What is dental tartar and why is it important to remove it?

Dental tartar, also known as calculus, is an accumulation of bacterial plaque on the teeth and gums that mineralizes and calcifies due to the adhesion of bacteria, saliva, and calcium, forming a hard, yellowish or brownish coating that affects both dental esthetics and dental healthThe use of these products can cause problems such as tooth decay or periodontal disease.

Tartar tends to accumulate especially in areas of the mouth near the exit of the salivary gland duct, such as behind the lower front teeth and at the back of the upper teeth.

In some cases, tartar can turn black due to certain factors, such as having a high concentration of iron in the saliva. Black tartar can appear on other parts of the teeth, but it usually affects the molars and fortunately can also be treated with proper oral hygiene and professional cleaning by a dentist.

teeth with tartar

What problems can dental tartar cause

Dental tartar can cause multiple health problems if left untreated, and it is important to know how ignoring its presence can affect your oral health.

Dental tartar also traps food particles between the teeth, which causes bad breath and an unpleasant taste in the mouth.

The longer you allow dental tartar to remain in your mouth, the more bacteria will build up around it. These bacteria can begin to corrode tooth enamel, leading to tooth discoloration and tooth decay. They can also cause various gum diseases, such as lagingivitis and periodontitis, which are serious conditions that can lead to pain and tooth loss.

In addition, some studies link untreated dental calculus to other systemic problems, such as heart disease and diabetes.

How to know if I have tartar

Tartar looks like yellowish spots or dark brown streaks along the gum line or any area of the teeth where food particles accumulate.

To find out if you have dental tartar, the first thing you can do is look in the mirror. If you see discolored spots on your front teeth that do not disappear with brushing, it may be a sign of dental tartar.

You can also feel around the teeth with your tongue. Dental calculus will feel rough and abrasive, unlike a smooth surface when you don’t have calculus.

The most effective way to detect if you have dental tartar is to visit your dentist for a professional examination. Dental calculus can be difficult to see, but dentists have special tools that allow them to detect it easily.

What factors favor the appearance of tartar on the teeth?

As mentioned above, tartar forms due to the buildup of bacteria and other substances in plaque.Dental tartar is made up of minerals such as phosphorus, calcium and magnesium that come from your saliva and other sources.When saliva comes in contact with food particles on your teeth, it helps turn them into tartar.

A poor oral hygiene is the main cause of its appearance. In addition, certain habits such as smoking, some medications that cause dry mouth or excessive consumption of coffee, red wine or black tea and sugary products, also favor its accumulation.

The pH of saliva also seems to influence the appearance of tartar and dental caries: people with high levels of acidity are prone to caries. And if the saliva has a lower pH, it is more likely to develop tartar.

Can tartar be removed at home without going to the dentist?

Tartar cannot be removed at home. If you have detected tartar in your mouth, only a dentist or dental hygienist will be able to remove it completely with a professional dental cleaning. Beyond its aesthetic consequences, tartar causes the bacterial plaque on the teeth to grow larger and eventually leads to even more serious gum problems, such as gingivitis.

A professional dental cleaning is a completely painless procedure that, contrary to myth, does not wear down tooth enamel. A hygienist equipped with a non-rotating hand-held instrument called an ultrasonic tip cleans tartar from the visible enamel of the teeth and from just below the gum line.

It does not require anesthesia and usually lasts about 30 minutes if your teeth are in good condition, although it can take up to an hour if there is caries and tartar build-up due to poor oral hygiene.

Dentists recommend having one or two cleanings a year, especially for patients who are more prone to caries or periodontal disease, such as pregnant women or people with diabetes or other systemic diseases.

To remove tartar that has grown deeper under the soft tissues that support the teeth, a different treatment is necessary, called scaling and root planing, or curettage, which does require local anesthesia. This treatment helps reduce inflammation and can help improve gum health in people with severe plaque or tartar buildup.

It is not possible to eliminate tartar at home, but it is possible to prevent it. Do not smoke, do not drink coffee or herbal teas and brush your teeth frequently and correctly are important guidelines.

And don’t forget that your diet is also essential to prevent the appearance of tartar. Eat plenty of apples and carrots, and avoid, as much as possible, sliced bread. sweets and carbonated beverages.

5 Tips to prevent the appearance of dental tartar

The main prevention against dental tartar is to maintain proper oral hygiene:

1. Regular brushing of teeth:

– Brush your teeth after every meal, at least twice a day.

  • Spend at least two minutes per brushing session, making sure to cover all areas of the mouth.
  • Dentists recommend using a fluoride toothpaste because it strengthens the enamel and helps remove plaque to prevent tartar.
  • Change your toothbrush every three months or sooner if the bristles are worn out.

2. Use of Dental Floss and Interproximal Brushes:

– Use dental floss or interproximal brushes to clean food debris between the teeth and gums.

3. Tongue cleaning:

– Clean the tongue several times from the inside to the tip to remove accumulated bacteria.

4. Use of mouthwashes

The use of mouthwash twice a day helps to keep teeth and gums healthy, even in the most inaccessible corners.

5. Use of dental irrigator

Using a dental irrigator helps to clean even in areas inaccessible by other systems, such as under the gums

Home remedies to remove tartar naturally

In addition to these useful tips to prevent the appearance of tartar, there are also many other remedies you can try to remove dental tartar. Whatever remedy you decide to try, it is important to remember that none of them are a substitute for proper dental hygiene and regular checkups with your dentist.

How to remove tartar from teeth quickly and easily?

  • Sodium bicarbonate paste

One of the most common home treatments to combat dental tartar is baking soda paste, which dissolves deposits on the teeth without having to use any harsh chemicals.

To make this paste, just mix a teaspoon of baking soda with hot water until a thick paste is formed. Then brush your teeth with the mixture for two minutes before rinsing your mouth thoroughly with the mixture.

  • Apple cider vinegar

If baking soda paste is not enough, then you can try using apple cider vinegar. This natural remedy is acidic and can help break down deposits on the teeth, helping to remove them easily.

Just mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and water in a cup, and then use it as a mouthwash for two minutes every day or so. Remember not to swallow this mixture

  • Coconut oil

You can also try oil pulling with coconut oil. A method that consists of swishing coconut oil in the mouth for about 15-20 minutes per session.

The oil helps eliminate bacteria and plaque left on the teeth and gums, while strengthening them in the mouth.

  • Oxygenated water

Prepare a mixture with about 100 ml of water and 30 ml of hydrogen peroxide and use it to disinfect and remove tartar.

Most of these home remedies have one thing in common: applying them can involve severe damage to the tooth enamel.In addition, none of these recommendations for removing tartar will be effective without thorough dental hygiene on a regular basis. If you have any doubts, consult your trusted dentist who will surely help you to remove tartar safely and permanently.

Conclusion

Dental tartar is a common problem that can be prevented by maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental visits. Tartar can only be removed by professional cleaning in a dental clinic. Home remedies to remove tartar such as baking soda paste, apple cider vinegar or coconut oil can damage tooth enamel.

If you want to remove tartar effectively, contact our dentists in Barcelona at + (34) 669 154 020 and we will inform you about all our treatments without obligation. We attend to you in English

Remember that we are a Dental Clinic in Barcelona with great experience in treatments such as:

 

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What is gingivitis and how is it cured?

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Dental caries. What they are, how to treat them and how to prevent them

Toothache. What it is and how to reduce it

Phlegmon. What it is, how to treat it and how to prevent it

White spots on teeth. Why they come out. How to remove them

Jaw pain. Causes and treatments

Dra. Yasmin Raslan
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