Tartar is the reaction that is caused by the bacteria that attacks your teeth and gums after eating and drinking. Therefore, in order to prevent tartar build up, you need to make sure to have good oral hygiene practices.

Good oral hygiene practices are thoroughly flossing, brushing and caring for your teeth, in addition to eating a healthy diet. Each of these steps is imperative if you are to prevent tartar buildup.

Tartar is caused from the bacteria that happen after you eat food, drink liquids, chew gum, smoke, have saliva in your mouth etc. Just about anything that increases the saliva in your mouth will trigger the bacteria that causes tartar.

Start by flossing your teeth three times a day. This will remove the tartar and bacteria from between your teeth. Use the floss in about 18-inch pieces. Wrap the floss around your index fingers and slide the floss carefully between the teeth. Hold the floss in a C-shape formation and gently rub the floss back and forth. Be sure not to snap the floss against the gums as this will surely irritate and possible make the gums bleed.

Now you will want to brush your teeth. Brushing should take about two minutes. Hold your brush at a 45-degree angle. Brush your teeth in little back and forth motions, making sure to go to the gum line.  It is a good idea to use toothpaste with fluoride and tartar control qualities. Brush the front and back of all the teeth and also the tops of each tooth and your tongues. You should be brushing your teeth at least three times a day. It is also a good idea to brush your teeth if you eat sweets, drink hot drinks, or drink carbonated drinks.

Finally a good tartar control rinse is a something that will help prevent the future build up of tartar for a few hours. Tartar control rinses can be used before hand to help break down up to 50% of the tartar on your teeth.

You can also use regular water in between meals, to swish and rinse out the bacteria if you eat a snack. Water has some fluoride to strengthen teeth. So you will get the benefit of removing some of the tartar in addition to strengthening your teeth.

Tartar is a very serious cause of tooth, gum and bone disease in your mouth, because it turns into the decay and gingivitis. The best way to prevent tartar is to practice good oral hygiene at all times.

Part of this practice is to also eat a healthy diet. This means foods rich in vitamins and minerals, in addition to a high fiber intake. If you can not brush your teeth as often as you would like, remember that there are foods like apples that are a natural form of tooth brush that can help prevent tartar build up between brushing.

Tartar is something that no matter how hard you try it may still build up. This is why it is important to have your teeth cleaned regularly by a dentist. You dentist will also be able to help you create a healthy oral hygiene plan to prevent cavities and tartar.