Tartar is one of the leading causes of gum disease, so it is important to tackle it quickly and efficiently. Though we all know that an annual trip to the dentist is important for keeping our teeth and gums happy and healthy, preventing tartar build up also depends on a solid routine at home, including good diet and oral hygiene habits. Brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash are important parts of any oral hygiene routine.
Tartar, also known as dental calculus, is a hardened form of plaque that can trap stains on teeth and around the gum line. This sticky film of bacteria forms on teeth, both above and below the gum line, and can lead to a range of oral health issues if left untreated. Practicing good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, is essential to prevent tartar buildup. However, only a dental professional can remove tartar from your teeth, making regular dental cleanings a crucial part of maintaining good oral health.
What is Dental Calculus?
When we eat, leftover food particles remain on our teeth and gums, which are consumed by the bacteria that live in our mouths. This process causes plaque to form and can damage our teeth and gums if it is allowed to linger. Plaque is a colourless film, which can harden into tartar if it isn’t removed regularly through brushing and flossing. Untreated tartar buildup can lead to gum diseases like gingivitis and periodontal disease.
Causes of Tartar Buildup
Tartar buildup occurs when dental plaque, a soft and removable substance that forms on teeth daily, is not effectively removed through good oral hygiene practices. Over time, this plaque hardens into tartar, a more stubborn form of dental plaque. Factors such as poor oral hygiene, smoking, and tobacco use can significantly contribute to tartar buildup. Additionally, hard-to-reach areas on teeth and a diet high in sugary and starchy foods can increase the risk of tartar formation. Regular dental cleanings and diligent oral hygiene practices are key to preventing tartar buildup and maintaining healthy teeth and gums.
How Does Tartar Form?
Tartar forms when we do not regularly remove plaque from our teeth. Tartar, also called calculus, is much harder to remove than plaque, and can solidify both on our teeth and below the gumline. Unlike plaque, tartar is fairly easy to see. The most common sign of tartar buildup is a yellow or brown deposit between your lower front teeth or along your gumline. Black tartar is often linked to gum disease and can result from smoking and tobacco use.
When plaque hardens into tartar, it irritates our gums, causing them to turn red and swell. Tartar is composed of various minerals, including calcium phosphate and magnesium phosphate, which contribute to its hard structure. Irritated gums may also bleed. This condition is called gingivitis, and if it is allowed to progress it can evolve into periodontal disease, which may result in tooth loss.
Identifying Tartar Buildup
Tartar buildup can be identified by its yellow, brown, or even black color, often appearing as stains on teeth, especially around the gum line. It can also cause swollen gums, bleeding gums, and persistent bad breath. If left untreated, tartar buildup can lead to more serious oral health issues such as gum disease and tooth decay.
A dental professional can diagnose tartar buildup during a routine dental cleaning and provide personalized advice on how to prevent it. Regular dental check-ups are essential for early identification and treatment of tartar buildup, making it easier to manage and prevent further complications.
Prevention Methods
Preventing tartar buildup requires consistent and effective oral hygiene practices. Brushing and flossing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste is fundamental. Using a mouthwash that kills bacteria and prevents plaque buildup can also be beneficial.
Additionally, avoiding sugary and starchy foods and visiting your dentist regularly for professional cleanings can help keep tartar at bay. A healthy diet and regular exercise contribute to overall good oral health.
The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing once a day to remove plaque and prevent tartar buildup.
How Do You Get Rid of Tartar?
The only way to completely get rid of tartar is to have it removed by a professional, such as your dentist or dental hygienist. During your annual cleaning, your dental hygienist will use specialized tools to scrape the tartar off your teeth, as well as remove any tartar that has built up below your gumline.
Professional dental cleanings are crucial for effective tartar removal and maintaining oral health. To maintain optimal oral health, it is recommended to visit your dentist every six months for cleanings.
However, the best way to combat tartar is to avoid letting it form in the first place. There a few things you can do at home on a daily basis to help combat tartar buildup:
Brush your teeth at least twice per day, for a minimum of two minutes. If you don’t brush for the minimum two minutes you may not be able to remove all the plaque, which will allow tartar to form.
Choose a toothbrush with soft bristles, that is small enough to comfortably fit in your mouth. When you brush don’t forget to scrub hard to reach places such as the backs of your teeth and your molars.
Choose a tartar control toothpaste that contains fluoride. Fluoride is an excellent way to prevent, slow, and even reverse tooth decay.
Consider switching to an electric toothbrush. Studies have found that electric toothbrushes may be more effective at removing plaque than manual toothbrushes. Whichever toothbrush you choose, ensure it features the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance.
Use dental floss. Brushing our teeth is important, but toothbrushes are not designed to get between the gaps in our teeth, and according to the Canadian Dental Association, means that we can miss more than one-third of the surface of our teeth.
Be mindful of what you are eating. The bacteria in our mouthes thrive on sugary and starchy foods, and when they interact with these foods they produce acids that damage our tooth enamel.
Use mouthwash. Mouthwash is an excellent way to kill the harmful bacteria in our mouths that cause plaque to develop in the first place.
Don’t smoke. Smoking causes a wide variety of health problems and can make it harder for your body to fight off infections and gum disease. According to the CDC smokers are nearly twice as likely to develop gum disease than non-smokers. The longer you smoke, and the more frequently you smoke, the more likely you are to develop gum disease.
Professional Dental Cleaning
A professional dental cleaning is the only way to effectively remove tartar buildup from your teeth. During this procedure, a dental hygienist or dental professional will use specialized instruments to remove tartar and plaque from your teeth, both above and below the gum line. Regular dental cleanings are essential for preventing tartar buildup and maintaining good oral health.
The frequency of dental cleanings depends on individual oral health needs, but most people benefit from a cleaning every six months. During a professional dental cleaning, your dental professional will also examine your mouth for signs of oral health issues, such as gum disease and tooth decay, and provide personalized advice on how to maintain good oral health.
Conclusion
The best way to tackle tartar buildup is to practice good oral hygiene to stop tartar from forming in the first place. You can keep tartar at bay by brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash regularly. If you already have tartar, your dentist or dental hygienist will have to remove it for you at your next cleaning.