Tartar buildup on DD 2.5 top teeth

[LilyPilley]

Hi, anyone else have experience with tartar buildup on a toddlers teeth? I'm rather annoyed - my DD has always allowed me to brush her teeth and have done so religiously since she first got them. I suspect this may be caused by the fact that she still drinks one or two bottles of milk at night. I understand that the sugars in milk can cause tartar buildup. There is no way she will sit still for a dentist - she absolutely freaks out on a trip to the doctors. Any advice on how I can remove the tartar or do I have to wait until she's ready to visit the dentist, and will that be really damaging to her teeth? Any advice appreciated.

Bump

CaN you stop the milk?

Yes, I think I will need to. Doesn't help the damage already done though.

Has she been to the dentist yet? I know you said she won't sit still, but has she seen anyone?

No, I called this morning and they suggested I bring her in - just to get used to the chair. The likelihood is that they don't do anything yet as it's not severe enough for sedation.

Milk doesn't cause tartar build up, it's the action of saliva on plaque that causes tartar so if you're brushing properly every day then tartar can't grow. Tartar doesn't cause damage per se, if it's there and you can clean the actual tartar then it will be ok. It's the long term effects of plaque and tartar that cause gum disease in adults.