Tartar is a hardened form of plaque that builds up on teeth over time. When plaque is not removed through regular brushing and flossing, it can calcify and turn into tartar, also known as calculus. Tartar is more difficult to remove than plaque and can lead to gum disease and tooth decay if left untreated. Removing tartar is essential for maintaining good oral hygiene and preventing dental problems.
In this article, we will explore the methods used to remove tartar from teeth, the importance of professional dental cleanings, and how to prevent tartar buildup in the future.
Understanding Tartar and Its Impact
What Is Tartar?
Tartar forms when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, hardens on the surface of your teeth. Plaque develops when food particles mix with the bacteria in your mouth. If plaque is not removed through regular brushing and flossing, it mineralizes and turns into tartar, which firmly attaches to the tooth’s enamel. Unlike plaque, tartar cannot be removed by brushing alone, making professional intervention necessary.
Tartar can develop above and below the gumline, leading to a range of oral health issues. Above the gumline, tartar can cause yellow or brown staining, while below the gumline, it can irritate the gums and contribute to gum disease, such as gingivitis or periodontitis.
Why Is It Important to Remove Tartar?
Leaving tartar untreated can lead to several dental complications. The hardened substance acts as a surface for more plaque to accumulate, increasing the risk of cavities, gum inflammation, and bad breath. Over time, tartar buildup can cause the gums to pull away from the teeth, leading to more severe conditions such as periodontal disease, tooth loss, and bone damage.
By removing tartar promptly and maintaining good oral hygiene practices, you can protect your teeth and gums from serious long-term damage.
Professional Tartar Removal
Scaling and Root Planing
The most effective way to remove tartar from teeth is through a professional dental cleaning. Dentists or dental hygienists use a process called scaling and root planing to remove tartar. During scaling, special instruments are used to scrape away tartar from both above and below the gumline. This process is typically done using either manual tools or ultrasonic devices that vibrate to loosen and remove tartar.
Root planing is the next step, which involves smoothing out the root surfaces of the teeth to help the gums reattach to the teeth. This step helps to remove any remaining plaque and tartar while also preventing future buildup.
Professional scaling and root planing are essential because tartar cannot be removed by brushing or flossing alone once it has formed. Regular dental cleanings, typically every six months, are recommended to keep tartar in check and maintain overall oral health.
The Role of Dental Hygienists
Dental hygienists play a crucial role in tartar removal during your routine dental visits. They use specialized tools and techniques to carefully clean your teeth, removing plaque and tartar that may have accumulated since your last cleaning. Hygienists may also provide advice on how to improve your at-home oral care routine to prevent future tartar buildup.
In some cases, more frequent cleanings may be recommended for individuals who are particularly prone to tartar buildup or who have early signs of gum disease.
At-Home Tartar Prevention
Brushing and Flossing Techniques
While professional cleanings are necessary to remove tartar that has already formed, there are steps you can take at home to prevent plaque from hardening into tartar. Brushing and flossing are the foundation of good oral hygiene and are essential for reducing plaque buildup.
Brushing your teeth at least twice a day using fluoride toothpaste helps remove food particles and bacteria that contribute to plaque formation. Make sure to brush all surfaces of your teeth, including the gumline, where plaque and tartar are more likely to develop.
Flossing once a day helps to clean the spaces between your teeth that your toothbrush cannot reach. Plaque tends to accumulate in these tight spaces, and if left unchecked, it can harden into tartar.
Using an Antibacterial Mouthwash
Incorporating an antibacterial mouthwash into your oral care routine can help kill bacteria that contribute to plaque buildup. Mouthwash can reach areas of your mouth that brushing and flossing might miss, providing an added layer of protection against plaque formation.
While mouthwash alone cannot remove tartar, it can be a valuable tool in preventing it from forming in the first place. Look for a mouthwash that specifically targets plaque and tartar control.
see also: How to Get Rid of Plaque Yourself
Lifestyle Habits That Reduce Tartar
Diet and Tartar Formation
Your diet plays an important role in your oral health and can influence how much plaque and tartar form on your teeth. Sugary and starchy foods provide fuel for the bacteria in your mouth, which in turn produce acids that contribute to plaque formation.
By reducing your intake of sugary snacks and drinks, you can help lower the amount of plaque that forms on your teeth. Additionally, eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and calcium can support healthy teeth and gums, making it easier to keep tartar at bay.
Drinking Water and Staying Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps to wash away food particles and bacteria that contribute to plaque buildup. Water also stimulates saliva production, which naturally helps to neutralize acids in the mouth and rinse away debris. Staying hydrated is a simple yet effective way to support your oral health and prevent tartar formation.
Conclusion
Tartar is a common dental issue that can lead to serious oral health problems if not addressed. While regular brushing and flossing are essential for reducing plaque, tartar can only be removed through professional dental cleanings. Scaling and root planing are the most effective methods for removing tartar and preventing gum disease.
In addition to regular dental visits, maintaining a good oral hygiene routine at home can significantly reduce your risk of tartar buildup. By brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and using an antibacterial mouthwash, you can keep plaque under control and prevent it from hardening into tartar.
Taking a proactive approach to your oral health, including watching your diet and staying hydrated, will help you maintain a healthy, tartar-free smile for years to come.
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