More than 60 percent of people have a hard substance on their teeth known as dental tartar. Unlike the soft film known as plaque, you can damage your teeth if you try to scrape tartar from your teeth. Learning more about tartar and how to prevent it can help you keep your teeth and gums healthy for a lifetime.
Learn more about tartar prevention along with removal options, and book an appointment with Trident General Dentistry today!
What is Dental Tartar?
If dental plaque stays on your teeth, it forms tartar, also called calculus. Tartar can form on any tooth surface and build up beneath the gum line, irritating and damaging the gum and tooth. In addition, tartar provides a good surface for more plaque accumulation. When tartar remains on your teeth, it significantly increases your likelihood of tooth decay and gum disease.
Because of tartar’s yellow or brown color, it can adversely affect your smile. Since tartar is much more porous than tooth enamel, it can absorb stains easily. Coffee, tea, and tobacco can darken tartar and diminish a bright, white smile.
What is the Difference Between Dental Plaque and Tartar?
Everyone forms a sticky film on their teeth known as dental plaque. This is because we have over 700 kinds of beneficial bacteria in our mouths that help protect us from harmful bacteria and germs. These bacteria feed on the sugars and starches we consume. This mixture of bacteria and sugar leads to forming a soft, sticky, and mostly invisible film that builds up daily on our teeth.
Dentists emphasize plaque removal because of its harmful effects on your teeth and gums. If plaque remains long enough, it can cause dental cavities and gum disease. It can also harden into tartar. Tartar can form on your teeth when the minerals from your saliva combine with the plaque. This process can begin within 24 hours of plaque staying on your teeth.
One of the most significant differences between plaque and tartar is that you can remove plaque daily with brushing and flossing. However, once tartar forms on your teeth, it requires removal by a dental professional using specialized instruments.
What are the Problems Caused by Tartar?
Tartar causes several problems in your mouth, such as:
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Making brushing and flossing more difficult.
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Causing gum inflammation which may lead to periodontitis.
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Contributing to halitosis or bad breath.
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Making you more susceptible to getting cavities.
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Receding gums.
How Can I Remove Tartar Buildup?
Unfortunately, once tartar forms, you cannot remove it with brushing and flossing. Tartar adheres tightly to teeth and requires a dental professional to remove it. In most cases, this can be done in a single visit. However, if tartar buildup is severe, you may need multiple appointments to ensure total tartar removal. Tartar can accumulate on the root surface beneath the gum line. If this occurs, you may also need a procedure known as deep cleaning and root scaling. Having your teeth cleaned at Trident General Dentistry twice each year can help tartar prevention and give you the best removal options.
How Can I Prevent Tartar Buildup?
Regular removal of dental plaque is the key to preventing tartar buildup. The steps to a healthy and tartar-free mouth include:
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Brush your teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste for two minutes each time.
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Floss and use other interdental cleaners at least once each day to clean between your teeth.
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Eat a healthy diet of fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, and seeds. Avoid sugary foods.
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Avoid all tobacco products.
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Keep your regularly scheduled dental checkup and cleaning appointments.
Schedule an Appointment
Call us today to book an appointment with Trident General Dentistry for a comprehensive dental examination and professional teeth cleaning for tartar prevention and removal options.