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Have you ever noticed that after a professional cleaning, your tongue can’t stop sliding over your teeth? The squeaky clean feeling comes from the total removal of tartar, leaving your teeth completely smooth.
Unfortunately, it’s impossible to achieve that perfect smoothness with a toothbrush alone. In fact, scrubbing harder might actually be doing more harm than good. Here’s what to know about removing tartar.
Tartar: The Concrete of the Mouth
Think of plaque like dust on a bookshelf; it’s easy to wipe away. Now think of tartar like dried concrete on a sidewalk. You could spend hours with a scrub brush and never move that concrete.
In fact, if you try to scrub away tartar with a stiff-bristled toothbrush or an abrasive paste, you are more likely to wear away your soft gum tissue (recession) than you are to remove the tartar.
Prevention is Your Superpower
While removal is our job, prevention is yours. The best “at-home tartar treatment” is a high-quality toothbrush and daily flossing. While these tools don’t remove tartar, they are incredibly efficient at removing the soft plaque before it has the chance to harden. If you can keep the plaque at bay for 48 hours, you stop the tartar from ever setting.
Read More: Toothbrush 101: How Often You Should Replace Yours for a Healthier Smile
Keep Your Smile Polished with Dental Cleanings in Richmond
The only solution for tartar removal is professional dental care. During your teeth cleaning at Dr. Julie Cichoracki, we precisely and safely eliminate tartar from your smile and give your smile a fresh base. Our dentist in Richmond loves giving our patients that just-cleaned feeling that lasts. Regular check-ups allow us to clear away any stubborn buildup before it causes cavities or gum disease.
Keep your smile bright and healthy! Contact us to book your next appointment for preventive dentistry in Richmond.
