Your smile is the first thing people notice when you greet them. So, you do your best to take care of your teeth by brushing regularly and paying close attention to signs that you need routine teeth cleaning. Tartar build-up happens over time, and can easily accumulate without much notice. We sip our coffees and soft drinks, while enjoying the occasional candy bar without considering the effect on our teeth. Tartar happens to the best of us, and can easily be taken care of in addition to your normal routine. But, there are some instances that require seeing your local tartar removal Castle Rock dentist if you’re not seeing the results you want.
Tartar Producing Foods
Tartar happens when the bacteria in your mouth release acids that attack your teeth’s enamel. Once the enamel is under attack, your teeth are susceptible to cavities and gum disease. So, eating healthier foods isn’t just for keeping fit and healthy, but for your teeth to remain in a healthy state as well. While you can enjoy the not-so-good snacks and foods every once in a while, it’s best that you understand which of these foods are not being enjoyed by your teeth.
- Ice – People enjoy chewing on ice, especially in the hot summer months. It’s refreshing and acts as a rehydrator. Even though you may assume it’s just cold, frozen water with no side effects, there’s actually a great deal of damage being done to your teeth’s enamel. The hard, cold ice can actually crack your teeth or damage a filling.
- Dried, Candied Fruits – Fruit is nature’s candy and is naturally sweet. It’s better to eat apricots, pears, mangoes and apples in their true form. Once they’re dried, they take on a new form. Drying or dehydrating the fruit removes the water content, which concentrates the sugar. Dried fruit is usually coated with other sugary substances for preservation. This makes them sticky and difficult to chew, causing them to stick to your teeth for hours or even days before a good, solid cleaning.
- Alcohol – Alcohol is a favorite among many people. Good conversation and gatherings usually include this type of beverage. Sadly, alcohol can actually dry out your mouth, preventing saliva production. Digestive activity takes place in the mouth first, causing the breakdown of starches and other food substances before it even hits your digestive tract. Dry mouth is also one of the reasons for tooth decay, and alcohol dramatically strips your mouth of this helpful digestive tool.
- Soda – Even carbonated beverages which deem to be organic and full of natural flavors are tartar producing.
Aside from steering clear of these substances, there are a few things you can do to prevent tartar build-up. However, you should always seek the assistance of your local tartar removal Castle Rock dentist to ensure these will prove helpful for your particular case.
- Baking soda or sodium bicarbonate has been used for over 100 years, and has been in toothpaste since the beginning of its development! It’s a proven strategy that helps clean and whiten teeth, while restoring their natural look.
- Vinegar – White vinegar and warm saltwater rinses can help clean between your teeth.
- Orange Peel Rub – Some claim that rubbing an orange peel over your teeth will help whiten them.
- Coconut oil – Before you brush your teeth in the morning, swish your mouth with 1 tablespoon of coconut oil to help clean your teeth.
Tartar is a normal occurrence in today’s society. We eat what we like, and don’t think too much about the consequences. When it’s time to remove stubborn build-up, contact your tartar removal Castle Rock dentist at Glow Dentistry!