Our mouth is a thriving ecosystem with myriad microorganisms living side-by-side in complete harmony. Bacteria living in the mouth contribute towards plaque buildup, which is a mixture of saliva, food, and fluids. This is why plaque is also known as microbial plaque. Plaque is sticky and off white and collects where the teeth and gums meet.
Plaque has to be removed by regular brushing and flossing, failing to do which can result in various gum diseases and tooth loss(1). Untreated plaque results in a well-known problem known as tartar, which is basically hardened plaque that stains the teeth and forms a brittle layer on it.
The brittle layer is caused by the minerals coming from saliva. It takes anywhere between 24 to 72 hours for plaque to convert into tartar. Tartar also irritates the gums and can cause various gum problems like gum bleeding and infection. The leading causes of tartar are excessive buildup of plaque because of poor oral hygiene and excessive smoking.
Tartar and plaque can be removed by proper brushing. An electric toothbrush can help in efficient cleaning and elimination of tartar.
[ Read: Remove Plaque Naturally ]
Baking soda breaks down the tartar accumulated on teeth. It works like a scrub for the buildup and also whitens the teeth in the process.
[ Read: Benefits of Baking Soda ]
Flossing is an excellent method of removing plaque(2)and tartar. It cleans up the areas that are missed by brushing and results in effective cleaning. Mouthwash rinses the mouth and clears up all the bacteria buildup.
[ Read: Mouthwash for Dry Mouth ]
Orange peels can be an excellent home remedy for removing tartar.
[ Read: Orange Peel Benefits ]
A study found in the International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences suggests that extracts from guava leaves can effectively eliminate plaque from the teeth and gums.
Guava leaves also offer anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which help in reducing pain and swelling. Eating guava with salt can also help in removing tartar.
You can try the guava leaf home remedy every day to get rid of existing plaque and tartar and reduce the risk of future accumulation.
Tartar can lead to various gum problems like swelling in the gums, gingivitis, and periodontitis. If you notice bleeding gums or a swelling that is not going down on its own, you need to visit your dentist. Tartar is known to irritate the gums when it is ignored for prolonged periods and hardens with time.
It can cause infection in the gums and lead to various issues that can cause irreversible damage to teeth and gums. So, if you see blood on your toothbrush or in your spit, you should take it seriously.
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A timely visit to your dentist can save you from a lot of discomfort, and you might even save yourself from some serious dental health problems. Visit your dentist once every 2-3 months, even if you do not see any issues. This will ensure that a problem is caught in its infancy and treated before it becomes a painful and costly affair.
Although plaque and tartar are pervasive problems, they can manifest into a severe condition because of poor oral hygiene. Tartar can be managed through simple processes like brushing twice a day and practicing some useful home remedies.
Ask your dentist to teach you the proper way of brushing so that you clean your mouth correctly every day. Also, give importance to flossing.
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Tartar is the hardened off-white layer on our teeth. It is caused by a combination of food particles, bacteria, and saliva.
Tartar can be removed by using simple household things like baking soda and orange peel.
If you notice swelling in your gums or any unexplained bleeding when you brush or eat, you should see a doctor.
Yes, guava fruit can help you get rid of plaque. Eat it with salt and chew slowly to see maximum results.