How to remove tartar from my teeth?

Dental tartar is a common problem that affects people of all ages around the world. It often forms gradually and can go unnoticed until it becomes a serious problem that requires professional dental care.

What is Tartar?

Tartar, also known as dental calculus, is a hardened buildup of dental plaque on the teeth. Dental plaque is a sticky film of bacteria and food debris that constantly forms on your teeth. If not properly removed with daily oral hygiene, plaque can mineralize and turn into tartar.

Tartar is yellow or brown in color and usually accumulates at the base of the teeth, near the gum line. As it hardens, it can extend up and below the gum line, causing a host of dental and oral health problems.

How is Tartar Formed?

Tartar formation is a gradual process that begins with dental plaque. Here's a step-by-step description of how it plays out:

• Dental Plaque Accumulation: Dental plaque constantly forms on the surface of the teeth. It contains bacteria that feed on sugars and starches in the foods we eat.
• Mineralization: If dental plaque is not removed by brushing and flossing regularly, minerals present in saliva, such as calcium and phosphate, can deposit on plaque. Over time, these minerals harden plaque and turn it into tartar.
• Tartar Progression: As tartar hardens, it becomes more difficult to remove through normal oral hygiene. It also provides an ideal place for bacteria to multiply, which exacerbates the problem.

Why is Tartar Harmful?

Tartar can have several negative effects on oral and general health:

Bad Breath: Tartar traps bacteria that release smelly sulfur compounds, causing persistent bad breath.

Gum Irritation: Tartar can irritate the gums and cause gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums that can cause redness, swelling and bleeding.

Periodontal Disease : If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to more serious periodontal disease, which can result in tooth loss and other oral health problems.

Difficulty Cleaning Teeth: Tartar can make it difficult to properly clean your teeth with a brush and floss, increasing the risk of cavities and other dental problems.

Impact on Dental Aesthetics: Tartar can stain teeth and make them appear darker or yellow, which negatively affects the aesthetic appearance of the smile.

How to Remove Tartar

Tartar removal is a process that generally needs to be performed by a dental professional. Here are several methods used by dentists to remove tartar:

Dental Scaling: Dental scaling, also known as curettage, is a procedure in which the dentist uses special instruments to scrape tartar from the surfaces of the teeth and under the gums. This procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia.

Dental Ultrasound: Some dentists use ultrasound devices to remove tartar. These devices emit high-frequency vibrations that loosen tartar from your teeth.

Deep Cleaning: In more severe cases of tartar buildup, a deep dental cleaning, also known as periodontal cleaning, may be required. This involves a combination of scaling and root planing, where tartar buildup is removed both on the surface of the teeth and under the gums.

Dental Laser: Some dentists use dental lasers to remove tartar. The laser is effective at removing tartar and disinfecting the gums in the process.

Medication Treatments: In severe cases of periodontal disease, antibiotics may be prescribed to control the bacterial infection.

Tips for Preventing Tartar

The best way to treat tartar is to prevent its formation in the first place. Here are some tips to prevent tartar buildup:

Regular Brushing: Brush your teeth at least twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste. Be sure to brush all surfaces of your teeth and tongue.

Flossing: Floss daily to remove plaque and food debris that your toothbrush can't reach.

Mouthwash: Use an antimicrobial mouthwash recommended by your dentist to help reduce bacteria in your mouth.

Regular Dentist Visits: Make regular appointments with your dentist for professional dental checkups and cleanings. This will help identify and remove any tartar buildup before it causes serious problems.

Avoid Sugary Foods and Drinks: Reduce your intake of sugary foods and drinks, as sugar is a favorite food of bacteria that cause dental plaque.

Chewing Sugarless Gum: Sugarless gum can stimulate saliva production, which helps neutralize acids and remove food particles from your mouth.

Drink Water: Water is essential to keep your mouth hydrated and rinse food debris from your teeth.

Avoid Tobacco: Tobacco can contribute to the formation of tartar and increase the risk of periodontal disease.

Tartar and General Health

In addition to affecting oral health, dental tartar can also have implications for general health. It has been shown that there is a relationship between periodontal disease, tartar accumulation and various medical conditions, including:

• Cardiovascular diseases
• Diabetes
• Respiratory diseases
• Premature births and low birth weight babies

This underlines the importance of prevention and proper treatment of tartar.

If you already have tartar, it is important to seek professional treatment to remove it and avoid more serious dental and medical problems in the future. Prevention and proper care of your oral health are key to maintaining a healthy smile and an overall healthier life.