Dental tartar, also known as dental calculus, represents a common challenge to maintaining oral health. This hardened substance forms on teeth surfaces and along the gumline, posing difficulties for removal through routine brushing. Understanding tartar and its management is important for preserving oral health. This article explores what tartar is, why home removal attempts are not advisable, professional procedures, and effective prevention strategies.
What is Tartar?
Tartar is a calcified deposit that forms on teeth, evolving from dental plaque. Plaque begins as a soft, sticky film composed of bacteria, food particles, and saliva that adheres to tooth surfaces. If this plaque is not consistently removed through oral hygiene, minerals in saliva, such as calcium and phosphate, interact with it, causing it to harden into tartar. This mineralization process can begin within 24 to 72 hours of plaque formation.
Unlike the soft film of plaque, tartar is a rough, crust-like substance that strongly adheres to the tooth surface. Its porous nature provides an ideal surface for further plaque accumulation, creating a cycle that compromises gum health. Tartar buildup can lead to several oral health problems, including gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease characterized by inflamed, swollen, and bleeding gums. Untreated tartar also contributes to tooth decay by making it harder to clean teeth effectively, and it can cause persistent bad breath.
The Limitations of Home Tartar Removal
Once plaque has hardened into tartar, it becomes too firm to be removed by brushing or flossing. Attempting to remove tartar at home using abrasive methods or sharp objects, such as dental picks or metal tools, is not recommended and can be harmful. These household methods are ineffective against tartar’s strong bond to tooth enamel and carry significant risks. Such attempts can damage tooth enamel, the protective outer layer of the tooth, which cannot regenerate once lost.
Improper scraping can injure gum tissue, potentially leading to gum recession, increased sensitivity, and even infection. Using non-sterile tools introduces harmful bacteria into the mouth, increasing the risk of oral health complications. Home methods are unlikely to remove all tartar effectively, especially deposits located below the gum line, where it poses the greatest threat to oral health. Dental hygienists undergo extensive training, typically two years or more, to safely and effectively remove these deposits using specialized instruments.
Professional Tartar Removal Procedures
Professional dental cleanings are the only safe and effective way to remove accumulated tartar. Dentists and dental hygienists use specialized tools and techniques for this process, often referred to as scaling. Scaling involves removing all plaque and tartar from both above and below the gum line. This procedure can be performed using manual instruments, such as dental scalers and curettes, which precisely scrape away deposits.
Another common method involves ultrasonic devices, which use high-frequency vibrations to break down tartar and plaque. A water spray accompanies the vibrations, flushing away debris and cooling the scaler tip. For advanced cases of gum disease where deep pockets have formed between the gums and teeth, a procedure called root planing may be performed. This involves smoothing the tooth roots to remove bacteria and toxins, helping the gums reattach to the tooth surface. These professional cleanings are important for preventing gum disease progression and maintaining dental health.
Strategies for Preventing Tartar Formation
Preventing tartar from forming is the most effective approach to maintaining oral health. Consistent and proper oral hygiene practices are important. Brushing teeth thoroughly twice a day for two minutes, using a soft-bristled toothbrush, helps remove plaque before it hardens into tartar. Electric toothbrushes can be effective at plaque removal compared to manual ones.
Daily flossing is important, as it removes plaque and food particles from between teeth and along the gum line, areas a toothbrush cannot easily reach. Using an antimicrobial mouthwash can further reduce bacteria and help prevent plaque buildup. Limiting consumption of sugary and starchy foods is beneficial, as bacteria thrive on these substances, producing acids that contribute to plaque formation. Regular check-ups, typically every six months, are important, allowing professionals to remove missed plaque and early tartar, preventing more significant issues.