How Tartar Buildup Makes Your Smile Vulnerable

There are several benefits to maintaining a good oral hygiene routine, one that is both consistent and thorough. If you do a good job brushing and flossing each day, you can control your risk for difficulties with tartar formation. Tartar deposits cannot be removed through at-home care, and until their presence is addressed by your hygienist, they can make you more vulnerable to problems with dental decay and gum disease! Our Ankeny, IA dentist’s office is here to help patients fight the accumulation of this substance. Professional teeth cleanings are just one reason you should schedule routine care on a regular basis. These visits also provide early warnings about other problems with your well-being, including those issues that call for restorative dental work.

How Worried Should I Be About Tartar Accumulation?

Tartar can accumulate over time as plaque deposits harden on your teeth. If you have a good oral hygiene routine in place, you can fight plaque accumulation and protect yourself against tartar. If this substance does gather on your teeth, there are real reasons for concern. One is that visible deposits can hurt the quality of your smile. Another is that they make you more vulnerable to problems with dental decay and gum disease, meaning you are more likely to need more than just routine care during a visit.

The Importance Of Regular Dental Exams

At every routine dental appointment, your teeth will be professionally cleaned. The care we put into removing harmful debris from your teeth will lower your risk for experiencing problems with gum disease or tooth decay that will have to be addressed later. Even if you are confident that your daily habits protect you against tartar formation, you can have some buildup that will have to be addressed. Generally speaking, you should be careful not to assume that your smile “must” be free of problems, as you may overlook something that will worsen without timely intervention and cause trouble for you that has to be addressed by your dentist.

Tips For Better Tartar Prevention Between Visits

While you should take the threat of tartar buildup seriously, remember that good habits will protect you. Take at least two minutes to brush your teeth at least twice a day, and be careful not to overlook areas that are more difficult to access. When you floss, move the string vertically between your teeth so that you do not miss bacteria and food particles that are closer to your gum line. This helps with tartar prevention as well as the prevention of gingivitis.

Your Ankeny, IA Dentist Can Help You Control Your Risk For Tartar Buildup

Tartar buildup is not a problem to take lightly. Fortunately, it is also an issue that your regular dental visits help you manage. Our Ankeny, IA dentist’s office can help you take care of your smile so that you can prevent the accumulation of plaque and tartar that can lead to problems with cavities and gum disease. For more information, please contact Dental Impressions at (515) 965-0230 to schedule a visit.