can also cause numerous oral health issues like gum disease and tooth decay.
Sonoma Smiles is committed to ensuring you maintain a healthy, confident smile. Dr. Wayne Sutton and the team offer Rohnert Park, California, dental hygiene services to keep your mouth plaque-free. We also educate our patients on good oral hygiene to protect their smiles from unhealthy deposits.
How to maintain a plaque-free smile?
Dental plaque is a sticky film that builds up on your mouth when saliva mixes with food debris. Although colorless, you’ll know it’s there when you run your tongue over your teeth and feel fuzzy or icky.
Plaque is removable with brushing and flossing. However, when you fail to do so, it turns yellow, officially becoming tartar. Tartar (dental calculus) is the primary cause of numerous oral health issues, including bad breath, gum infections, and cavities. Only a dentist can remove plaque once it hardens into tartar. Luckily, this doesn’t have to be the case. Here are ways you can prevent plaque buildup to maintain a healthy smile.
Brush your teeth diligently.
The best offense is the best defense. In dentistry, this means preventive care. Proactively brushing and flossing your teeth are the best ways to keep your mouth free from plaque and all its problems.
Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste for at least two minutes. Ensure you reach every tooth surface, and don’t forget the tongue. We recommend an electric toothbrush with an oscillating head, but a manual soft-bristled toothbrush will still do the job.
Floss your teeth, too!
Most people are guilty of not flossing their teeth as required. Flossing removes food debris and harmful bacteria from areas the toothbrush can’t reach. Floss daily, preferably before bedtime. Gently slide the floss between your teeth and move it up and down to remove plaque and food debris. Be sure to floss below the gum line, but be gentle to avoid damaging your gums.
Use a medicated mouthwash.
After flossing and brushing your teeth, use an antibacterial oral rinse to finish the job. Swishing your mouth with a mouthwash for at least 30 seconds kills bacteria lingering in the mouth.
Watch your diet
Plaque and tartar thrive when your diet is rich in starches and sugars. Although you can’t entirely exclude these foods from your diet, limiting their intake is best. This means you avoid the following foods and beverages.
- Candy, chocolate, and other desserts
- Junk foods, including chips and crisps
- Alcohol
- Sugary drinks like soda and juices
When you need to snack, consider healthy choices like veggies, fruits, nuts, cheese, and sugar-free gum. Also, remember to keep your mouth hydrated to wash away food debris and harmful bacteria.
Visit your dentist regularly.
Good oral hygiene at home is essential, but you still need a dentist to complete your oral care regimen. Visit us every six months for routine check-ups and cleanings. Dental exams allow us to detect and treat any damage caused by dental calculus, and dental cleanings remove plaque and tartar from areas you can’t reach with your home tools.
Ready for a plaque-free smile?
Sonoma Smiles is here to ensure you maintain a healthy, plaque-free smile. Book your upcoming dental appointment with Dr. Sutton and his team by dialing (707) 585-2555.
Dr. Wayne Sutton
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A renowned cosmetic dentist in Sonoma County, Dr. Sutton has over 20 years of experience and maintains a standard of excellence at his implant center using the strongest dental implant bridge currently available to provide predictable full mouth dental implant reconstructions.
Dr. Sutton received his postgraduate at The Pacific Aesthetic Continuum in San Francisco and his doctorate and three years of experience as a clinical instructor from UCSF School of Dentistry in 1997, where he was the only one to receive the “Clinical Excellence Award”. He also studied Advanced Occlusion at the Hornbrook Group and earned his Fellowship in the Academy of Comprehensive Esthetics.
Today, Dr. Sutton takes over 4 times the annual continuing education requirements to maintain his license. He is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation (awarded his Fellowship), the Academy of General Dentistry (Fellowships status), the American Dental Implant Association (Diplomat status), the American Dental Association, the American Academy for Dental Sleep Medicine, and is a select cosmetic dentist recognized as an Official Dentist of the Mrs. Globe – Mrs. USA Pageants.