Plaque is a soft, sticky substance that constantly forms on the teeth. It is made up of sugars, food particles, and bacteria that are always in the mouth.

If plaque is allowed to stay on the teeth, it will eventually harden. This hard buildup of minerals is called tartar or calculus. It absorbs stains easily, so it often makes teeth appear brownish or yellowish. Unattractive as that might be, it is less serious than bleeding gums. Both are indications of tartar.

There are two types of tartar. Supragingival tartar is the visible deposit that forms on the top or side surfaces of the teeth. Subgingival tartar forms in pockets between the teeth and the gums. These pockets allow bacteria to grow, causing damage to the gum tissues and, sometimes, to the bone that supports the teeth. This is gum disease, and many people lose their teeth because of this.

Keeping the teeth as clean as possible is the best way to prevent tartar. Prevention is important, because once tartar forms; it cannot be removed at home. A dentist or hygienist will have to pry and scrape it off using a procedure called scaling.

-BRUSH YOUR TEETH TWICE A DAY.
Use toothpaste with fluoride and a soft bristled brush that is small enough to reach every tooth in your mouth. Move the brush gently over every tooth surface. Remember to brush the backs of the teeth. Spend at least 2 to 4 minutes brushing your teeth.

-FLOSS AT LEAST ONCE A DAY.
It should be done at least once every day. When done correctly, around each and every tooth, flossing helps rub off the plague before it can harden into calculus. Use a piece of floss long enough to wrap around one finger on each hand. Leaving about an inch of floss, work it gently between two teeth. At the gum line, curve it against one tooth. Slide it up and down from the gum line up the side of the tooth. Repeat this on both sides of every tooth.

-USE MOUTHWASH.
Many people find that a mouthwash like Listerine helps reduce tartar formation.

-SEE YOUR DENTIST.
Some people are prone to gum disease. No matter how diligent they are about dental hygiene, their teeth tend to build up tartar quickly. It has to do with the chemical makeup of the saliva. Your dentist can help.

Do not let down your guard. Keep tartar from forming on your teeth, so that you can keep those teeth for life.

Learn more about this author, Kathy Downey.
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