What is tartar – Understanding the causes and treatment of this common dental problem

Tartar, also known as dental calculus, is a hardened plaque that forms on teeth when proper oral hygiene is not maintained. It is a yellow or brown deposit that builds up over time and can cause a number of dental problems if left untreated.

Plaque refers to the sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth every day. When plaque is not removed regularly through brushing and flossing, it can mineralize and harden into tartar. This calcified deposit is much more difficult to remove and requires professional dental cleaning.

It is important to note that tartar cannot be removed by brushing alone and requires the intervention of a dental professional.

There are several factors that can contribute to tartar formation, such as poor oral hygiene, improper brushing and flossing techniques, irregular dental cleanings, tobacco use, and certain medical conditions. Once tartar has developed, it provides a rough surface for additional plaque to accumulate, further contributing to dental problems.

Tartar buildup not only affects the appearance of your teeth, it can also lead to serious dental problems such as gum disease, cavities, and tooth loss. Regular dental checkups and cleanings are essential to prevent and treat tartar buildup. Your dentist or dental hygienist can effectively remove tartar using specialized tools and techniques, improving your oral health and preventing potential complications.

Understanding Tartar: What You Need to Know

Causes of Tartar: Tartar develops when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, mineralizes and hardens on the teeth. Plaque forms naturally on teeth after consuming foods and drinks that contain sugars and starches. If plaque is not completely removed by brushing and flossing, it can harden and turn into tartar within days. Certain factors can increase the risk of tartar formation, such as poor oral hygiene, smoking, dry mouth, and genetic predisposition.

Tartar develops when plaque mineralizes and hardens on teeth.

Poor oral hygiene, smoking, dry mouth and genetic predisposition can increase the risk of tartar formation.

Tartar and Oral Health:

• The accumulation of tartar can cause inflammation of the gums, also known as gingivitis, which is an early phase of gum disease.
• If not, gingivitis can evolve to periodontitis, which leads to a disease of the most serious gums and the possible loss of teeth.
• The tartar in the teeth can also contribute to tooth decay by providing a rough surface so that the bacteria adhere and thrive.
• In addition, tartar can cause bad breath (halitosis), since bacteria present in the tank release unpleasant smell compounds.

To prevent tartar training and maintain oral health in general, it is essential to follow adequate oral hygiene practices, such as brushing your teeth regularly, using dental thread and undergoing professional dental cleaning. Finding advice and dental treatment in the first signs of tartar can help prevent its progression and reduce the risk of more serious complications.

Causes and Formation of Tartar

Causes of tartar formation:

1. Bad oral hygiene: a brushing and use of inadequate dental thread allow the plate, a sticky film of bacteria, accumulate in the teeth. Over time, this plate hardens and becomes tartar.
2. Composition of saliva: the mineral content of saliva varies from one person to another. Individuals with high levels of calcium and phosphate in saliva are more prone to tartar formation.
3. Dietary habits: The consumption of foods rich in sugar and carbohydrates favors the proliferation of bacteria in the mouth. These bacteria feed on these sugars and produce acids that contribute to tartar formation.
4. Smoking and consuming tobacco: tobacco products, including cigarettes and chewing tobacco, significantly increase the risk of tartar formation. The chemical substances of tobacco products can irritate and damage the gums, making them more susceptible to the accumulation of tartar.

Tartination formation is a gradual process that begins with the accumulation of plaque in the teeth. If it is not eliminated by adequate oral hygiene practices, this plate hardens and becomes tartar. Sarter is a hard substance that cannot be eliminated only with brushing and requires professional dental cleaning.

Sarter Effects:

• Gum disease: the accumulation of tartar irritates the gums, which causes inflammation and swelling. This can progress to gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, if not.
• Bad breath: bacteria present in tartar produce smelly compounds that cause persistent bad breath.
• Cavities: Tartar provides a rough surface for plaque to adhere to, increasing the risk of tooth decay and cavities.
• Tooth discoloration: The brown or yellowish color of tartar can stain and discolor teeth, affecting their appearance.

To prevent tartar formation, it is essential to practice good oral hygiene. Regular brushing and flossing, along with routine dental checkups and professional cleanings, can help keep tartar at bay and maintain optimal oral health.

The Impact of Tartar on Oral Health

Tartar can cause serious dental problems such as:

• Gum disease (periodontitis) – The presence of tartar provides a perfect breeding ground for bacteria, leading to inflammation and infection of the gums. This can end up leading to gum disease, causing symptoms such as gum recession, bleeding, and even tooth loss.
• Cavities – Tartar buildup can create rough surfaces on teeth, making it easier for plaque to build up in hard-to-reach areas. This can lead to the formation of cavities, which are irreversible areas of tooth decay.
• Bad breath (halitosis) – Bacteria present in tartar can release foul-smelling compounds, contributing to chronic bad breath.
• Tooth discoloration – As tartar builds up on your teeth, it can cause noticeable yellow or brown stains, which can detract from the look of a healthy smile.

Tartar buildup is not only aesthetically unattractive, but also poses significant risks to overall oral health. Regular dental cleanings and effective oral hygiene practices, such as brushing and flossing, are essential to prevent tartar formation and its associated complications.

How to Identify and Diagnose Tartar

One of the most obvious signs of tartar buildup is the presence of yellow or brown spots on the teeth. In its early stages, tartar may appear as a thin layer on the surface of the tooth, but as it builds up, it hardens and becomes more visible. Regular dental checkups are crucial to recognizing the presence of tartar, as dentists are trained to identify signs of dental calculus that may not be easily detectable to the untrained eye.

Important information:

• Tartar can only be removed by a dental professional through a process called scaling.
• Untreated tartar can cause gum inflammation, gingivitis and periodontitis.
• Regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings are essential for tartar prevention.

In addition to visual inspection, dental professionals use various diagnostic techniques to identify and evaluate the extent of tartar. A commonly used method is the use of a dental probe, which is a thin instrument used to measure the depth of the gum pockets. Deeper pockets often indicate the presence of tartar below the gum line, which can be a cause for concern. X-rays may also be taken to evaluate the condition of the teeth and bone structure, providing a more complete assessment of tartar buildup and its effect on oral health.

To keep tartar at bay, it’s important to maintain a proper oral hygiene routine, which includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day with a fluoridated toothpaste, flossing daily, and using an antiseptic mouthwash. Regular visits to the dentist for professional cleanings are crucial to removing tartar that may have formed despite consistent oral care practices. If a vigilant and proactive attitude is maintained in maintaining oral health, tartar can be identified and diagnosed in time, preventing its progression and possible complications.

Preventive Measures to Avoid Tartar Build-up

1. Brush and floss regularly: The foundation of preventing tartar buildup lies in maintaining a diligent oral hygiene routine. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste helps remove plaque and prevent its buildup. It is crucial to pay attention to each tooth surface, the gum line and the back of the teeth. Flossing once a day is equally important, as it helps remove plaque and food particles from areas that your brush can’t reach. These practices minimize the chances of plaque hardening and turning into tartar.

• Use proper brushing techniques: Be sure to use a soft-bristled brush and gentle, circular motions when brushing. Avoid using excessive force or rocking movements, as these can damage your gums and enamel.
• Consider using an electric toothbrush: Electric toothbrushes may be more effective at removing plaque than manual ones. Its oscillating or rotating bristles can help remove plaque more effectively.
• Tip: Don’t forget to replace your toothbrush every three to four months or when the bristles show signs of wear.

2. Adopt a balanced diet: to make dietary decisions that favor oral health can significantly reduce the risk of tartar formation. Limiting sugary and rich food intake decreases the amount of plat e-producing substances in the mouth. Instead, opt for a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. These nutrien t-rich foods favor saliva production, which helps neutralize acids and eliminate bacteria that cause the plate.

1. Avoid chopping between hours: chopping between hours frequently favors the production of plate acids, which leads to tartar formation. Keep a regular food schedule and avoid sugary or acidic snacks.
2. Keep hydrated: drinking a lot of water throughout the day favors the production of saliva and eliminates food particles that contribute to plate and tartar formation.

Applying these preventive measures and performing periodic dental reviews, people can significantly reduce the risk of sartering accumulation. Remember that taking care of your oral health contributes greatly to conserve a safe smile and general wel l-being.

Professional Treatments for Tartar Removal

There are several professional treatments for the elimination of tartar, each of which offers unique advantages and treatment methods. A commonly used method is the scraping and root smoothing, also known as deep cleaning. This procedure implies the use of specialized tools to manually eliminate the tartar of the teeth and roots, focusing on areas that are difficult to achieve with regular brushing and dental thread.

1. Scaling and Root Planing

In the scraping process, a dental hygienist or dentist uses a scraper to gently remove the tartar and plate of the teeth surface. This is done both above and below the gum line. After the scraping, a root smoothing is performed to smooth the roughness of the roots of the teeth, favoring the reintegration of the gingival tissue on the dental surface and avoiding future accumulations. This procedure may require several visits, depending on the degree of accumulation of tartar and the state of the patient’s gums.

2. Ultrasonic Scaling

Ultrasonic scraping is another effective method to eliminate tartar. Use a vibratory device that emits ultrasonic waves to break and eliminate tartar deposits. The device also spray a refreshing water fog that helps irrigate the treated area and eliminate remains. Patients usually prefer ultrasonic scraping due to their comfort and effectiveness to eliminate tartar, especially in difficult access areas.

Professional treatments for the elimination of tartar, such as scraping and ultrasonic scraping, are crucial to maintain good oral health and prevent gum diseases and tooth decay.

It is important to keep in mind that the elimination of tartar must always be carried out by a qualified dental professional to minimize the risk of damaging teeth and gums. Periodic dental cleanings and reviews are essential to identify in time the accumulation of tartar and take the necessary measures to avoid subsequent complications. By giving priority to professional treatments for the elimination of tartar, people can maintain a healthy smile and improve their general oral hygiene.

Long-term Consequences of Untreated Tartar

One of the most worrying lon g-term consequences of unreasonable tartar is the development of periodontal disease. The accumulation of tartar provides an ideal environment for harmful bacteria to proliferate, which causes inflammation and gum infection. This initial phase of gum disease is known as gingivitis. Without proper treatment, gingivitis can evolve to periodontitis, which implies the destruction of the tissue of the gums and the underlying bone that supports the teeth. Loss of teeth and tissue damage resulting can seriously affect general oral health and quality of life.

IMPORTANT: According to the American Academy of Periodontics, people with unreasonable tartar are at a higher risk of developing systemic conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and respiratory infections.

In addition, the presence of tartar can cause aesthetic problems. As the tartar accumulates along the line of gums, it can yellow or discolor the teeth, giving rise to an antistics smile. This can significantly affect the sel f-esteem and trust of a person. In addition, the rough tartar surface provides an ideal environment for a greater accumulation of plaque, which leads to more important lon g-term oral problems.

To address and prevent the lon g-term consequences of the accumulation of tartar, it is essential to perform periodic dental reviews and professional cleaning. Dental professionals have the necessary tools and knowledge to effectively eliminate tartar and plaque, guaranteeing optimal oral health and preventing possible complications.

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Author of the article

Dr.Greenblatt M.

Medical oncologist at the Robert Larner College of Medicine, MD, at the University of Vermont