Oral hygiene is extremely important for everyone as it contributes to health. However, brushing alone cannot stop tartar from forming. Tartar, a common oral health concern, can lead to other oral hygiene issues if neglected.
This article helps us understand tartar, why it tends to form, its effects on the general state of the teeth, and how to deal with and prevent it. If you happen to be suffering from tartar, a Sudbury, MA dentist has some options to showcase your smile properly.
What is tartar?
During oral hygiene procedures, patients often hear the term ‘tartar,’ but many may not know what it is or why it needs to be addressed. Tartar is plaque that has hardened or calcified and bonded to the tooth enamel above or below the gum line.
One of the most troublesome oral health issues is tartar, which forms when plaque fails to be adequately removed over time and builds up. What sets it apart from plaque is that plaque can be removed with adequate brushing, while tartar fully relies on a dental expert to be treated.
What is tartar made of?
Tartar is largely made up of dead bacteria and proteins from saliva and is further classified into several types, including moist calcium phosphate, moist calcium carbonate, and magnesium phosphate.
Through repeated buildup of dead bacteria and proteins from saliva, a rough surface becomes increasingly difficult to maintain and leads to more plaque, complementing the need for professional assistance.
How Does Tartar Affect Your Teeth and Gums?
- Stains: Discoloration of teeth.
- Bad Breath: Achronic difficulty in breathing.
- Gingivitis: A mild form of gum disease.
- Enamel Erosion: Erosion of the outer covering of teeth.
- Gum Recession: Retreated gums, making the tooth root sensitive.
- Periodontitis: Advanced gum disease caused by tartar can result in bone resorption and tooth mobility.
How Long Before Tartar Damages Teeth?
If proper care is not provided, tartar might start in a few months, causing significant damage in some cases. First, it creates spaces between teeth or between a tooth and a gum. If this continues due to a lack of enamel, these areas will likely suffer major damage from cavities and infections, leading to other major oral health issues.
How do you treat tartar?
The only way to treat and avoid tartar formation is through professional help. Dentists or hygienists are trained and have suitable tools to remove plaque and tartar buildup from teeth, which is not visible, and removing plaque does not help.
Even though it might be enticing to experiment with removing tartar at home, it may damage your teeth and gums, raising their susceptibility to cavities. Depending on the degree of tartar formation, your dentist may suggest the following:
Dental cleaning
During a cleaning visit, a dental hygienist uses special instruments to remove plaque and tartar effectively. Polishing and flossing are also part of cleaning maintenance to prevent tooth and gum disease. Most adults require cleaning every six months, but people who tend to tartar may have to come more often.
Gum disease treatments
If gum disease is incurred due to tartar, treatment by scaling, root planing, or laser therapy may be indicated. These fight the tartar that is present beneath the gum line.
Conclusion
As this might be your last thought, it becomes crucial to remember and understand that tartar can still be built even when the best oral hygiene efforts are put in. If tartar gets accumulated, the best option is to visit a professionally trained dentist while also making sure that you are taking care to keep tartar from forming in the first place through regular checkups.