Why does tarter tend to form back on your teeth after a scaling even if you are brushing twice daily?

Question

I had to get a scaling done on my teeth in 2005. I have been brushing, flossing, and swoshing faithfully in the morning and before bed ever since. After I brushed my teeth yesterday evening , I noticed tarter has formed again in the back of my upper teeth. What extra steps can I take to prevent having this procedure done every few years?

Answer 1

Have you been back to the dentist since you had the scaling in 2005? It is common even for people who have cleanings every six months to have some tartar buildup. But the longer you wait, the more tartar you will have. Some people just develop tartar more than others. But it does not come off with brushing and flossing. Having a professional cleaning is the only way to remove tartar. I've had patients who have had scaling done, and then I don't see them again for a few more years. Then they're upset that they have to have scaling again. I tell them that if they had come in twice a year since the scaling, they would not have needed it again. Some patients develop tartar so fast, they have to have a cleaning every 3 months. If you are visiting your dentist regularly, ask how you can improve your home care, or why you are developing tartar in a certain area.

Answer 2

I would take extra time to brush tartar prone areas. I had mild peritonitis (sp?) and with religious brushing and paying special attention to tartar prone areas (the bottom front of my teeth) I was able to prevent plaque buildup from happening.

What my dentist suggested to me was brush LIGHTLY (as not to strip more gum and induce more damage than already exists) for an extra 10 seconds on those areas in a circular motion... Are you flossing correctly?

Since it is the back of your upper teeth It has to be harder to reach so I suggest you go to walmart and look in the dental isle... there is this thing that looks like a mini thin brush that should aid you in getting to that area.

Good luck