Water flossers are everywhere! From commercial advertisements to influencer marketing. People are using them and find them quite effective. However, there is a variety of opinions regarding its effectiveness. Water flossers are great for removing plaque and food particles from hard-to-reach areas, but they can’t get rid of hardened tartar. However, using a water flosser regularly can help prevent tartar buildup and keep your teeth and gums healthy between dental visits.
What Is Tartar & How Does It Form?
Tartar, or dental calculus, is a hardened deposit that forms on teeth and below the gumline. It develops when plaque, a sticky layer of bacteria, food particles, and saliva, is not cleaned off properly. Minerals in saliva, like calcium and phosphate, react with plaque and cause it to harden into tartar.
Plaque starts forming within minutes after eating or drinking sugary or starchy foods. Bacteria feed on sugars, creating acids that mix with food particles and saliva to form plaque. If it isn’t removed within 24 to 72 hours, minerals in saliva cause it to harden into tartar, which sticks to teeth and the gumline. According to Dr. Arpitkumar Patel of Richmond Dental Care, “Brushing regularly and getting professional cleanings are essential to prevent tartar buildup. If tartar isn’t removed, it can cause gum inflammation and lead to serious gum disease.”
Limitations of Water Flossers in Tartar Removal
Water flossers are a great addition to your oral hygiene routine. However, they have limitations. They cannot remove tartar because it is a hardened, mineralized deposit that requires professional cleaning. Water pressure alone is not strong enough to break down these tough deposits. Water flossers effectively reduce plaque, which can turn into tartar if not removed in time. However, once plaque hardens into tartar, a water flosser cannot reverse the process. Studies show they remove plaque better than string floss in certain areas, but they do not work on hardened buildup.
“To get the best results, combine water flossing with regular brushing, fluoride toothpaste, and string floss. Most importantly, don’t skip professional cleanings; seeing your dentist every 3 to 6 months is essential for removing tartar and keeping your teeth healthy.” Says Dr. Arpitkumar Patel.
How to Remove Hardened Tartar?
Hardened tartar, or dental calculus, cannot be removed at home and requires professional dental cleaning. Here’s how dentists remove tartar and how you can prevent it:
Professional Tartar Removal
- Dentists or hygienists use special tools to scrape off tartar from above and below the gumline.
- A device with high-frequency vibrations and water jets breaks apart and removes stubborn tartar quickly and effectively.
- In some cases, lasers help remove tartar and kill bacteria deep in gum pockets, especially for advanced gum disease.
Preventing Tartar Buildup
Although you can’t remove tartar, you can prevent it with the help of the following:
- Brush twice daily with fluoride or tartar-control toothpaste that contains pyrophosphates or baking soda.
- Floss daily to remove plaque between teeth and along the gumline.
- Use a water flosser or antibacterial mouthwash to clean hard-to-reach areas and reduce bacteria.
- Eat fresh fruits and vegetables to increase saliva flow, which helps wash away plaque.
Wrapping Up
No matter how powerful your water flosser is at removing plaque. It can’t be a substitute for professional dental cleanings. However, using them correctly will earn you some appreciation from your dentist for keeping your hygiene game strong.
Annie Edith is an experienced journalist and content creator with a strong passion for health and wellness. She takes a unique approach to her writing, exploring the latest trends in Dental, Fitness, and mental well-being, while providing readers with informative, research-based articles.
