Can a water flosser remove tartar? No, a water flosser reduces plaque buildup on the teeth but cannot remove hardened tartar. Tartar is a hard, calcified deposit that accumulates over time on the teeth and along the gum line. It builds up due to plaque, a thin film of bacteria that forms on teeth.
Key Takeaways
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Among the many flosser brands that effectively reduce tartar is Dr. Brite water flosser. Its ergonomic handle helps to maneuver and reach hard-to-reach areas easily. Further, the angled nozzle provides optimum coverage for cleaning, while its adjustable pressure settings allow users to customize their water flossing experience.
Of course, for best posssible results, remember to clean your water flosser after every use or at least once a week. Also, for best results, we suggest using a water flosser as often as you can.
When to Use a Water Flosser
The point in question is;can a water flosser remove tartar? With the answer being debatable, you should use something other than water flossers to replace regular brushing and flossing. The primary recommendation is to brush and string floss your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste or an anti-plaque toothpaste and floss at least once daily.
Using the flosser, daily brushing, and traditional flossing can help prevent tartar buildup. It is essential to use the water flossers regularly and follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper use of your water flosser. Further, see that you visit your dentist regularly for professional cleaning and checkups to ensure that you remove tartar buildup.
Another positive of using water flossers is that it can clean tight crevices and eliminate debris, plaque, tonsil stones, and bacteria from hard-to-reach sections of the mouth. It’s abrasion-free and, thus, a water flosser doesn’t interfere with braces, brackets or wires.
Water flossers are not suitable for children under the age of three. That is because they may be unable to work with water flossers properly, and the water pressure could injure them. In addition, people with certain medical conditions should consult their dentist or physician before using a flosser or attempting tartar removal.
Generally, whether water flossers remove tartar is answered by considering factors such as how well you work with your dentist.
What Kind of Water Flossers Are There?
Water flossers come in different designs, each with unique features for specific purposes. The following are four main kinds of flossers:
- Countertop
- Cordless
- Complete care
- Flossing toothbrush
1. Countertop
Countertop water flossers have varying sizes and features to suit your taste. The larger flossers have a variety of pressure settings in addition to significant water reservoirs. Consequently, smaller flossers have more compact sizes and less advanced features than larger ones.
2. Cordless
Cordless water flossers are convenient for portability and small spaces. They come in two categories:
- Traditional flossers have small water reservoirs and lower water pressure.
- Cordless flossers, such asDr. Brite's water flosser. They constitute the features of a countertop flosser in their compact size. That is beneficial since you will not need a power outlet during use.
3. Complete care flossers
Complete care water flossers have a separate electric toothbrush. They offer the double benefit of water flossing and brushing, giving you less need to buy many toothbrushes. In addition, complete care flossers will save you space and utilization of power outlets.
4. Flossing Toothbrush
A flossing toothbrush offers the convenience of brushing and flossing from the same kit. They have buttons that enable you to switch between flossing and brushing. You can also switch to the dual function of both brushing and flossing.
These four kinds bring us back to the question; do water flossers remove tartar? Using them properly can greatly help minimize the effect of tartar.
Signs of Tartar Buildup
Several signs will indicate the presence of tartar, so it is essential to know what to look for.
- Yellowing and discoloration of the teeth: This discoloration occurs when bacteria and plaque form around the teeth and gums, which eventually hardens into tartar.
- Bad breath: As bacteria and plaque accumulate on the teeth, the bacteria can release foul-smelling gasses, leading to bad breath.
- Gingivitis: Gingivitis happens when the gums become inflamed and swollen and may bleed when brushed. In addition, the gums may appear to be redder than usual.
The buildup of tartar brings the question of whether water flossers remove tartar. Flossers are a home remedy; removing tartar will require a dentist's attention.
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How Do You Remove Hardened Tartar?
Hardened tartar, also known as calculus, can form on your teeth if you don't practice proper dental hygiene. Removing tartar on your own is difficult, so seeing a dentist or dental hygienist is essential. They have special tools that allow them to remove tartar buildup without damaging your teeth.
The dentists may either:
- Use an ultrasonic device to help break up the tartar and polishing tools to give your teeth a smooth surface.
- They can provide professional advice on how to prevent tartar buildup and maintain good oral hygiene.
Regular flossing at home using devices such asDr. Brite's water flosser also helps reduce tartar buildup on your teeth. Also, remember that prevention is critical, so practice good dental hygiene to keep your teeth healthy and free of tartar buildup.
How to Prevent Tartar Buildup
Proper and regular brushing is the key to helping prevent tartar buildup.
- Make sure you brush and string floss your teeth at least twice daily for two minutes with a soft-bristled or electric toothbrush.
- Replace your toothbrush once the bristles start fraying or every three months.
- Ensure you floss at least once daily to help remove plaque and food debris that brushing may have missed.
- Make sure to floss gently and replace your floss every two weeks.
- Use an antiseptic mouthwash to kill bacteria and food debris left while brushing and flossing.
- Using antiseptic mouthwash also provides an additional layer of protection against tartar buildup.
- See that you consult your dentist at least twice a year for regular checkups and to help remove plaque.
- Let your dentist clean your teeth and remove tartar buildup that may have occurred between visits.
- Your dentist can help identify any areas of concern before they become a problem and provide guidance on preventing future tartar buildup.
So, do water flossers remove tartar? No, they can prevent it from building up.
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FAQs
1. Can You Floss Out Tartar?
No, you cannot floss out hardened tartar. Tartar, or dental calculus, is a solid deposit of bacteria and minerals that accumulate on teeth over time. It cannot be removed by brushing or flossing and requires professional cleaning by a dentist. It is usually detected during a dental exam when the dentist feels the deposit on your teeth.
The best you can do is thoroughly brush and floss your teeth to remove any food particles.
2. What Happens When Tartar Breaks Off?
When tartar breaks off, it can cause pockets to form between the tooth and the gum line. That creates an ideal environment for bacteria to accumulate and multiply, damaging the teeth and gums further. Over time, this process can lead to periodontal (gum) disease, a severe condition that can lead to tooth loss and other health problems.
For this reason, it is crucial to practice good oral hygiene habits to remove food particles from the teeth. Also, get regular dental checkups to help reduce the risk of tartar and tooth decay.
3. Does a Water Flosser Remove Plaque and Tartar?
No, a water flosser cannot remove tartar and plaque. However, water flossing can help prevent plaque and reduce the buildup of tartar. It removes food particles, bacteria, and debris from between teeth and below the gum line. That helps to reduce the risk of periodontal disease, which is the leading cause of tooth and gum decay.
4. What Causes Excessive Tartar Build-Up?
Excessive tartar buildup happens due to inadequate oral hygiene, leading to bacteria growth in the mouth. Poor brushing habits and insufficient saliva flow are the most common underlying factors contributing to tartar buildup. The bacteria in the mouth feed on food debris and sugar, producing acids that erode tooth enamel and cause cavities. That, in turn, can lead to the formation of tartar and plaque on teeth surfaces.
To remove tartar, see your dentist for a thorough medical clinic and advice on preventing it.
