Spots of discoloration, or the visible buildup of hard, sticky material on teeth, can make your smile look less attractive. It can reflect poorly on a person’s oral health, at least when others see their smile. An issue with tartar deposits can be embarrassing, but it can also be a particularly frustrating problem because buildup cannot be addressed through brushing and flossing. Fortunately, your Prairie Village, KS dentist’s office can remove tartar buildup during a routine dental cleaning, and you can prevent future accumulation with good habits at home. It should be noted that in addition to affecting your appearance, tartar buildup can raise your risk for cavities and gum disease.
Can I Remove Tartar Deposits On My Own?
While you can prevent the buildup of tartar on your teeth, deposits that are already present can remain in place until your next professional teeth cleaning. Brushing more aggressively to remove tartar can be ineffective. It can even have unintended consequences for your oral health, as the increase in friction while brushing can lead to premature enamel erosion that weakens your teeth.
Tartar Can Lead To Tooth Decay And Gum Disease
Tartar deposits form when plaque deposits are not cleaned in time. Because this substance contains harmful oral bacteria, a buildup of tartar can make you more at risk for a problem that requires restorative dental work. If you have tartar deposits at the base of your teeth, bacteria can attack your gums and create periodontal problems. These problems can affect your quality of life in more ways than you might realize. In time, a periodontal infection can progress from gingivitis to periodontitis; when this occurs, you are at greater risk for tooth loss, and you can become vulnerable to issues with your general health. An advanced cavity can lead to an infected tooth that causes you pain, and leads to visible swelling. To deal with a cavity this serious, your dentist can perform a root canal procedure.
Tips For Avoiding Problems With Tartar Buildup
While aggressive brushing cannot help you clear away tartar deposits, consistent and thorough brushing can remove plaque buildup before tartar becomes a problem. Brush for at least two minutes twice per day, and floss every day to keep the spaces between your teeth safe. When you do so, you can have an easier time keeping your teeth in good health, and also keep them free from unattractive tartar buildup.
Dental Care From Dr. Browne Can Help You Preserve A Healthy And Attractive Smile
Dr. Browne has helped many people in and around Prairie Village, KS take great care of their teeth. If you have questions about our services, or if you think that something may be wrong with your oral health, please call our Prairie Village, KS dentist’s office at 913-901-8585.
