tartar build-up

[xanidu2012]

Yesterday, February 18th, I went to the dentist to get my teeth cleaned. There was a lot of Tartar buildup only on the right side and none on the left side. Does any one have suggestions on how to decrease/eliminate the buildup. I constantly brush even if I haven't eaten; I floss regularly, I rinse, I use Tartar control toothpaste. What am I not doing? Is there any product other than what I'm doing/using to help

[flips712]

Do you use a waterpik?

[starfish88]

I used to get a lot of tartar build up around 1 tooth as it was so out of position it was almost impossible to keep it 100% clean. I found tepe brushes help a lot but the problem may resolve itself as you have braces for longer.

[Tobilei]

I'm no help but I've noticed in the last couple of weeks, no matter what I do, my teeth just feel slightly furry or gross at the back (mostly on the top, the bottom one's feel fine). I don't know if it's tartare buildup but I think I'll go for extra cleanings while I have these things on my teeth.

[xanidu2012]

No. I started to get one but someone I know who used to wear braces said it was a waste of money. Will a water pik work And also with a water pik does it take place of flossing

[starfish88]

I don't think it totally replaces flossing but it really helps keep things clean. I used mine to replace flossing the first month and for a couple of days after adjustments because it hurts less too. It's also a really quick way to get food out of your brackets!

[xanidu2012]

Thanks starfish. I'll invest in one then. And it will most likely still be an investment after these braces come off

[starfish88]

And it's great for bathroom water fights! It may just be that those teeth are harder to brush at the moment, especially since the other side is good. Are the teeth very crooked or do you have a spring there? I found that really hard to clean but it is temporary and the teeth are easier to clean when they get straighter.

[Bernadette007]

Vitamin k2 really helps with this! K2 helps your body lay down minerals where they belong and not where they don't. I take 10mg per day of the Carlson and since I have been consistent with it I get a thumbs up from my hygienist and ortho

[junglejulie]

Vitamin k2 really helps with this! K2 helps your body lay down minerals where they belong and not where they don't. I take 10mg per day of the Carlson and since I have been consistent with it I get a thumbs up from my hygienist and ortho

I have never heard of these ... are
they over the counter?

[Bernadette007]

Vitamin k2 really helps with this! K2 helps your body lay down minerals where they belong and not where they don't. I take 10mg per day of the Carlson and since I have been consistent with it I get a thumbs up from my hygienist and ortho

I have never heard of these ... are
they over the counter?

Yes, it's just a vitamin you can find in a well stocked supplement store and online. Google "vitamin k2 dental plaque" and you can see what others have said.

[xanidu2012]

Hey starfish. They were really crooked had springs about 6 months ago. But teeth movement was painful but quick. Got the water pik. I like. I like . Haven't found the vitamin k2

[Sita]

I have been using an electric toothbrush for most of my treatment. After brushing my teeth I run it lightly along the gumline to massage my gums and make sure everything is clean. I know that this works, for me at least, because I went in for my check up and cleaning today and my dentist didn't do the cleaning as there was no plaque anywhere in my mouth. It was pleasing to know that my vigilance had paid off and I got to save some money as well.

Do you use interdental (proxy/proxa/christmas tree) brushes when you clean your teeth? Putting a bit of toothpaste on them and brushing under the wire and any other equipment you have in there goes a long way to keeping everything clean so ut you haven't been doing that you might want to give it a try. Good luck!

[Anastasia8]

Bet you're right handed, always more difficult to clean our right side cause we're using our left hand. Just take a bit more time on that side.