Plaque and tartar on teeth

Healthy teeth and gums are essential to a child’s overall good health. Without proper dental care tooth decay and gum disease can lead to serious problems such as cavities and gingivitis, swollen and bleeding gums. Regular visits to the dentist, brushing twice each day, and flossing, are ways to help maintain a healthy mouth.

Also known as: Tartar and plaque on teeth and Calculus

Information

You should get specific instructions from your dentist or hygienist on how to correctly brush and floss. But in general, recommendations for preventing and removing tartar or plaque on your teeth include:

  • Brush at least twice a day with a brush that is not too large for your mouth and that has soft, rounded bristles. The brush should let you reach every surface in your mouth easily, and the toothpaste should contain fluoride.
  • Floss gently at least twice a day. This is important to prevent gum disease.
  • See your dentist or oral hygienist every 6 months for a thorough teeth cleaning and oral examination.

Dental sealants are a means of protecting teeth from decay by sealing over healthy pits, fissures, and grooves in the teeth. Well-balanced meals are also recommended for maintaining healthy teeth and gums.

For more information, see: Oral hygiene

See also:

Review date:
February 22, 2010
Reviewed by:
Jack D. Rosenberg, DDS, Advanced Dental Care, Palm Beach Gardens, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, M.D., MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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