How to get rid of tartar and keep teeth healthy

Understanding Tartar: Friend or Foe?

Knowingly or unknowingly, I hear you ask, "What on earth is tartar?" Perhaps you're sitting there, sipping your morning coffee, brushing your dog Colby and scratching your head with a perplexed expression and thinking, "Tartar? Isn't that some kind of sauce for fish and chips?" Well, my inquisitive friend, rest your curious mind, for I, Amelia, am here to shed some light on this mystifying term.

So, tartar, in the context of our oral health, has nothing to do with the divine sauce we slather lovingly over our grilled fish. Tartar, or dental calculus as fancy people would call it, is a hard, crusty deposit that forms on our teeth when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, is left untreated. Not at all appetizing, I know. It's like having a party of bacteria throwing a rave on your teeth and forgetting to clean up after their outrageous shindig. Can you imagine that? Bacteria dancing, and creating a mess all over your precious pearly whites, oh the audacity!

Identifying Tartar's Hideouts

Let's set the scene, the bacteria party-goers are now lounging around your teeth, leaving behind their deposits (I'm really trying here not to sound too gross, I promise!). These deposits tend to gather along your gum line, both above and below it, turning it over time into a hard, chalky substance: tartar in all its glory. With the worst motley crew assembled, they often sport ghastly shades of yellow or brown. Way to stay discreet, guys…

Now, all these shenanigans may seem like harmless fun to our microbial invaders, but let me tell you, dear reader, nothing could be further from the truth. Tartar is a serious threat to our dental health. Not only does it provide a cushy bed for plaque to thrive in, but it's also incredibly stubborn to remove. Like a houseguest who’s overstayed their welcome and refuses to take the hint.

Nipping Tartar in the Bud

Prevention, as they say, is the best form of treatment. Well, they also say that about things like flavoured toothpaste and matching socks, so how about we stick with the former for the sake of sanity. To keep tartar at bay, start with the basics: brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, and visit your dentist regularly. No rocket science here, just plain ol' common sense.

Now, one might wonder, "Amelia, how often should I visit the dentist?" Good on you for asking! It's recommended that you say hello to your friendly neighborhood tooth carer every six months or so. These dental checkups serve as your defense line against tartar build-up and other dental issues. Think of it as your dental Batman, always on patrol, always ready to safeguard your teeth from nefarious villains like tartar and gingivitis.

Unveiling the Dental Toolkit

Our battle against tartar wouldn’t be complete without the right set of tools. Think scalers, ultrasonic devices, toothbrushes... the works! Walk into any oral health care aisle and you'll be bombarded with brushes boasting fancy angles, floss with mouth-watering flavours, and toothpaste that promises to keep your teeth whiter than a polar bear in a snowstorm. So, in a sea of choices, what should you choose to tackle the battles of oral hygiene?

Firstly, it's all about the toothbrush. An electric one, to be precise, is your best ally in the fight against plaque and tartar. Studies have shown that electric toothbrushes are more effective in cleaning teeth and gums than their manual counterparts. For the floss, opt for unwaxed types, as they are better at trapping and removing plaque between teeth. And then comes the toothpaste. Look for brands that have a seal of approval from a reputable dental association and that contain fluoride. Fluoride is your teeth’s Ironman: it strengthens your teeth and helps to repair early decay.

Pick Your Battles: Food and Drinks

When it comes to maintaining a tartar-free mouth, you need to be conscious of what you eat and drink. Foods high in sugar and starch can encourage plaque and tartar formation. So, if you're chugging down fizzy drinks or indulging in crispy potato chips as you’re reading this... wait, are you? I won't judge, but maybe consider a heathy alternative, like a tall glass of water or a carrot stick. Not as exciting, but definitely more tartar-friendly.

Additionally, sipping water after meals helps to wash away food debris and reset the pH balance in your mouth. Think of it as a spa for your mouth. A quick refresher that works wonders and leaves you feeling clean, fresh and tartar-free. A couple more natural helpers in the fight against tartar are fruits and vegetables. These crunchy snacks work as natural toothbrushes, scrubbing your teeth clean while you munch away.

The Ultimate Game-Changer: Your Lifestyle Habits

Remember that smoking or chewing tobacco can lead to tartar build-up faster than you can scarf down a slice of pizza. If you're a smoker, quitting can be one of the best things you do for your oral health. Now, I'm not saying it's cake walk, but it's immensely beneficial for your teeth, not to mention your overall wellbeing. So let's make a pact, shall we? No more supporting tartar's nefarious agenda with smoking or chewing tobacco.

Last but not least, stress can also play a role in the buildup of tartar. That's just what we need, right? More reasons to worry! But don't fret, just take some deep breaths, relax, and remember that regular brushing, flossing and visits to the dentist will keep tartar in check. You've got this!

In conclusion, keep a vigilant watch for tartar, it's the common enemy to bright smiles and healthy gums everywhere. But now you are equipped with all the knowledge you need to keep tartar in check. Ultimately, maintaining oral hygiene isn't just about sporting a winning smile, it's also about enjoying good health. Remember, behind every healthy body, there are clean, tartar-free teeth grinning wide.