Tartar and Teeth Damage?
Tartar buildup can cause tooth discoloration, especially along the gum line. It can also result in the teeth feeling dirty and rough. Tartar or calculus can slowly build up on teeth over time. It can appear colorless or be a pale yellow color.
Tartar buildup can form in multiple layers. The first layer is called the maturation phase. It takes place quickly, just 24 hours after the substance initially forms. The maturation phase makes the tartar so hard that it cannot be removed at home with routine brushing and flossing. The second layer is the mineralization phase. This causes the tartar to harden and it becomes even more difficult to remove.
Patients who practice good oral hygiene can still experience the buildup of tartar. That is one reason why patients should make regular visits to the dentist for an examination and professional cleaning. Untreated tartar buildup can cause oral issues such as cavities, gum disease, and even tooth loss.
Tartar and Plaque
Plaque is a sticky substance which accumulates on and between the teeth after patients eat and drink. Certain things, such as foods high in sugar or carbohydrates, are more prone to creating plaque. Surprisingly, some foods such as apples and hard cheeses actually help remove plaque.
When patients fail to brush their teeth and floss, it allows plaque to collect on the teeth and turn into tartar. Patients with misaligned, crowded, or damaged teeth can find it challenging to properly clean the teeth and effectively remove the plaque. Within about 24-72 hours, remaining plaque will turn into tartar. Similar to plaque, tartar attracts additional bacteria and can expedite the issue. Tartar sometimes presents itself as yellowish spots around the gum line.
While the buildup of tartar can change the aesthetics of a patient’s smile, it can also cause other serious issues.
Tartar makes it more challenging to clean the teeth. Tartar cannot be removed through regular brushing. Flossing is also ineffective when there is significant tartar build-up. When the teeth and gums cannot be properly cleaned, it causes the issue to become worse and lead to cavities.
Unfortunately, cavities aren’t the only issue that can arise from tartar. It can also cause gums irritation and gum disease. Gingivitis is the earliest form of gum disease which may require a deep cleaning to address. When it is identified early, the problem can be treated and reversed. When patients have periodontitis or advanced gum disease, the consequences may be more serious and require more aggressive treatments such as gum grafts.
Plaque hardens and turns into tartar rather quickly. It unfortunately doesn’t take long for tartar build up to cause serious damage. Within just a few months, tartar buildup can cause damage to the teeth. In order to prevent long-term consequences, tartar must be removed as soon as possible.
Periodontitis caused by tartar buildup can cause the formation of gaps between the teeth and gums. This gives bacteria access the teeth’s roots, which are not protected by hard enamel. The gums are intended to protect the roots of the teeth. When the roots are exposed, it can lead to infection and severe decay.
Patients must practice good oral hygiene through brushing and flossing. It is also important to make regular visits to the dentist for an examination and professional cleaning. This helps ensure plaque and tartar is removed in a timely manner. The examination also helps identify if there are any oral health issues.