Medical Encyclopedia: Plaque and tartar on teeth (Print Version)

MedlinePlus Health Information: A service of the National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health

Medical Encyclopedia: Plaque and tartar on teeth

URL of this page: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002044.htm

Alternative names

Tartar and plaque on teeth; 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

visHeader

Teach children to brush

Update Date: 5/28/2008

Updated by: Jason S. Baker, DMD, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, Private Practice, Yonkers, New York. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Adam makes no representation or warranty regarding the accuracy, reliability, completeness, currentness, or timeliness of the content, text or graphics. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2008, A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.