Is Tartar normal on teeth?
Nearly two thirds of all adults have dental tartar or calculus on their teeth. Tartar is an extremely hard deposit which collects on the gums and the teeth. Plaque which is not removed with routine brushing and flossing will hardens within 1-3 days. Plaque which is not removed from the teeth turns into tartar. The buildup of tartar makes it challenging to clean the teeth with regular brushing and flossing. This can cause issues such as gum disease, bad breath, and cavities. Tartar is bonds to the enamel of the tooth and cannot be removed at home. A dental professional must remove it with specialized tools.
All patients have bacteria in their mouth which combines with sugary or starchy foods which are consumed. When this occurs, plaque is formed and coats the teeth and gums with a sticky film. Plaque contains acid-forming bacteria which can cause damage to the tooth’s enamel, resulting in cavities. Plaque which is not properly removed, eventually becomes tartar. Tartar is incredibly rough and porous. Special dental tools must be used to properly remove the substance. The accumulation of tartar can cause receding gums and gum disease.
Patients are more likely to develop plaque if they eat sugary foods, consume foods high in carbohydrates, have a chronically dry mouth, or use tobacco products. While it is impossible to completely avoid plaque, patients can prevent buildup through regular brushing and flossing.
Prevention
Practicing good oral hygiene is the best way to prevent the accumulation of tartar. Below are key components of a good oral hygiene regimen:
1. Brush the teeth twice each day for at least two minutes with a fluoridated toothpaste
2. Consume a balanced and healthy diet
3. Do not smoke or use tobacco products
4. Floss daily
5. Make regular visit to the dentist every 6 months
6. Use a soft bristled toothbrush and ensure it is regularly replaced
Tartar Removal
Tartar bonds to the tooth’s enamel and cannot be removed through routine brushing and flossing. In order to remove tartar, the patient will require a professional cleaning, debridement, or scaling and root planing. Patients with minor tartar accumulation can have the plaque removed during a professional cleaning at the dentist. The dental professional will use a scaler to remove the tartar on the teeth and around the gums.
A debridement is used when patients have dense calculus on their teeth. Higher levels of tartar can make it difficult for the dentist to perform a comprehensive oral examination. Hand tools and ultrasonic instruments are used to break up the tartar and ensure it can be removed.
Patients with gum disease often have pockets between the teeth and gums. This often requires the use of a scaling and root planing procedure. Scaling and root planing is completed using local anesthesia. During the procedure, plaque and tartar are removed around the gumline and within the pocket. Following the removal of tartar, the dentist will smooth out the roots of the teeth. This helps ensure reattachment of the gums.
Patients must take care of their teeth and gums to ensure they remain healthy. It is critical to address any issues as soon as possible before they cause long-term problems and require costly treatment.