Although it’s easy for tartar to form, it’s extremely hard to remove on your own. Nowadays, most Americans suffer from periodontal disease caused by hardened plaque and tartar. Stay healthy, safe and clean and remove tartar before it becomes a more serious issue for you down the line. 

What Is Tartar?

It’s no secret our mouths contain millions of microscopic bacteria. The combination of oral bacteria and food residue creates a gunky, sticky mixture in our mouths called plaque. Plaque can permanently damage your enamel and lead to cavities, gum disease, and other health concerns. 

After 48 hours, the plaque on your teeth can turn into hard tartar. Tartar, like plaque, can permanently damage your teeth and cause receding gums and dental decay. Tartar can grow both above and below your gum line. Since tartar is extremely hard to remove, it’s important to clean, brush, rinse and floss your teeth daily. 

How To Remove Tartar Build Up

The best way to remove tartar build-up is by visiting your dentist. Dentists have the proper tools to scrape tartar from your teeth and gum line that would otherwise be almost impossible to remove yourself. 

Even though tartar is best removed by a dental professional, there are still things you can do to prevent tartar build-up. Here are some preventative steps to take to avoid plaque and tartar: