Tartar Prevention Tips to Protect Your Gums
Posted on June 12, 2025
Many people understand that plaque and tartar can harm their dental and gum health, but don’t know how to actively mitigate buildup. As a result, gum disease affects a large majority of Canadian adults, causing gum recession and tooth loss in extreme cases where there is no intervention. If you are looking to mitigate the future need for periodontal surgery or to preserve your healthy smile after gum disease treatment, preventing the accumulation of tartar is key. To reduce build-up and invest in the longevity of your smile, talk to our trusted periodontist in Whitby and Oshawa, Dr. Adam Ohayon, about periodontal hygiene treatments like root planing and scaling.
What is Tartar?
Tartar is hardened plaque that forms when bacteria in your mouth aren’t removed through regular brushing and flossing. Once it hardens, it sticks tightly to your teeth and can only be removed by a dental professional. If left untreated, tartar buildup can lead to inflammation, bleeding gums, and infection. Over time, it can progress to more serious conditions that may require periodontal surgery or expert care from a periodontist in Whitby.
Here are some tips to help prevent tartar buildup and protect your gums for the long term.
Brush Your Teeth with the Right Technique
Brushing your teeth twice a day is essential, but how you brush matters too. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and angle it at 45 degrees to the gum line. Gently brush in circular motions for at least two minutes. Electric toothbrushes are particularly effective at removing plaque before it hardens into tartar. It’s also important to remember to brush gently along the gum line, as this is where plaque will often settle and turn into tartar, facilitating gum recession and other periodontal challenges. If you’re experiencing gum recession, talk to your periodontist in Whitby about how to adapt your brushing technique and explore possible gum disease treatment options at The Perio Centre.
Floss Daily to Remove Plaque Between Teeth
While brushing addresses plaque and tartar on the surface of your teeth, flossing gets in between your teeth, which your toothbrush can’t effectively reach. Flossing once a day helps remove food particles and bacteria that lead to plaque and, eventually, tartar. Focus on getting under the gum line, using a gentle motion to avoid damaging your gums. Flossing not only prevents tartar but also lowers your risk of needing gum disease treatment or more invasive procedures like periodontal surgery down the road.
Use an Antibacterial Mouthwash
Adding an antibacterial or tartar-control mouthwash to your routine can reduce bacteria in your mouth and slow the rate at which plaque hardens into tartar. Look for a rinse that is alcohol-free and contains ingredients proven to fight plaque, like cetylpyridinium chloride or essential oils. This step is beneficial if you have crowded teeth or are prone to gum issues.
Avoid Sugary and Starchy Foods
The bacteria that form plaque feed on sugar and carbohydrates. Frequent snacking on sugary or starchy foods increases your risk of tartar buildup. Try to offset your intake of these types of foods with snacks that are better for your teeth, like raw vegetables, nuts, or cheese. Drinking enough water also helps wash away food particles and reduce the acidity in your mouth that contributes to plaque formation.
Embrace Professional Cleanings and Scaling at The Perio Centre
Tartar cannot be removed at home once it forms. Professional cleanings are essential to completely remove it and to prevent it from advancing into gum disease. Most people benefit from a dental cleaning every six months, though those with a history of gum issues may require more frequent visits.
If your gums are persistently red, swollen, or bleeding, it’s a good idea to consult a periodontist in Whitby as Dr. Adam Ohayon at The Perio Centre. As specialists, we focus on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum conditions and can provide deeper cleanings or surgical options if necessary. Our clinic is equipped with top-of-the-line equipment, including laser technology, to make the process more effective and comfortable. To learn more about how The Perio Centre team can enhance your gum health, stop the progression of bone or tissue loss, and eliminate tartar, book a consultation.