Tartar and plaque on teeth

Alternative names
Plaque and tartar on teeth; Calculus

Information
Recommendations for preventing and removing tartar or plaque on your teeth include the following:

     
  • 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 once 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.

Johns Hopkins patient information

Last revised: December 4, 2012
by Amalia K. Gagarina, M.S., R.D.

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All ArmMed Media material is provided for information only and is neither advice nor a substitute for proper medical care. Consult a qualified healthcare professional who understands your particular history for individual concerns.