Have you ever found a layer that feels sticky on the surface of your teeth? As you probably already know, this layer is plaque which, if not removed immediately, can harden and transform into tartar or scale. Generally, the crust will appear to settle along the gum line and risk causing gum problems if not treated immediately. Although the cleaning of tooth scale will only be maximal if it is carried out by a doctor, in fact you can still apply various ways to prevent the formation of tooth crust and reduce its intensity, such as by brushing your teeth regularly, cleaning between your teeth regularly, maintaining a diet, and gargling using antiseptic liquid after eating.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Brushing Your Teeth Properly
Step 1. Brush your teeth at least twice a day
Since dental plaque is formed due to plaque buildup, make sure you are diligent in removing plaque by brushing your teeth for two minutes, at least twice a day.
Brush your teeth at least 30 minutes after eating. Because eating can soften the texture of tooth enamel, brushing your teeth right after eating risks damaging the enamel and making your teeth more brittle over time
Step 2. Scrub the entire surface of the teeth
Make sure you don't run over any surface of your teeth to completely remove plaque. If using a manual toothbrush, hold the handle of the brush at an angle of 45°C from your gums. If using an electric toothbrush, just follow the instructions on the package carefully.
- If possible, use a toothbrush that has been approved by the American Dental Association (ADA) for greater safety and quality.
- Also, make sure you always scrub your tongue to get rid of any bacteria stuck to it.
Step 3. Use a toothpaste that contains fluoride and ingredients to control tartar or scale on the teeth
Fluoride is a mineral that can strengthen tooth enamel and reduce tooth decay due to exposure to acids. Therefore, always use toothpaste that contains fluoride, even if you live in a country where fluoride is added to the drinking water. Also look for toothpaste that contains active ingredients to control tartar or tooth crust. Generally, such toothpastes contain chemical components or antibiotic substances that are effective in eradicating plaque and preventing the buildup of tooth crust.
Step 4. Once a week, mix toothpaste with a little baking soda
These tips are effective in eradicating plaque, whitening teeth, and reducing bad breath. First, pour a little baking soda into a bowl, then dip the bristles of a wet toothbrush in it. After that, pour toothpaste on the bristles of the brush and brush your teeth as usual.
Overuse of baking soda can damage tooth enamel. Therefore, just apply this method once a week
Step 5. Gargle with an antiseptic mouthwash after brushing your teeth
Antiseptic liquid is effective in eradicating bacteria that trigger plaque growth and prevents it from developing into crusts on the teeth.
Method 2 of 2: Using Other Methods to Descale on Teeth
Step 1. Floss once a day
In fact, plaque can also form between the teeth so that it cannot be cleaned using a toothbrush. To clean plaque and food debris and prevent it from transforming into scale, use special dental floss.
Step 2. Use a dental scraper or special tool to descale once a week
A dental scraper is a small tool that you can use to independently remove plaque and scale from your teeth. Generally, the shape is similar to the tools used by dentists. Besides being easy to bend to clean the space between teeth, the dental scraper has a thin and sharp tip making it easy to use to reach even narrow areas.
To use it, place the tip of the tool at the gum line, then slowly move it down until it reaches the tip of the tooth. After that, rinse the tool with running water, then repeat the above process until all parts of the tooth are clean of scale. Do this in the mirror! Generally, the scale will look like a white or yellowish stain or residue
Step 3. Increase consumption of raw vegetables
When eating raw vegetables, the process of chewing tough and high-fiber foods can actually help clean the surface of your teeth, you know! Therefore, try replacing sugary snacks with vegetables such as carrots, celery, and broccoli.
In fact, the bacteria that causes plaque on the teeth like sugary and starchy foods. The more often you eat such foods, the more fertile the growth of bacteria in your mouth. Therefore, limit the consumption of foods that contain lots of sugar and flour, and rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash immediately after eating
Step 4. Quit smoking
Smokers have been shown to have higher levels of scale than non-smokers, mainly because smoking can limit the mouth's ability to fight bacteria, including the bacteria that cause plaque to form on teeth. In addition, the buildup of crust can also cause infections that will be difficult for your system to fight.
- Write down the reasons that motivate you to quit smoking. Push yourself to stay strong as you go through the process!
- If it's hard to quit overnight, try gradually reducing the frequency of smoking until you can stop smoking completely.
- If you need extra help quitting smoking, try nicotine replacement therapy by taking nicotine gum or lozenges and using nicotine patches.
Step 5. See a doctor once every six months to clean the scale on the teeth
Do not miss it even during this period of time, your dental health is well maintained. Remember, the crust that has formed is almost impossible to remove without the help of a doctor, so this step is mandatory!
