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We’ve all been there: you’re looking in the mirror and notice a stubborn, yellowish crust near the gumline. It won’t budge, no matter how hard you brush or what scrapers you aim at it.
Chances are, you’re dealing with tartar.
It’s natural to want to take matters into your own hands, but at Georgian Mall Family Dental, we want to help you understand the difference between what you can clean at home and what requires a professional touch.
Plaque vs. Tartar: The 24-Hour Window
Plaque is a soft, sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth every day. You can easily remove it with a toothbrush and floss. However, if plaque isn’t removed within 24 to 48 hours, it reacts with the minerals in your saliva and undergoes a chemical change called “calcification.” Once it hardens into tartar (calculus), it is essentially like concrete bonded to your enamel. No amount of manual or electric brushing can scrub it off.
The Danger of DIY Dental Scaling
You may have seen dental pick kits sold online or in pharmacies. We strongly advise our patients against using these at home. Dental hygienists undergo years of training to use the sharp instruments at specific angles. Attempting to scrape tartar yourself can lead to:
- Enamel Abrasion: You can accidentally gouge the protective layer of your tooth.
- Gum Recession: Slips can slice the delicate gingival tissue, causing gums to pull away.
- Infection: Pushing tartar deeper under the gumline can trigger a painful abscess.
Your Role: Prevention is the Best Tartar Control
While you can’t remove tartar at home, you can prevent it from forming. Focus on the forgotten areas of your mouth: the backs of the lower front teeth and the outsides of the upper molars. Floss is your best tool for getting between teeth and keeping those areas tartar-free. Using an anti-tartar toothpaste can also help interfere with the calcification process, keeping the plaque soft until your next visit.
Schedule Professional Dental Cleanings in Barrie for a Smooth Smile
The only safe way to remove tartar is through professional Dental Cleanings in Barrie. At Georgian Mall Family Dental, we use professional dental tools and a careful approach to destroy tartar without harming your enamel. Regular cleanings and exams help prevent and address tart buildup, keeping your smile fresh and healthy.
Get your professional reset. Schedule a teeth cleaning in Barrie today!
