Oral health is an important part of our overall health, and tartar buildup can negatively impact this health. In this article, we will discuss what tartar is, why it occurs, its symptoms, treatment methods, and most importantly, ways to prevent tartar formation.
What is Tartar?
Tartar is a hard, yellowish or brown layer that forms on the surface of the teeth. It occurs when the bacterial layer called plaque in the mouth mineralizes over time. Plaque is a sticky layer formed as a result of the accumulation of food residues and bacteria on the surface of the teeth.
If plaque is not removed regularly, minerals (usually calcium phosphate) accumulate in the plaque and turn into tartar. The tartar formed as a result of this mineralization forms a hard layer on the teeth and can extend below the gum line.
Tartar frequently forms on the back of the teeth, on the inner surface of the teeth, and at the junction of the gums and teeth. Tartar that forms on the back of the teeth and on the inner surface of the teeth may not be easily visible during brushing and may be more difficult to clean.
What Causes Tartar?
The main reason for tartar formation is inadequate or complete neglect of regular and effective dental cleaning habits. Plaque in the mouth consists of bacteria, food residues and saliva that accumulate on the tooth surface. Plaque can be removed with regular brushing and flossing.
Failure to clean teeth adequately and regularly paves the way for plaque accumulation and therefore tartar formation. Not brushing your teeth regularly, especially at night and in the morning, can accelerate plaque formation.
How is tartar different from plaque?
Plaque is a sticky layer formed by the combination of bacteria, food residues and saliva that accumulate on the surface of the teeth. Plaque has a soft structure and can be easily removed using a toothbrush or dental floss. Tartar is formed when the minerals in the plaque mineralize over time. This mineralization causes the plaque layer to harden and tartar has a hard structure.
Plaque can be removed with regular dental cleaning habits. However, tartar can be removed with professional dental cleaning. When tartar forms, it must be removed from the tooth surface by the dentist with special tools.
Plaque appears on the tooth surface in a white or yellowish color. It is present as a thin layer on the tooth surface and can usually be easily noticed. Tartar usually appears yellowish or brown in color. It can be found as a distinct layer at the junction of the gums and teeth.
Tartar and plaque can cause significant problems for oral health. Plaque is one of the main causes of tooth decay and gum disease. Tartar can lead to gum disease, tooth decay and tooth loss.
Tartar Symptoms
Tartar may not usually cause noticeable symptoms, and many people may not notice tartar buildup. Tartar often forms at the junction of gums and teeth. For this reason, tartar formation can often occur around dental prostheses such as bridges or dental implants.
Tartar can accumulate at the junction of the gums and teeth and damage the gums. This can cause symptoms such as redness, swelling, tenderness and bleeding in the gums. Tartar can form a layer on the surface of the teeth, paving the way for tooth decay. Cavity formation on teeth may be an indication of the presence of tartar.
Symptoms of tartar are often associated with gum disease and can be noticed during regular dental exams. Your dentist may use methods such as dental exams and dental x-rays to determine the presence of tartar and possible complications.
Does Tartar Cause Bad Breath?
Yes, tartar can create bad odor as a result of bacterial deposits. Bacteria that accumulate between the teeth and at the junction of the gums and teeth can cause bad breath.
Does Tartar Cause Bleeding Gums?
Yes, tartar can cause bleeding gums. Tartar can accumulate at the junction of the gums and teeth and damage the gums. This can lead to gum disease and cause the gums to become tender, swollen and bleeding.
Tartar accumulates at the junction of the gums and teeth, putting pressure on the gums and irritating them. This can cause the gums to become tender and swollen. It can also cause inflammation of the gums. This condition, called gingivitis, can manifest itself with redness, swelling and bleeding of the gums.
Tartar can lead to a more serious gum disease called periodontitis as gingivitis progresses. Periodontitis is characterized by deep inflammation of the gums and damage to the supporting tissues of the teeth.
Oral and Dental Diseases That Tartar May Cause in the Future
Tartar is a condition that can cause serious problems on oral health. Potential diseases that tartar can cause include:
- Gum Diseases (Periodontal Diseases): Tartar can accumulate at the junction of the gums and teeth and damage the gums. This can lead to gum diseases, especially gingivitis and periodontitis.
- Tooth Decay (Caries): Tartar can form a layer on the surface of the teeth, paving the way for tooth decay. Tartar buildup on teeth can cause bacteria to multiply and produce acid. These acids weaken tooth enamel, encouraging caries formation.
- Tooth Loss: Advanced gum disease and tooth decay are one of the major complications caused by tartar. As gum disease progresses, teeth may become loose and tooth loss may occur.
- Root Decay (Tooth Root Resorption): Tartar can cause the gums surrounding tooth roots to inflame and recede. This may damage the bone tissue on the tooth roots and tooth root resorption.
These diseases caused by tartar can seriously affect oral health and increase the risk of other systemic diseases. At this point, early diagnosis and treatment are critical to protect oral health.
Dental Treatment Methods
There are various dental treatment methods to reduce the effects of tartar and maintain oral health. Here are some of them:
- Professional Teeth Cleaning: Professional teeth cleaning performed by a dentist is an effective method of removing tartar from the tooth surface. Plaque and tartar accumulated on the teeth are cleaned using special dental tools and the teeth are polished to obtain a smooth surface.
- Scaling: Scaling involves cleaning the tartar accumulated on the tooth surface with special dental tools. During this process, the gums are also cleaned and the tartar accumulated under the teeth is removed.
- Root Planing: Root planing is a treatment method used in advanced cases of gum diseases. During this procedure, the surface of the tooth roots is smoothed with special tools and cleaned properly. Root planing can halt the progression of gum disease and prevent tooth loss.
- Antibacterial Mouthwashes: Antibacterial mouthwashes can help prevent plaque formation and tartar buildup by reducing the number of bacteria in the mouth. Using an antibacterial mouthwash recommended by your dentist can support your oral hygiene.
Adopting regular dental cleaning habits and following your dentist’s recommendations is one of the most effective approaches to maintaining your oral health. To get information about dental scaling and deep scaling prices, you can visit https://doredent.com/dis-tasi-temizligi-fiyatlari-hesaplama-araci/.
Ways to Prevent Tartar Formation
Regular oral hygiene habits and healthy lifestyle choices are important to prevent tartar formation. Here are ways to prevent tartar formation:
- Regular Teeth Brushing: Brush your teeth every day, ideally in the morning and at night. Take care of every tooth surface and gums by using the correct brushing technique. Also, ensure effective cleaning by using your toothbrush with appropriate hardness and changing toothbrush heads.
- Regular Flossing: Use dental floss to clean plaque and food residue between the teeth and at the junction of the gums and teeth. This helps reduce plaque buildup in areas that cannot be reached by brushing your teeth.
- Using Mouthwash: Reduce the amount of bacteria in the mouth by using an antibacterial mouthwash. This can reduce plaque formation and tartar accumulation. However, using mouthwash should not replace tooth brushing and flossing.
- Healthy Eating Habits: Limit the consumption of sugary and starchy foods and adopt a balanced diet. Drinking adequate amounts of water also supports your oral health and reduces plaque formation.
- Avoiding Smoking and Tobacco Use: Cigarettes and tobacco products may increase the risk of tartar formation. Therefore, protect your oral health by avoiding smoking and tobacco use.
- Regular Dentist Check-ups: Going for regular dentist check-ups helps you protect your oral health. Your dentist can evaluate your oral and dental health, check tartar formation and recommend necessary treatments. Additionally, periodic dental x-rays recommended by your dentist can help detect underlying problems with tartar.
Following these steps to prevent tartar buildup is important to protect your oral health and prevent potential complications.
