Tartar, also known as calculus, is a solid to crusty brownish substance or buildup on the teeth. Once tartar has attached itself to the teeth, it cannot be easily removed with rinsing or brushing. The tartar itself consists mostly of minerals and plaque and should be removed regularly by a dentist.
What is tartar?
Tartar is hard deposits on human teeth that cannot be removed by the usual cleaning with a toothbrush. Tartar is hard deposits on human teeth, which can no longer be removed by the usual cleaning with a toothbrush. The basic prerequisite for its formation are plaque bacteria – they are the ones that ensure that tartar can turn into periodontitis over time. Tartar is particularly common on the lower incisors and on the outer sides of the molars of the upper jaw: these are the places where the excretory ducts of the salivary glands are located, which favor its development.
Causes
Plaque bacteria are present in the mouth of almost everyone, however, you can keep their number under control by cleaning your teeth properly. They are essential for the development of tartar, because without them the process could not take place. In human saliva there are minerals with which the plaque bacteria come into contact every day. These minerals are deposited in the plaque, causing it to harden and form the tartar. Therefore, the teeth most likely to be at risk are those immediately adjacent to the salivary glands of the mouth – they are showered with the minerals in saliva. Most importantly, tartar can result from brushing teeth too infrequently or improperly, which does not remove enough plaque, leaving a foundation for tartar formation even after cleaning. When tartar is above the gumline, it is transparent to yellowish in color. If it is below and affects the root area, on the other hand, it takes on a brown hue.
Diseases with this symptom
- Periodontal disease
- Gum inflammation
Complications
Tartar occurs in everyone and can not be removed even by brushing teeth or using a rinse. Therefore, it is especially important to have tartar removed by a dentist, otherwise it can develop into problems with the teeth. Since tartar is a protective mechanism of the teeth, it is rare to find tooth decay under the tartar itself. Although this can develop and would be noticeable by pain in the affected tooth. In these cases, the dentist must drill out the tooth and remove the decay. The hole is then refilled with a filling and sealed. If you do not have the tartar removed regularly, you risk inflammation of the gums. In the worst case, this can also develop into periodontitis. If the patient has an implant, tartar can be just as harmful here. Tartar can inflame the tissue around the implant. With appropriate treatment, no particular complications occur. The tartar is removed by the dentist at each visit. The treatment is largely painless.
When should you go to the doctor?
Tartar formation means that plaque has mineralized on the teeth. In the long run, this process can attack the gums, cause bleeding gums, with the worst case ending in tooth loss. To prevent tartar build-up, special toothpaste products and mouth rinses exist that specifically prevent plaque build-up. Thorough, regular dental care with the use of dental floss for the interdental spaces is also unavoidable to prevent increased tartar formation. This is especially true when sugary foods are consumed. However, these methods are not always sufficient, as some people are naturally prone to increased tartar formation. If, despite consistent hygiene, strong, discolored tartar forms, which also settles on the necks of the teeth, it is time to go to the dentist. This is because the gums continue to recede in such cases, which means that an essential protection of the dentition is lost. So the problem is not only aesthetics.The dentist can perform professional dental cleanings to successfully remove even deep-seated plaque. The costs may be covered by supplementary dental insurance. If possible, such prophylaxis should be performed every six months and costs about 60 euros per treatment. However, this varies from dentist to dentist. The family doctor or a general practitioner are not the right addresses. Only dentists who perform professional dental cleanings, among other things, can be considered as treatment providers.
Treatment and therapy
When the diagnosis of tartar is made, the hardened deposits must be removed, as they damage the teeth without the person being able to do anything else about it himself. Tartar can be removed either mechanically or by using an ultrasonic device. Scalers and curettes are used for mechanical treatment of tartar, and the treatment is performed without anesthesia. However, it is painless, as only the hardened tartar is scraped off with the mechanical devices. In the ultrasonic method, the device is passed over the tooth surface with minimal pressure. The oscillating metal tip blasts the tartar off the teeth – but the treatment method is not always pleasant. Depending on the individual’s perception of pain, the treatment is perceived as unpleasant to painful, as the vibration also grips the tooth and irritates the nerve within.
Outlook and prognosis
It is usually not possible for patients to remove tartar themselves using home remedies. Even rinsing and brushing the teeth will not remove the tartar. A visit to a dentist is then necessary for this. The removal itself is one of the routine procedures and is not associated with any further discomfort or complications. If the tartar is not removed, as a rule, it can lead to tooth decay or inflammation of the oral cavity. Often the root of the tooth also becomes inflamed and must eventually be removed. This procedure also proceeds without complications and does not cause any further discomfort. Tartar can also occur on an implant and also inflame the tissue. Usually, the dentist removes the tartar at every visit so that no further discomfort occurs. The removal itself is done with the help of ultrasound and does not cause further pain. For this reason, this treatment is done without anesthesia. If the affected person finds tartar, it is advisable to see a dentist before the tartar becomes more and more solidified.
Prevention
The best and only prevention against tartar is to clean the teeth regularly and thoroughly. Basic treatment consists of everyday cleaning with a toothbrush and toothpaste, preferably in the morning and evening. Occasionally, one should also treat the teeth with a highly fluoride toothpaste, which ensures their health and effectively repels plaque. In addition to cleaning, one should also floss the interdental spaces, as food debris is often deposited there, which cannot be removed with a toothbrush alone. In the best case, one should have a professional dental cleaning performed by the dentist once or twice a year to make sure that tartar cannot develop. This is because the gum lines often cannot be cleaned deep into the pores with a toothbrush, which is why tartar can never be prevented with absolute certainty on its own.
This is what you can do yourself
Tartar is excellent to remove yourself. The best way is to use a toothbrush with soft bristles to remove food debris. In addition, a mixture of salt and baking soda is recommended to remove tartar. The diet should have sufficient vitamin C. This is extremely significant for oral health. Foods rich in vitamin C include lemons, oranges, peppers as well as berries. It is advisable to brush the teeth several times a day with lemon juice, being careful that the acid of the lemon does not attack the teeth too much. Sesame seeds are equally effective in removing tartar. Affected people should chew a teaspoon of them. Then, the teeth must be brushed with a dry toothbrush. This process should be repeated several times a week to remove tartar. Moreover, it is useful to brush the teeth with ground black tea. It softens tartar and additionally removes plaque. Tartar that is difficult to reach is best removed with dental floss. It is important to pay attention to high quality.Dental floss should not tear or fray. Furthermore, it is useful to eat a little cheese before each meal. This helps to bind the acid in the mouth. In addition, peanuts likewise neutralize acids in the mouth.
