Tartar buildup is one of the worst things that can happen to you because it can lead to tooth decay and other health conditions. Dr. John Lewis of Wichita Dental Group, a specialist in family dentistry in Wichita, KS, sees many patients with a wide variety of tartar buildup and knows how to eradicate it.

What is Tartar Buildup?

Tartar is a hardened form of plaque, a sticky, filmy substance that forms on our teeth after waking up from an extended sleep or eating. Tartar is made up of partially dried saliva, plaque bacilli, and other bacterial species. Water, protein, starches, and sugars in food are also essential factors in its formation. It forms on tooth surfaces above the gum line when there is insufficient brushing or flossing. It hardens on the tooth and below the gum line, making teeth susceptible to decay if left untreated.

How to Stop Tartar Buildup

Many steps can be taken to stop the buildup of tartar from the convenience of your own home.

• Cleaning your teeth thoroughly, preferably with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Alternately, some people may use an ultrasonic water pic or electric toothbrush.
• Brushing your tongue. Many people don't do this, and it is not a requirement, but it can help as the tongue lives with your teeth.
• Flossing at least once per day.
• Limiting sugars and starches in your diet
• See your dentist's office regularly for a professional cleaning

Your trusted team in the world of family dentistry, in Wichita, KS, Wichita Dental Group, can always offer you specific pointers for your unique situation.

How to Get Rid of Tartar

Have you ever looked at your teeth close up in the mirror, seen plaque, and thought of how gross it is? Getting rid of that film as soon as possible is key to you getting rid of tartar before it starts. Without getting rid of the sticky film, you risk allowing it to harden and then slowly, layer-by-layer, form around and below your gum lines. Brushing twice a day, flossing, and using mouthwash are easy ways to eliminate most of it before it forms.

After you've done everything to prevent the tartar from building up, the next step is to see your dentist to remove the tartar that is already there. It's in this environment that specially trained staff will gently clean and floss your teeth and then get to work at removing the built-up tartar from below and around your gumlines. A patient can be sore for up to two weeks after cleaning like this, but that is normal, and any soreness resolves much sooner for most. Doing this twice per year keeps the invasion of your gums to a minimum.

For help with removing your tartar buildup, no matter how long it's been since your last visit, then contact Dr. John Lewis of Wichita Dental Group, a specialist in family dentistry in Wichita, KS, at (316) 265-0849 to schedule an appointment today!