Most people brush their teeth every day and try to floss when they remember. Among these people a very common question is making rounds, can brushing and flossing remove tartar? The short and honest answer is no, but they play a very important role in stopping tartar from forming in the first place.
What Exactly Is Tartar?
When you eat food, tiny food particles mix with bacteria inside your mouth and form a soft, sticky layer on your teeth called plaque. Plaque is invisible and easy to miss, but it builds up very quickly, sometimes within a few hours.
If plaque is not cleaned properly, it hardens over time due to minerals in your saliva. Once it hardens, it turns into tartar, also known as calculus. Tartar sticks firmly to your teeth and usually forms near the gum line or between teeth. So as you may have guessed, it is not easy to remove at all.
Can Brushing Remove Tartar?
Brushing is excellent for removing plaque, but once plaque becomes tartar, a toothbrush simply is not strong enough to remove it. Even electric toothbrushes cannot scrape off tartar.
If you try to brush harder, you may end up damaging your enamel or hurting your gums, while the tartar stays right where it is. So brushing does not remove tartar, but it prevents plaque from turning into tartar.
Can Flossing Remove Tartar?
Flossing cleans areas that a toothbrush typically cannot reach, especially between teeth and below the gum line. Flossing, like brushing, will remove plaque but not tartar.
Once tartar has formed between teeth, flossing will not remove it. However, regular flossing is one of the best habits to prevent tartar from building up in tight spaces.
Why Is Tartar a Problem?
Tartar is not just a cosmetic issue per say. It creates a rough surface where more plaque and bacteria can easily stick. This can lead to:
- Bad breath
- Yellow or brown stains on teeth
- Bleeding gums
- Gum disease
- Tooth decay over time
If tartar stays untreated, it can cause serious gum problems and even tooth loss.
So How Is Tartar Removed?
The only safe way to remove tartar is through a professional dental cleaning. Dentists use special tools to gently remove tartar from teeth and below the gums. This process is painless for most people and keeps your mouth healthy.
If you have tartar, you have to consult Sky Dental to get treated. If tartar is not there, we still advise you to visit us for a checkup or simply follow proper oral hygiene protocols.
Conclusion
Brushing and flossing cannot remove tartar, but they are your best defense against it. Regular oral care stops plaque from hardening into tartar. A good routine of brushing and flossing keeps your teeth and gums healthy for a long time.
If you have any more doubts, please contact Sky Dental and get a dental appointment.