What is Tartar Cleaning? Clean Tartar Off Teeth
Tartar, also known as dental calculus, is a hard, yellowish deposit that forms on the teeth due to the mineralization of dental plaque. It is a common dental issue that affects many people around the world. If left untreated, tartar can lead to various oral health problems, such as gum disease and tooth decay. Therefore, it is important to know how to effectively clean tartar off teeth.
Dentists and dental hygienists use ultrasonic machines or specialised dental cleaning instruments to professionally remove dental tartar from tooth surfaces. Maintaining oral health and preventing dental calculus formation can be achieved with routine dental cleanings and proper oral hygiene practices.
What Causes Dental Tartar?
When dental plaque—which can grow on teeth for a variety of reasons—is not removed over time, it eventually turns into dental tartar. Dental calculus has the following causes:
- Saliva, germs, and food particles build up in the spaces between teeth and gums, causing acids to build up and form dental plaques.
- Consuming too much sugar and carbs might hasten the formation of tartar.
- Dead bacteria that have transformed into minerals and proteins found in saliva make up dental calculus.
- The main factor contributing to the development of tartar is irregular tooth brushing.
Can Tartar Be Removed by Brushing Teeth?
While regular brushing and flossing are essential for maintaining good oral hygiene, they are not enough to remove tartar once it has formed. Tartar is a hardened deposit that cannot be removed by brushing alone. It requires professional dental treatment to be effectively removed.
When you brush your teeth, you are primarily targeting the soft, sticky plaque that forms on the teeth. Plaque is a biofilm that contains bacteria and food particles. If not removed, plaque can harden and turn into tartar within a matter of days. Tartar is much more difficult to remove and requires the expertise of a dentist or dental hygienist.
How to Clean Tartar Off Teeth
If you have tartar buildup on your teeth, the best course of action is to visit a dentist or dental hygienist for a professional cleaning. Here are the steps involved in
the tartar removal process:
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Dental Examination: The dentist will examine your teeth and gums to assess the extent of tartar buildup and determine the appropriate treatment plan.
- Scaling: The first step in tartar removal is scaling. This involves using specialized dental tools to scrape away the tartar from the teeth and along the gumline. The dentist will carefully remove the tartar without causing any damage to the tooth enamel.
- Polishing: After scaling, the dentist will polish your teeth using gritty toothpaste and a high-powered electric brush. This helps to remove any remaining plaque and stains, leaving your teeth smooth and shiny.
- Fluoride Treatment: In some cases, the dentist may apply a fluoride treatment to strengthen the tooth enamel and protect against future tartar buildup.
It is important to note that tartar removal is not a one-time solution. Regular dental cleanings every six months are recommended to prevent tartar buildup and maintain good oral health.
Post Tartar Treatment Dental Care
In addition to professional tartar removal, there are also some preventive measures you can take to reduce tartar buildup:
- Brushing and Flossing: Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily to remove plaque and prevent tartar formation.
- Maintaining a Healthy Diet: Limit your intake of sugary and acidic foods, as they can contribute to plaque formation. Instead, opt for a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and dairy products.
- Using Tartar Control Toothpaste: Consider using a toothpaste specifically formulated to prevent tartar buildup. These toothpastes often contain ingredients like pyrophosphates, which help to inhibit tartar formation.
- Quitting Smoking: Smoking not only stains the teeth but also increases the risk of tartar buildup and gum disease. Quitting smoking can significantly improve your oral health.
By following these preventive measures and regularly visiting your dentist for professional cleanings, you can effectively manage tartar buildup and maintain a healthy smile.
At Atlas Dental, we provide teeth cleaning with all our treatments. Contact us for a free consultation today!
FAQs
Is tartar cleaning painful?
Removing tartar is not painful. At Atlas Dental, our dentists carefully remove tartar, usually without anaesthetic.
How often should tartar be removed?
Tartar removal occurs at different frequencies. Three months works for some people, while a year is sufficient for others. During your consultation, your dentist will advise you on the best time for your next teeth cleaning and tartar removal.
What does tartar look like?
Because tartar is frequently concealed in the gingival pockets and behind the gums, the majority of tartar accumulation on your teeth is invisible to you. The only visible tartar is supragingival tartar, which is located on top of the gums. It appears as a deeper stain along the gum line of your teeth or as a yellowish surface on your teeth.
How long does it take to remove tartar?
Typically, cleaning your teeth and removing tartar takes 45 minutes. The removal process could take longer if there is a lot of tartar.
How do dentists soften tartar?
Using ultrasonic instruments: The metal vibrating tip of an ultrasonic instrument helps loosen and chip tartar off the surface of teeth when a dentist uses it to remove it. After that, the tartar is removed with a water spray.
Will tartar ruin my teeth?
Tartar is a cosmetic issue as well as a risk to the health of your teeth and gums. Tartar can cause more serious diseases like cavities and gum disease because it offers plaque greater surface area to grow on and a more stickier surface to attach to.
