Tartar, also known as dental calculus, is a common dental concern that forms on teeth. It is essentially hardened dental plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that constantly develops on tooth surfaces. This calcified deposit can significantly impact oral health, leading to various dental problems if left untreated.
Understanding Tartar Formation
Dental plaque is a soft biofilm composed of bacteria, food particles, and saliva that regularly accumulates on teeth. These bacteria feed on sugars, producing acids and forming this sticky film. If not removed promptly, plaque begins to harden as minerals from saliva are deposited into its structure. This calcification can occur rapidly, often within 24 to 72 hours, transforming plaque into a rough, crust-like substance known as tartar. Once tartar forms, it bonds strongly to the tooth enamel and cannot be removed through regular brushing and flossing.
Mechanisms of Damage
Tartar contributes to dental problems through several distinct mechanisms. Its rough and porous surface provides an ideal environment for more plaque to accumulate and bacteria to thrive, making effective oral hygiene challenging. The bacteria embedded within tartar produce acids that directly erode tooth enamel, the hard outer layer protecting the tooth, leading to demineralization and weakening the tooth structure. Beyond direct acid damage, tartar irritates gum tissues, initiating an inflammatory response that causes the gums to become red, swollen, and prone to bleeding. Furthermore, the physical presence of tartar creates a barrier that obstructs effective brushing and flossing, preventing new plaque buildup and exacerbating bacterial accumulation, compromising overall oral cleanliness.
Long-Term Health Implications
If left untreated, the damaging effects of tartar can lead to a progression of serious oral health conditions. The enamel erosion caused by acids from tartar-harboring bacteria eventually creates small holes, known as cavities or dental caries, which compromises the tooth’s integrity and can lead to sensitivity and pain. The persistent gum irritation and inflammation from tartar often manifest as gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease, characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums. Untreated gingivitis can advance to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease, where inflammation spreads, causing the gums to pull away from the teeth and forming pockets where more bacteria can accumulate. This progression can lead to the destruction of the bone and tissues supporting the teeth, potentially resulting in tooth mobility and even tooth loss; the bacterial activity and decay associated with tartar also contribute to chronic bad breath, or halitosis.
Management and Prevention
Removing existing tartar requires professional intervention, as it is firmly attached to tooth surfaces. Dental professionals use specialized instruments in a procedure called scaling to effectively remove tartar deposits from above and below the gumline. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are important for identifying and addressing tartar buildup before it leads to significant damage. Preventing tartar formation primarily relies on consistent daily oral hygiene practices, including brushing teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily to remove plaque before it has a chance to harden into tartar. Limiting the consumption of sugary and starchy foods and drinks also reduces the fuel available for plaque-forming bacteria.