What is tartar and how it affects teeth and gum?

What is tartar on teeth ?

Tartar is the hard calcified deposits that form and coat the teeth and gums.

What causes tartar on teeth ?

It is formed when the bacteria that is naturally occurring in the mouth mixes with remnants of food particles especially where the teeth and gums meet to form a sticky film known as plaque later on this sticky film harden to form Tartar.

How does tartar affect teeth and gums ?

Tartar can make it harder to brush and floss as you should.

This can lead to cavities and tooth decay.

Tartar formed above your gum line could be bad for you. That's because the bacteria in it can irritate and damage your gums.

How to clean tartar off teeth ?

Once tartar has formed, only a dentist will be able to remove it from your teeth. So, visit your dentist every 6 months to remove any plaque and tartar that might have formed and to prevent further problems.

How to fix tartar on teeth at home ?

It's very important to brush, floss, and rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash to prevent tartar buildup.

But there are a few things that may be helpful to remove tartar at home, we always recommend visiting the dentist for any dental procedure in addition to the regular visit twice a year.

Below we share a few methods that could be helpful:

Does baking soda remove tartar teeth ?

Yes, Baking soda can help soften tartar's structure and neutralize bacterial acid. All you need to do is mix a teaspoon of baking soda in your toothpaste solution. Apply the mixture to your teeth and let it stay for at least 15 minutes.

Does vinegar remove tartar from teeth ?

Yes, using white vinegar is another method that can cut through tartar.

Mix white vinegar in a glass of warm saltwater. This solution can then be gargled once a day to aid in the removal of tartar.

Using orange peels to remove tartar

The vitamin C and antimicrobial properties of the orange peel not only cut through caked-on tartar and plaque but also kill microbial growth on teeth.

Take tartar off your teeth by a dentist

As we always recommend visiting a dentist for dental procedures whether big or small, the same with removing tartar dental clinics are equipped with the required equipment for such procedures.

How tartar is removed ?

Plaque and tartar are removed with an ultrasonic scaler which uses sonic vibrations to break apart harmful build-up. After the plaque and tartar are broken up, the ultrasonic scaler shoots water into the dental crevices to wash away debris.

People who may need more often cleanings

On the flip side, if the patient has needed more than one dental deep cleaning in their life then it may be necessary to get routine cleanings as often as every three months afterward. Additionally, if the gum disease was in a severe stage then it may be necessary to get routine cleanings even more frequently than every three months.

How to prevent tartar from forming on teeth ?

There are a few important points we need to give special attention to avoid developing tartar:

Visit dentist at least twice a year

Regular dental visits are important because they help to keep your teeth and gums healthy. During the dental checkup, your dental professional will check your overall oral health for any trouble areas. During the cleaning, your dental professional will remove any plaque and tartar buildup and may polish your teeth.

Teeth regular brushing

Brush regularly, twice a day for 2 minutes a time.

A 30-second scrub twice a day won’t remove plaque or prevent tartar. Use a brush with soft bristles that is small enough to fit into your mouth. Be sure to include the hard-to-reach surfaces behind your teeth and on your rear molars.

Dental floss use

Floss, floss, floss.

No matter how good you are with a toothbrush, dental floss is the only way to remove plaque between your teeth and keep tartar out of these hard-to-reach areas.

Daily rinse with antiseptic mouthwash

Use an antiseptic mouthwash daily to help kill bacteria that cause plaque.

Keep away from smoking

Studies show that people who smoke cigarettes or use other tobacco products are more likely to have tartar.

Keep an eye on your food

The bacteria in your mouth thrive on sugary and starchy foods. When they’re exposed to those foods, they release harmful acids. Try to eat a healthy diet and limit the amount of sugary foods you eat.

Brush and drink plenty of water during and after meals.

ILAJAK Medical© | A passion for care.

Sources: WEBMD