Greetings, everybody! Taking care of our teeth is not only a task for having whiter teeth, but one for us to avoid damage on our pearly whites. Dental calculus, also commonly called tartar, is one of those things we absolutely have to avoid if we wish to retain our natural set of teeth for a lifetime.

That is why we have gathered some knowledge from Los Algodones dentists in order to build up this article from the ground up. If you are interested to know what dental calculus is, why does it form, how to prevent it, and such, then you have come to the right place!

What is dental calculus?

As you may know, we brush and floss our teeth on a daily basis to avoid the buildup of bacteria and plaque. When the plaque stays glued to our teeth for enough time, it hardens into dental calculus.

Once plaque turns into dental calculus, it becomes very difficult to remove. That is why a professional dentist is required to do the job, such as those here in Los Algodones. They are equipped, prepared and knowledgeable about all the places they usually appear at.

So the main way to deal with dental calculus is by preventing it entirely. This is why we keep good oral habits everyday! That and also to have a fresh breath and good looking teeth, of course.

Do I have dental calculus on my teeth right now?

There are just some hints we can use for us to know:

• Our teeth are a slightly different color in certain parts.
• There is a rough, fuzzy feeling when we touch our teeth with our tongues.

We are aware these are VERY general items. It is best to consult with a dentist as they will make sure to know what they are dealing with. As a bonus, they also know where to look!

Can I get rid of it at home?

Although there are ways to certainly remove dental calculus at home, they are not as effective and efficient.

Think of it as having a haircut, the main reason we have someone else do it is because they have a full picture of where they are working on. The same principle applies to dentists when they are working on somebody’s mouth. Moreover, a dentist will tell you if you need to pay attention to a specific area or if you are missing something!

How is dental calculus removed at the office?

This is a rather simple procedure called debridement. A debridement is where the dentist seeks and removes plaque as well as calculus from the teeth and hidden between the gums.

For this, there are special tools that they use to get the job done, such as high vibrations and water jets.

Tips towards preventing plaque buildup

• Brush and floss on a daily basis. Brushing twice a day and flossing once is a good start at not giving plaque the chance it needs to harden.
• Make sure to brush for two minutes in each session. This is plenty of time for the toothpaste to really work on your teeth and for you to go through each one of them.
• Drink plenty of water. There is fluoride in tap water, which strengthens the teeth. Drinking water also boosts saliva production, which halts bacteria growth.
• A bad teeth alignment can make it more difficult to take care of your mouth. If you require braces, then make sure to get them! Teeth that are not in their proper place can be a hindrance when it comes to oral care.
• Schedule a visit every half year with your dentist. This way you make sure you are making good progress and that nothing goes under your nose. A dentist is also able to track how your mouth progresses through time, so that is very handy.