Have you ever run your tongue over your teeth and felt a rough, stubborn patch that just won’t brush away? That’s likely tartar, also known as calculus, a hardened form of plaque that clings stubbornly to your enamel. Unlike plaque, which you can remove daily with good oral hygiene, tartar requires professional cleaning by a dentist or hygienist. However, understanding how tartar forms, the damage it can cause, and steps you can take to prevent its buildup is essential for maintaining a healthy and beautiful smile.
Ignoring tartar can lead to serious consequences beyond just an unsightly appearance. It creates a breeding ground for bacteria, contributing to gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis), tooth decay, and even bad breath. Furthermore, the rough surface of tartar makes it easier for new plaque to accumulate, perpetuating the cycle of damage. Taking proactive measures to manage and prevent tartar formation is a vital investment in your long-term oral health and overall well-being.
What are the most frequently asked questions about tartar removal and prevention?
Can I remove tartar at home, or do I need a dentist?
You absolutely need a dentist or dental hygienist to remove tartar. While good oral hygiene habits at home can prevent tartar buildup, once it has formed, it’s too hardened to be removed effectively or safely with at-home methods. Attempting to scrape it off yourself can damage your enamel and gums.
Tartar, also known as calculus, is essentially hardened plaque. Plaque is the sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth. If plaque isn’t removed regularly through brushing and flossing, it mineralizes and hardens into tartar. This mineralization process usually takes place within a few days. Because tartar is strongly bonded to your teeth, professional dental tools are required to break it up and remove it without causing harm. Dentists and hygienists use specialized instruments like ultrasonic scalers and hand scalers to carefully remove tartar above and below the gumline. Trying to remove tartar yourself with tools not designed for dental use (like fingernails, knives, or homemade concoctions) is extremely risky. You could scratch the enamel, making your teeth more vulnerable to decay and staining. You could also irritate and damage your gums, leading to inflammation, bleeding, and even gum recession. Furthermore, you might not be able to reach all the tartar, especially in hard-to-reach areas or below the gumline, leaving the underlying problem unaddressed and potentially worsening over time. Prevention through regular brushing, flossing, and professional dental cleanings is the best approach to managing tartar.
What type of toothbrush is best for preventing tartar buildup?
A toothbrush with soft bristles and a small head, whether manual or electric, is best for preventing tartar buildup. The soft bristles allow for thorough cleaning along the gumline and between teeth, areas where plaque, the precursor to tartar, tends to accumulate. A small head makes it easier to reach all surfaces of the teeth, including the back molars.
While the type of toothbrush is important, proper brushing technique and frequency are even more critical. Even the best toothbrush will be ineffective if used incorrectly or infrequently. Focus on gently brushing all surfaces of each tooth, paying close attention to the gumline, for at least two minutes, twice a day. Using fluoride toothpaste further aids in preventing plaque from hardening into tartar. Electric toothbrushes, particularly those with oscillating-rotating or sonic technology, can be highly effective at removing plaque and, therefore, preventing tartar buildup. They often come with built-in timers to ensure you brush for the recommended two minutes and pressure sensors to prevent you from brushing too hard, which can damage your gums and teeth. However, a manual toothbrush used with proper technique can be just as effective. The key is consistency and thoroughness.
Are there specific foods that contribute to tartar formation?
Yes, foods high in sugars and starches are major contributors to tartar formation. These carbohydrates feed the bacteria in your mouth, leading to increased acid production that erodes enamel and promotes plaque buildup, which then hardens into tartar.
Tartar, also known as dental calculus, is essentially hardened plaque. While plaque is a sticky film that forms naturally on teeth, it’s relatively easy to remove with brushing and flossing. However, when plaque isn’t removed effectively, minerals from saliva deposit within it, causing it to harden into tartar. The sugars and starches from certain foods dramatically accelerate this process by providing ample fuel for oral bacteria to thrive and multiply. The more bacteria present, the more acid is produced, leading to a lower pH in the mouth, which favors the demineralization of enamel and faster plaque accumulation. Specifically, frequently consuming sugary drinks like soda and juice, as well as processed foods like candy, cookies, and chips, increases the risk of tartar formation. Even seemingly harmless starchy foods like bread, pasta, and potatoes can contribute if oral hygiene isn’t diligently practiced after consumption. The starches are broken down into sugars in the mouth, providing the same fuel source for bacteria. It’s not just *what* you eat but *how often* you eat these types of foods throughout the day that impacts tartar buildup. Constant snacking, even on seemingly small amounts of sugary or starchy foods, keeps the oral environment acidic, promoting continuous plaque formation and subsequent tartar development.
How often should I get a professional teeth cleaning to remove tartar?
The general recommendation is to get a professional teeth cleaning at least twice a year, or every six months. However, the ideal frequency can vary depending on your individual oral health needs and susceptibility to tartar buildup. Your dentist or dental hygienist can assess your specific situation and recommend a personalized cleaning schedule.
While twice-yearly cleanings are a good benchmark for most people, some individuals are more prone to tartar formation. Factors that can increase tartar buildup include genetics, diet high in sugars and starches, smoking, certain medical conditions, crowded teeth, and inadequate oral hygiene practices. If you fall into one or more of these categories, your dentist may recommend cleanings every three to four months to prevent excessive tartar accumulation and potential gum disease. It’s important to remember that professional cleanings are essential for removing tartar because it is hardened plaque that cannot be removed effectively with regular brushing and flossing at home. During a cleaning, your dental hygienist uses specialized instruments to scrape away tartar above and below the gumline, preventing inflammation, cavities, and more serious periodontal issues. Regular cleanings, combined with diligent at-home oral care, are crucial for maintaining optimal oral health and a bright, healthy smile.
Does mouthwash help to get rid of tartar or prevent it?
Mouthwash can help prevent tartar buildup, but it cannot remove existing tartar. Once tartar has formed, only a dental professional using specialized tools can effectively remove it.
Mouthwashes, particularly those containing fluoride or antimicrobial ingredients, can play a role in preventing tartar formation. They work by reducing the amount of bacteria in the mouth that contribute to plaque development. Plaque is the soft, sticky film that forms on teeth and, if not removed through brushing and flossing, hardens into tartar. By controlling plaque, mouthwash inhibits the initial stages of tartar buildup. Some mouthwashes also contain ingredients like zinc chloride or cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) which further reduce plaque accumulation. However, tartar is essentially calcified plaque, a hardened mineral deposit firmly attached to the teeth. The minerals within tartar are highly resistant to the ingredients found in mouthwash. Therefore, rinsing with mouthwash won’t soften, dissolve, or dislodge existing tartar. Think of it like trying to scrub away hardened cement with soapy water; it simply won’t work. Regular dental cleanings are essential for removing tartar and preventing it from causing further oral health problems like gum disease and tooth decay.
What are the risks of leaving tartar untreated?
Leaving tartar untreated poses significant risks to your oral health, primarily because it provides a rough, porous surface that harbors bacteria. This bacterial buildup can lead to gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis), tooth decay, bad breath, and eventually, tooth loss if left unaddressed.
Ignoring tartar allows bacteria to flourish and irritate the gums, causing inflammation and redness – the initial stage of gum disease known as gingivitis. If gingivitis isn’t treated through professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene, it can progress to periodontitis. Periodontitis is a more severe form of gum disease where the gums pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that become infected. The infection can eventually damage the bone and tissues that hold teeth in place, leading to loose teeth and potential tooth loss. Furthermore, the chronic inflammation associated with periodontitis has been linked to systemic health problems, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections. Beyond gum disease, the bacteria thriving in tartar produce acids that erode tooth enamel, contributing to cavities and tooth decay. The rough surface of tartar also makes it more difficult to effectively clean your teeth, creating a vicious cycle of increased plaque and tartar buildup. The persistent presence of bacteria also contributes to halitosis, or bad breath, which can be socially embarrassing and impact your confidence. Therefore, regular dental checkups and professional cleanings are crucial for removing tartar and preventing these detrimental consequences.