Can Listerine remove tartar? What to do if you have tartar and how to prevent it
Doctor, I heard that gargling with Listerine removes tartar!
Really?
Hmmm. It's tartar...
I understand! This time,Can Listerine remove tartar? We will discuss preventive measures to deal with tartar formation!
Can Listerine remove tartar?
Listerine is a mouthwash available over-the-counter at pharmacies and online retailers.
It contains various medicinal ingredients and is expected to prevent the formation of tartar and the deposition of dental plaque, which is the source of tooth decay and periodontal disease.
Using Listerine helps get rid of tartar."
Listerine got rid of my tartar."
I have heard rumors such as,Listerine does not remove tartar.
The reason,
- Because Listerine has no effect on dissolving tartar.
- I can't remove the tartar myself.
It is.
Reasons why Listerine does not remove tartar (1)
Listerine has a bactericidal effect that reduces the activity of oral bacteria and prevents the deposition of plaque and tartar.
However, it is only prevention,Listerine is not effective in dissolving or removing tartar from the teeth once it has arrived.
Listerine is not effective in removing it, so a different approach is needed for tartar.
Reason #2 why Listerine does not remove tartar: Tartar cannot be removed by yourself.
The second reason why Listerine does not remove tartar is,Tartar is a stain that you can't remove yourself.It is.
Tartar is a calcified form of dental plaque that combines with calcium in saliva.
When plaque becomes tartar, it sticks firmly to the teeth and becomes hard, so it cannot be removed simply by scrubbing with a toothbrush.
Of course, the same is true if you use Listerine.
Tartar that cannot be removed by self-care must be removed by a dentist using a special machine.
Effects of Listerine
Listerine is expected to have the following effects
- Prevents plaque and tartar adhesion
- Prevention of tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath due to its bactericidal effect
- Approaches to details that cannot be cared for with a toothbrush
Listerine is,The bactericidal effect reduces the activity of bacteria that cause tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath.
When bacterial activity is reduced by the bactericidal effect, plaque, which is formed when bacteria collect, is less likely to accumulate.
Since tartar is formed by the petrification of plaque, the less plaque buildup, the less likely tartar will form.
Also, since Listerine is a liquid, between teeth and in the grooves of the gums,It can be effective in getting into details that cannot be brushed with a toothbrush.
What to do when tartar is formed
Tartar must be removed by a dentist using a specialized machine.If you have tartar, get a dental cleaning.
If you have tartar, see your dentist for a cleaning.
The percentage of tooth stains that can be removed with a toothbrush alone is 58%, 86% with a toothbrush and floss, and 95% with a toothbrush and interdental brush. *
In addition, plaque turns into tartar in about 2-14 days.
There are varying degrees of tartar formation, but even the most cleanly brushed person will develop tartar over time.
Therefore,You should visit your dentist regularly, about once every 3 to 6 months.
*Source: Japanese Journal of Periodontology 1975, "Cleaning Effectiveness of Interdental Brush and Dental Floss.
Removing tartar by yourself is dangerous.
There are commercial dental care products that can be used to remove tartar on your own, though,
- Damaged gums
- Possible inflammation from damaged gums.
- There is a possibility of leaving tartar behind.
- You can't even remove the tartar that goes inside the gums.
Because of these dangers,Tartar should be removed by a dentist or dental hygienist.
How do I prevent tartar from forming? How to prevent it
To prevent tartar,It is important to prevent the formation of plaque, which is the source of tartar.
There are two key points to avoid plaque buildup
- Brush teeth carefully
- Review your diet
Brush teeth carefully
Dental plaque builds up by feeding on food debris and sugar.
- Brush your teeth after eating.
- Use floss or interdental brush between teeth.
- Use mouthwash (e.g., Listerine) that prevents tartar deposition
Keep this in mind,Brush your teeth daily to keep your mouth clean.
The backs of the lower teeth, where there is more saliva, are particularly prone to tartar formation, as the plaque and calcium in the saliva easily combine. Brush well.
Review your diet
Oral bacteria become active by feeding on sugars in food and drink.
Therefore,People who snack a lot and don't brush their teeth after meals are more likely to accumulate plaque, the source of tartar.It is.
- I snack a lot.
- Always in the habit of eating candy or gum.
- Habitually drinking carbonated or sugary beverages, etc.
People who have this type of diet,Be sure to time your meals and eat a well rounded diet.
summary
Tartar is hard and adheres to the tooth surface.Listerine does not dissolve or exfoliate tartar.If you get tartar, have your dentist remove it using a special machine.
Tartar does not end once and for all. It accumulates regularly, so it is recommended that you visit your dentist every 3 to 6 months.
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Graduated from Nagasaki University School of Dentistry, ~2018 Kyushu Medical Center, 2018-present Working at a dental clinic in Tokyo
After completing clinical training, worked in cosmetic dentistry in Tokyo. Currently a dentist and dental writer.
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