Imagine a sunny morning when you are smiling in front of the mirror and suddenly find that there is an uninvited "uninvited guest" between your teeth - dental calculus. It's not just an aesthetic issue, it's a health hazard. Calculus, a seemingly inconspicuous problem, is actually the root cause of many oral diseases. Not only can it cause red, swollen and bleeding gums, but it can also lead to loose teeth or even loss in the long run.
Let's start this journey towards a healthy mouth together and equip yourself with the necessary knowledge and skills to protect our precious smiles!
Unraveling the Invisible Enemy Between the Teeth: How Does Calculus Form?
Tartar formation is a gradual process that starts with seemingly harmless plaque. First of all, our mouth is a breeding ground for microorganisms, where bacteria combine with food scraps, minerals in saliva, to form a viscous film called plaque. If this film is not removed in time with proper oral hygiene, bacteria can continue to multiply and produce acids, which not only erode the teeth but also irritate the gums, triggering gingivitis.
Over time, if plaque is not cleaned up effectively, it will gradually calcify and become harder, which is the initial stage of tartar formation. Calculus is mainly made up of calcium and phosphorus, which are minerals that come from our saliva. Once formed, calculus acts like a "rock" on your teeth that can be difficult to remove with daily brushing and flossing alone.
Not only does dental calculus affect the aesthetics of the oral cavity, but more importantly, it provides an ideal habitat for more bacteria, exacerbating the development of gingivitis and may even lead to periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is not only about oral health, but can also be related to general health conditions, such as heart disease and abnormal glucose metabolism.
Therefore, understanding the process of calculus formation is not only for the sake of protecting our smile, but also for the sake of overall health. In the next section, we will explore how to effectively prevent the formation of dental calculus through daily oral care and ensure that your oral health is fully protected.
Cleaning Between Your Teeth: An Efficient Recipe to Say Goodbye to Calculus
1. Be proficient in the art of dental floss
Flossing is not a simple oral cleaning tool, but a key weapon to prevent the formation of dental calculus. The steps to properly floss are as follows:
Choose the right dental floss: There are wax-coated and wax-free types available on the market, depending on your oral condition. Wax-coated dental floss is easier to slide and is suitable for people with narrow gaps, while wax-free dental floss makes it easier to clean tight gaps.
Correct way to do it:
Take about 18 inches of dental floss, wrap it around your middle finger, and use your thumb and forefinger to control the dental floss.
Gently slide the dental floss between your teeth to avoid hurting your gums with too much force.
Gently rub up and down along the curve of your teeth to ensure that the inside of your teeth is cleaned.
The use of dental floss is not a one-and-done one, and it is recommended to use it at least once a day, especially at night before going to bed.
2. Intermittent brush: a small scavenger between the teeth
The gap brush is a highly effective tool for cleaning between teeth, especially for people with large gaps between teeth or gaps between teeth. Key points for using a gap brush include:
Choose the right size of gap brush: There are many sizes of gap brushes, so choose the right brush head for your individual gap size.
Proper use:
Insert between your teeth gently and avoid pushing too hard.
Gently brush back and forth to remove food debris and plaque from between your teeth.
Replace the gap brush regularly to ensure hygiene and effectiveness.
3. Water Flosser: A New Choice for Deep Cleaning
Water flossers are particularly effective for calculus prevention by cleaning between teeth with a high-pressure stream of water. Here's how to use it:
Choose the right water pressure: First-time users should start with low water pressure and gradually get used to it before turning it up.
Tips:
Close your lips and leave a small slit for the water to drain out.
The water flow is aligned between the teeth and the water flosser is moved slowly to cover all the interdental areas.
Water flosser is suitable for all kinds of tooth widths and narrows, and is a good product for modern oral cleaning.
4. Regular professional cleaning: a necessary assistance for dentists
In addition to daily interdental cleaning, regular professional teeth cleaning is also an important step in preventing dental calculus. Professional cleaning can:
Deeply removes tartar and plaque.
Check for potential oral problems.
Provide personalized oral health care recommendations.
It is recommended to have a professional teeth cleaning at least once a year.