You may have heard the term and wondered what is tartar? Tartar, also called dental calculus, is a hardened plaque that forms on your teeth and below the gumline.
It results from the mineralization of the soft deposits known as plaque. The soft deposits turn into tartar when plaque is not removed adequately through brushing and flossing. Understanding tartar and how it affects oral health is crucial for maintaining healthy gums.
What is It?
Tartar is a yellow-brown substance that can build up on your teeth. It can lead to various dental issues. It’s formed when plaque, which is a sticky film of bacteria, reacts with the minerals in your saliva. This leads to its hardening.
Unlike plaque, tartar on teeth cannot be removed by regular brushing only. It requires professional intervention by your dentist.
How Does Tartar Form?
Tartar formation begins with the formation of plaque. Plaque is a sticky and thin coating that constantly forms on your teeth.
Plaque contains bacteria that mixes with food particles and saliva, producing acids. These acids may erode the tooth’s enamel, causing different kinds of dental diseases like cavities.
Plaque hardens into tartar within 24 to 72 hours, making it much more challenging to remove. This happens mostly because of improper oral hygiene. In fact, studies report that 47.2% of adults over 30 live with some form of gum disease, often linked to tartar buildup.
Why is Tartar Harmful?
Tartar on teeth provides a textured surface that makes it easier for more plaque to accumulate. This can propagate a vicious cycle where more tartar forms, resulting in more plaque buildup.
The presence of tartar is a risk factor for several dental problems like the following:
- Gum Disease: Tartar irritates the gums and can lead to gingivitis. This is the early stage of gum disease. If untreated, this can progress to periodontitis, a severe condition that can eventually result in tooth loss.
- Cavities: The bacteria in plaque and tartar produce acids that erode tooth enamel. This leads to decay and infection.
- Bad Breath or Halitosis: Tartar harbors bacteria that can cause persistent bad breath. It may create awkward social situations and decrease self esteem.
- Stained Teeth: Tartar can absorb stains from food and drinks. It can make your teeth look brown or yellow.
How to Remove Tartar?
Removing tartar requires more than just regular brushing and flossing. Since it is hardened, you need to go for a dental checkup for it to be effectively resolved. Here’s how you can approach it:
- Professional Scaling Treatment: The most effective way to remove tartar is through professional scaling or cleaning treatments. Dental hygienists use specialized tools like ultrasonic scalers to remove tartar from the gumline. Handheld instruments may also be used.
- Root Planing: This procedure smooths out the root surfaces. It removes any tartar deposit, which prevents bacteria from adhering to the teeth.
- Polishing: After tartar removal, the teeth are polished to remove surface stains. This makes your teeth smooth, making it harder for plaque to form.
Home Care for Tartar Prevention
You can prevent its formation by practicing the following:
- Brush Twice a Day: Use a fluoride toothpaste and brush your teeth two times a day in a circular motion.
- Floss Daily: Flossing removes plaque between the teeth and below the gumline.
- Use an Antiseptic Mouthwash: Rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash can reduce bacteria in the mouth, lowering the risk of plaque and tartar formation. Different types of mouthwashes are available like chlorhexidine or fluoride mouthwashes.
- Regular Dental Visits: Dental check-ups once in every six months can keep your teeth free from tartar buildup.
- Electric Toothbrush: These appliances are more effective at removing plaque than manual ones. Look for one with a timer to ensure you’re brushing for the correct amount of time.
- Tartar Control Toothpaste: Some toothpaste is formulated to prevent tartar formation. They contain compounds like pyrophosphates. Pyrophosphates, such as tetrasodium pyrophosphate, act on the minerals in plaque and prevent tartar buildup. They also contain fluoride and other antibacterial ingredients that help in controlling plaque.
- Water Flosser: A water flosser can improve your oral cavity hygiene. This is especially true for those who struggle with traditional flossing. It makes use of a stream of water to remove plaque and food debris from the teeth.
Can You Remove Tartar at Home?
While you may come across various DIY methods on the internet claiming to remove tartar at home, it’s important to note that these are often ineffective and can even be harmful.
Home remedies such as baking soda, vinegar rinses, or scraping with sharp objects can damage your teeth enamel and gums. Tartar removal should be left to professionals who have access to proper tools and expertise to safely remove it without causing damage.
Conclusion
Understanding what tartar is and how to effectively manage it can help you build better oral hygiene. Tartar can progress to serious dental problems if not addressed promptly. Regular professional cleanings and with proper at-home care, you can keep tartar at bay and ensure the best oral hygiene.
Our dentists at RiverRock Dental can meet all the dental needs of you and your family. We offer various dental services from professional scalings to dental implants.
Contact us today or book a consultation. We are here to help you achieve your best smile.
Our address: 403 1st Ave East Shakopee, MN 55379
Phone : (952) 445-5556
