How Can I Keep Plaque and Tartar Off My Teeth?

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Do you brush your teeth twice each day and floss once each day? If you do, you’re taking an important step to limit the amount of plaque and tartar that builds up on your teeth.

Plaque and tartar can be very damaging to teeth and gums. If not removed, plaque and tartar can contribute to cavities, stained tooth enamel, and gum recession. Visiting your dentist in Farmers Branch, TX, regularly can help keep your teeth clean.

What Is Plaque and Tartar?

Plaque is a sticky material that can form on the teeth, often near the gumline. Plaque is a combination of spit, food debris, and bacteria. Brushing your teeth can help remove some plaque from your teeth, but not all.

Tartar is hardened plaque. Tartar that is not removed can lead to gum disease. While you may be able to remove plaque by brushing it with a toothbrush, you will not be able to remove tartar by the same means. The safest and most efficient way to remove tartar from your teeth is to visit the dentist for a teeth cleaning in Farmers Branch, TX.

What Does Plaque and Tartar Look Like?

Plaque is slightly darker yellow than tooth enamel. Plaque has a wet, blobby appearance. Tartar is darker than plaque and may be yellow or brown. Tartar can be rough in texture.

How Can I Keep Plaque and Tartar Off My Teeth?

The best way to keep plaque and tartar off your teeth is to take good care of your teeth. Here is some advice to help:

  • Brush your teeth once in the morning and once at night, or after every meal if you have braces or clear aligners.
  • Floss your teeth at least once per day.
  • Replace your toothbrush (or your toothbrush head, if you have an electric toothbrush) every three months.
  • Consider using an electric toothbrush to keep your teeth clean.
  • See your dentist every six months for teeth cleanings in Farmers Branch, TX.

Do you have more questions about plaque and tartar? Call today to make an appointment or speak with one of our dental professionals.

 Which One Is Better: Manual Toothbrush or Electric?

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The tools you use to brush your teeth make a big difference in your oral health. Your dentist in Farmers Branch, TX, can help you find a toothbrush that meets your needs and cleans your tooth enamel. One of the first decisions you’ll have to make when choosing a toothbrush is whether to choose a manual or electric model. There are benefits to both! Knowing the difference can help you determine which one is right for you.

Benefits of Manual Toothbrush

Manual toothbrushes are relatively affordable, and often come with ergonomic features to make toothbrushing easier. Manual toothbrushes may have angled heads and rubber grips. Manual toothbrushes are often found in grocery stores, big box stores, convenient stores, and more, so you have a range of options when you’re looking for the right manual toothbrush for you.

Benefits of Electric Toothbrush

Electric toothbrushes are very effective at cleaning teeth. Some studies have shown that electric toothbrushes can be more effective at cleaning teeth than manual toothbrushes, because they make more rapid movements than manual toothbrushes.

Electric toothbrushes also have features that can make teeth cleaning more effective. For example, many electric toothbrushes have a timer feature. After two minutes, many electric toothbrushes will turn off. This prevents you from brushing your teeth for too long.

Which One Is Better?

Manual toothbrushes are more affordable and often easier to find than electric toothbrushes, while electric toothbrushes are often better at cleaning teeth.

Trying to decide which one is right for you can be a challenge. Your dentist can help the next time you come in for a teeth cleaning in Farmers Branch, TX. Your dentist can recommend different brands of electric and manual toothbrushes to make your search for a toothbrush easy and effective.