Everyone wants a nice smile. So, when you look into the mirror, and your pearly whites aren’t so pearly white anymore, you need help with cleaning and whitening teeth fast. Unfortunately, beginning your search for at-home teeth whitening or cleaning remedies that actually work, can be overwhelming with all the options. Some of these stay-at-home methods to whiten your teeth or remove tartar could be damaging, resulting in a smile that is even more susceptible to tooth stains, gum irritation or damage. So, if you’re searching for at-home, safe, and affordable solutions to prevent tartar buildup and whiten your teeth, you’ve come to the right place.
As you know, your pearly white teeth eventually lose their shine and lustre, resulting in yellow teeth. This can be caused by several factors. Some common foods and drinks can cause a buildup of plaque and tartar, which leads to discolouration. So, if you want to win the battle against tartar and plaque with the peace of mind that what you’re doing is healthy for your whiter teeth, read on.
What are Tartar and Plaque? What’s it mean for Teeth whitening?
We reached out to dentists Dr Nicholas Hii and Dr Chen-Yu Liu from High Dental for their expert opinion.
“Tartar occurs when plaque hardens over time. Once it accumulates, it clings on tightly to the teeth and should only be removed safely and professionally with ultrasonic instruments, so the tooth is not damaged. Plaque can also be effectively removed with a non-abrasive antibacterial spray called the airflow. This modern way of cleaning teeth is painless and is great for patients who experience tooth sensitivity.”
“If plaque and tartar are left to accumulate and are not removed on a regular basis, bacteria will colonise around the teeth. Eventually, this results in inflammation of the gums, bone loss around teeth, tooth mobility and even tooth loss!”
The common and visible sign of tartar is the brown and yellow mineral deposit that may appear above your gum line. Seeing your dentist regularly every six months is a win for avoiding tooth decay, and a win for ensuring significantly whiter teeth.
“Having your teeth cleaned prior to tooth whitening allows better contact of the whitening gel to the tooth surface. It enhances the efficacy of the tooth whitening procedure.”
Can I remove Tartar and Dental Plaque at home?
It’s understandable to want a quick and easy fix when it comes to tartar and plaque. Especially when it comes time to get your chompers cleaned before seeking to whiten teeth. Dr Nicholas Hii and Dr Chen-Yu Liu state, “teeth cleaning before whitening treatment is critical as the bleaching chemical can cause further damage to the gums whilst they are in an inflamed state, which can lead to sensitivity and tooth loss.” So, if you want that peace of mind that you will get the most out of your teeth whitening while also avoiding tooth decay and gum disease, you want to make the right teeth cleaning choice for your oral hygiene.
If you come across tartar and dental plaque removing home remedies (like baking soda and salt!), stay far away from them! These remedies can leave bleeding gums and your teeth even more vulnerable to damaging tartar and dental plaque buildup. Attempting to remove solidified plaque yourself is useless as it becomes impossible to be cleansed with home dental appliances. Attempting to remove dental calculus without professional dental equipment and training may cause unnecessary damage to the gums and further infection.
Remember, just because you can buy baking soda, white vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, apple cider vinegar and coconut oil from the supermarket, doesn’t mean it’s safe to use on your teeth. For the sake of your dental and good oral hygiene, always see a dental professional for help with removing tartar and plaque.
If not at home, then where?
Want to feel confident that you have healthy teeth and gums to match your dazzling smile? Luckily for you, PureSmile offers state of the art teeth cleaning and whitening dentist packages so you can get the most out of your whitening treatments. You can also have the peace of mind that your mouth will be properly free of plaque and tartar buildup. You can get your mouth clean for whiter teeth at any of our locations in Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and more. Check out our website to see if we have a dentist near you.
What you can do between dentist visits to prevent tartar on teeth
By no means are we suggesting that the below everyday oral health tips are all you need to avoid gum disease, surface stains, or dental cavities caused by plaque buildup. But, if you introduce some of these tips into your routine, your teeth could become easier to clean at the dentist, therefore making it easier to whiten teeth and prevent tooth decay too.
Maintaining optimal oral health goes beyond just brushing your teeth. Here are some comprehensive tips to ensure your smile stays bright and healthy:
- Fluoride Toothpaste: Use fluoride toothpaste after every meal. Fluoride helps in remineralizing tooth enamel, preventing cavities.
- Tap Water Over Bottled: Opt for tap water instead of bottled. Most tap waters contain fluoride, which is beneficial for your teeth.
- Rinse After Meals: Make it a habit to rinse your mouth after meals. This helps wash away food particles and residue on the surface of your teeth that can lead to plaque buildup.
- Healthy Diet Choices: Replace junk food and sweets with fruits and vegetables. Crunchy fruits and veggies can help clean your teeth naturally.
- Limit Sugary and Acidic Drinks: Reduce your intake of alcohol, sports drinks, fruit juices, soft drinks, and wine. These can erode tooth enamel and promote plaque formation on the teeth.
- Stay Hydrated: Avoid foods that dry out your mouth. A well-hydrated mouth allows saliva to naturally cleanse your teeth and gums.
- Thorough Brushing: Brush your teeth at least twice a day for 2-3 minutes, ensuring you reach all areas of your mouth.
- Clean Your Tongue: Don’t forget to brush your tongue or use a tongue scraper to remove bacteria and freshen breath.
- Toothbrush Maintenance: Keep your toothbrush clean and replace it every three to four months or sooner if the bristles are frayed.
- Regular Flossing: Floss at least twice a day to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth and under the gumline.
- Use Mouthwash: Rinse with a mouthwash or an antimicrobial liquid twice a day to kill bacteria and promote oral health.
- Care for Dental Appliances: If you use mouth accessories or dentures, ensure they are cleaned daily to prevent bacterial buildup.
Incorporating these practices into your daily oral hygiene routine can significantly improve your dental health, leading to a brighter, healthier smile.
For a whiter smile, the choice is yours
If your dream is to keep your teeth pearly white, don’t hesitate to book your teeth whitening treatment with one of our dentists now! PureSmile treatments are expertly designed to combat the challenges of tartar and buildup, ensuring your smile is not only brighter but healthier too. Utilizing advanced dental technologies and professional-grade cleaning agents, our treatments meticulously remove tartar deposits and prevent the accumulation of plaque that can lead to tartar formation. Regular PureSmile sessions can significantly reduce the risk of gum disease and tooth decay associated with tartar buildup. By incorporating PureSmile treatments into your oral hygiene routine, you’re taking a proactive step towards maintaining optimal dental health, ensuring your teeth remain clean, strong, and free from unsightly tartar and buildup.
