Enjoying optimal and bright oral health is the desire of many people. However, to successfully achieve that result, it is necessary to visit a trusted professional dentist regularly and maintain good daily oral hygiene habits. One of the most common oral problems in society is the accumulation of tartar on the teeth. Eliminating dental tartar in time is key to preventing severe conditions that may lead to the loss of teeth.
Stay and read this article to discover everything about tartar on the teeth.
What is tartar on the teeth?
Tartar on the teeth, also called or known as dental calculus, is a yellowish, hardened film that tends to appear on the upper part of the gums due to the accumulation of bacterial plaque. This is a direct consequence of poor oral hygiene or low-quality cleaning techniques.
When tartar has already formed, it is important to keep in mind that home brushing will not remove it. In this situation, it is essential to turn to professional dental cleaning tools, such as those offered by Gross Dentistas.
Cause of tartar
As we just mentioned, tartar on the teeth is caused by the accumulation of bacterial plaque.
Bacterial plaque forms from food debris or products that have not been properly cleaned away. Normally, they tend to gather between the teeth, and from this debris, bacteria begin to multiply exponentially.
In addition, there are certain foods or products that encourage the appearance of tartar on the teeth, such as soft drinks, sweets, wine, tea, tobacco, alcohol, etc. If the oral cavity is not thoroughly cleaned after consuming them, the risk of developing oral diseases increases significantly.
Consequences of tartar
Tartar can cause several problems in the mouth. As it accumulates, it irritates the gums and may cause gingivitis, which appears as redness, bleeding, and sensitivity. If left untreated, this inflammation can progress to periodontitis, a deeper infection that damages the bone and tissues supporting the teeth. This increases the risk of tooth mobility and even tooth loss.
In addition, tartar promotes the appearance of cavities, since it retains bacteria that damage the enamel. It can also cause persistent bad breath and create yellowish or brown stains that are difficult to remove with regular brushing. All of this affects both oral health and aesthetics, so eliminating and preventing tartar is key to maintaining a healthy mouth.
How is tartar on the teeth treated?
To cure or treat dental tartar, you must first visit a dental specialist so they can study and diagnose the personalized steps to follow.
There are two types of dental calculus: supragingival and subgingival. The difference between them is that in the first, the tartar is located on the surface of the teeth, and in the second, the tartar is located under the gum tissue.
Depending on the type of tartar, the treatment will be one or the other:
- Treatment of supragingival calculus: This is done through a professional dental cleaning performed by a dental hygienist. Using specific tools, the tartar on the tooth surface and between the teeth is removed.
- Treatment of subgingival calculus: This is carried out using a technique called “dental curettage.” It is a deeper cleaning that removes bacteria and tartar that have affected the gums. It cleans the mouth through root planing and scaling.
Tips to prevent dental tartar
Tartar appears when plaque hardens on the teeth. With simple habits, you can keep your mouth clean and prevent its formation. Our tips are:
- Brush your teeth well: do it 2–3 times a day for at least 2 minutes, reaching all areas.
- Use dental floss every day: it cleans between the teeth, where the toothbrush does not reach.
- Get professional cleanings: once or twice a year to remove tartar already formed.
- Watch your diet: reduce sugars, soft drinks, and coffee; avoid smoking.
- Use mouthwash: it helps reduce plaque and keeps breath fresh.
- Replace your toothbrush on time: every 3 months or when the bristles open.
- Choose an electric toothbrush: it usually cleans better and makes your routine easier.
- Drink enough water: it keeps your mouth hydrated and removes food debris.
- Chew sugar-free gum: it promotes saliva production, which protects the teeth.
- Avoid snacking between meals: this reduces constant plaque formation.
- Check your gums: if they bleed or are inflamed, visit the dentist.
- Use anti-tartar toothpaste: it helps control plaque buildup.
We help you remove tartar from your teeth
At Gross Dentistas, we have many years of experience in dentistry and are experts in identifying the causes and providing treatments to combat tartar on the teeth. Furthermore, we are professional orthodontists who offer you many options in dental appliances, metal braces, invisible orthodontics, aesthetic orthodontics, lingual orthodontics, etc.
If you need to visit a trusted dental clinic in Torremolinos and Málaga or need more information about any dental matter… contact us!
Ortodoncista especializada en el sistema de ortodoncia invisible, extensa trayectoria profesional y un gran número de pacientes satisfechos con los resultados obtenidos tras la finalización de su tratamiento.
