While it might seem convenient for tartar to simply detach from your teeth, this is not a natural occurrence. Tartar, a hardened substance firmly bonded to tooth enamel, requires professional intervention for removal. This article will explain what tartar is, why it adheres so stubbornly, and the proper methods for its management.
What is Tartar?
Tartar, also known as dental calculus, is essentially plaque that has hardened on the tooth surface. Plaque is a sticky, colorless film composed of bacteria, food particles, and saliva that constantly forms on teeth. If plaque is not removed regularly through brushing and flossing, minerals from saliva cause it to calcify and harden into tartar.
Tartar appears as yellow or brown deposits and feels like a rough, hard shell on the teeth. It forms in areas where salivary glands are present, such as behind the lower front teeth and on the outside of the upper molars. This hardened substance is porous, providing an ideal surface for more plaque to accumulate.
Why Tartar Doesn’t Fall Off
Tartar does not fall off your teeth on its own due to its calcified nature and strong adherence to the tooth enamel. Once plaque hardens into tartar, it forms a strong bond with the tooth surface that cannot be broken by routine oral hygiene practices like brushing or flossing. This hardened material is comparable to concrete or a rock-like substance, making it highly resistant to mechanical forces.
The hardness of tartar means that even aggressive brushing cannot dislodge it. While occasional small bits of tartar might chip off, such as when eating hard foods, this is a sign of significant buildup and not effective removal. Attempting to remove it yourself can damage teeth and gums.
Professional Tartar Removal
Once tartar has formed, the only safe and effective way to remove it is through professional dental procedures performed by a dentist or dental hygienist. The primary method for tartar removal is a procedure called scaling. During scaling, specialized instruments scrape or vibrate the hardened deposits off the tooth surface.
Dental professionals use manual scalers or ultrasonic devices that employ a vibrating metal tip and a cool water spray to dislodge and wash away tartar. This process cleans both above and below the gumline, reaching areas that regular brushing cannot. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings help manage tartar and prevent oral health issues.
Preventing Tartar Buildup
Preventing plaque from hardening into tartar helps maintain oral health. Consistent oral hygiene practices can significantly reduce tartar formation. Brushing teeth twice daily for at least two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste helps remove plaque before it can calcify.
Daily flossing removes plaque and food particles from between teeth and below the gumline, areas a toothbrush cannot reach. Incorporating an antimicrobial mouthwash can further help reduce bacteria that contribute to plaque and tartar buildup. Limiting sugary and starchy foods and drinks also reduces the food source for bacteria that produce plaque. Regular professional dental cleanings remove any plaque or early tartar that home care might miss.