Water flossers have become a popular oral hygiene tool, designed to enhance daily cleaning routines. These devices aim to clean between teeth and along the gumline, improving overall oral health. Many people wonder about their effectiveness, especially regarding tartar removal. This article will explore the nature of tartar, how water flossers operate, and clarify their role in dental care.
Understanding Tartar
Tartar, also known as dental calculus, is a hardened deposit that forms on tooth surfaces. It originates from dental plaque, a sticky biofilm of bacteria that constantly forms. If plaque is not consistently removed through brushing and flossing, minerals from saliva become incorporated into it, causing the plaque to calcify and harden. This hardening can occur rapidly, often within 24 to 72 hours.
Once plaque transforms into tartar, it adheres firmly to the enamel. It can form both above (supragingival) and below (subgingival) the gumline. Tartar provides a rough, porous surface that encourages further plaque accumulation, creating an environment where bacteria can thrive. Untreated tartar can contribute to gingivitis, which is gum inflammation, and can progress to more serious periodontal disease, cavities, and persistent bad breath. Its presence also makes teeth appear discolored, often yellowish or brownish.
How Water Flossers Work
Water flossers, also called oral irrigators, operate by directing a pulsating stream of water. This stream is generated by an electric motor and pump, which pressurizes water from a reservoir and expels it through a specialized nozzle. The combination of water pressure and pulsations dislodges food particles and rinses away loose plaque from areas toothbrushes might miss.
These devices are effective at cleaning between teeth and below the gumline. Their mechanism is particularly beneficial for individuals with braces, dental implants, or other dental work where traditional flossing can be challenging. Water flossers contribute to gum health by reducing plaque bacteria and inflammation associated with gingivitis. They effectively remove uncalcified plaque and debris.
Why Water Flossers Aren’t for Tartar Removal
Despite their effectiveness in removing food debris and loose plaque, water flossers are not designed to remove hardened tartar. This limitation stems from the nature of tartar itself. As plaque calcifies, it forms a rigid, concrete-like substance that strongly bonds to the tooth surface. This calcified material is too tenacious for a stream of water, regardless of its pressure, to dislodge.
The pulsating water from a water flosser, while capable of rinsing away soft deposits, lacks the abrasive or scraping force necessary to break the strong mineral bonds that secure tartar. Once tartar has formed, it becomes an immovable attachment that cannot be brushed or flossed away at home. While water flossers play a valuable role in preventing tartar formation by regularly removing plaque, they cannot address existing, solidified deposits.
Professional Dental Care for Tartar
Existing tartar requires removal by dental professionals. Dentists and hygienists use specialized tools and techniques to scrape away these hardened deposits. The process, known as scaling, involves physically dislodging the tartar from the tooth surfaces both above and below the gumline.
Professional tools include manual scalers, which are handheld instruments with sharp, hooked ends used to scrape tartar. Ultrasonic scalers are also commonly employed; these devices utilize high-frequency vibrations to fracture and dislodge tartar. A water spray accompanies ultrasonic scaling, cooling the tip and flushing away debris.
Regular professional cleanings are the only reliable method for removing tartar. They are important for long-term oral health. While water flossers are excellent for daily plaque control and preventing tartar buildup, they do not replace the need for professional tartar removal.