Do you have tartar on your teeth? Let's talk about tartar!

Have you ever looked at your teeth in the mirror and noticed that there is a little yellow, sometimes brown, or even black coating on your teeth? Sometimes when you brush your teeth, you can find a little rough texture, like small pebbles? That is the condition we are going to talk about today, called tartar . Some people also call this "tartar". This is a problem that many people have, but if we understand it properly, we can avoid it.

What exactly is Tartar?

Simply put, tartar is the buildup of plaque , the sticky substance that forms on our teeth. You know, we all have plaque in our mouths. It's a yellow, sticky film. It's created by bacteria in our mouths, which eat the sugars in the food we eat.

However, if we don't brush our teeth properly and keep our mouths clean, this plaque starts to harden. When it hardens, it becomes tartar. Doctors also call this dental calculus . This tartar can form not only on the teeth, but also above and below the gums.

The important thing is that unlike plaque, tartar cannot be removed at home with a toothbrush. It must be removed by a dentist or dental hygienist using special equipment.

What is tartar made of?

Can you imagine what this tartar-like substance is made of? It's mainly made up of dead bacteria. Those bacteria combine with minerals to become hard. Along with that, a small amount of some mineral proteins in our saliva also combine with it.

These are the main minerals that are found in tartar:

• Calcium Phosphate
• Calcium Carbonate
• Magnesium Phosphate

What are the symptoms of tartar formation?

Now, how can you recognize that you have tartar? Here are some of the symptoms to see if you have them too:

• Yellow, brown, or black spots on teeth: These are most visible, especially between teeth and close to the gums.
• Bad breath (Halitosis): Bad breath can be caused by the accumulation of bacteria in tartar.
• Symptoms of Gingivitis: If your gums are red, swollen, and sometimes bleed when you brush your teeth, it could also be due to tartar.
• Feeling like there is something hard, crusty on the teeth: This roughness can also be felt when you touch it with your tongue.

Does tartar smell bad?

Yes, absolutely. Tartar is a buildup of bacteria, which can often cause bad breath . Not only that, tartar can also cause small pockets to form between your teeth and gums. Food particles and bacteria can get trapped in these pockets, making your breath smell worse. Sometimes, you may also notice a bad taste in your mouth.

What causes tartar to form in the mouth?

The main reason is, as we mentioned before, not properly removing the plaque that forms on the teeth. In other words, not taking proper care of oral hygiene is often the cause of tartar formation.

Factors that increase the risk of tartar formation

Some people are more likely to develop tartar than others. Check to see if you have any of these risk factors:

• Not brushing and flossing properly: You should brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once a day. If you don't, plaque builds up and tartar builds up.
• Frequent consumption of sugary foods and drinks: When you consume a lot of starchy foods like bread, pasta, and rice, and sweetened beverages, bacterial activity in the mouth increases and more plaque is formed.
• Smoking or using other tobacco products: These greatly increase the risk of developing tartar.
• Wearing braces: It's a little harder to clean your teeth when you're wearing braces, so it's easier for adhesive to build up.
• Dry mouth (Xerostomia): When there is less saliva in the mouth, there is less washing away of plaque and bacteria, which can lead to tartar buildup.

What are the complications that can occur due to tartar?

Tartar is not just something that gets stuck on your teeth. If it's not removed properly, you can face a number of other problems:

• Gingivitis or Gum Disease: Tartar causes the gums to become inflamed, swollen, and start to bleed. This is the beginning of gum disease.
• Gum Recession: When tartar is present for a long time, the gums can recede and the roots of the teeth can be exposed.
• Tooth decay (Cavities): Tartar is a good breeding ground for bacteria, which can cause tooth decay.

How do doctors identify tartar?

When you visit a dentist, he or she can easily tell if you have tartar on your teeth. This can be detected during a routine dental exam. If your dentist suspects that you have tooth decay or gum disease, they may do a few more tests:

• Dental X-rays: Check for tooth decay and bone loss around the tooth.
• Measuring the depth of gum pockets: This helps to see if there are any signs of gum disease.

How is tartar treated?

The only effective way to remove tartar is to see a dentist or dental hygienist. They have special tools to carefully remove this tartar without damaging your teeth.

Sometimes you may feel like you can do something at home to remove this tartar. But don't do that. Doing so can damage your teeth and gums. It also increases the risk of tooth decay.

Depending on the amount of tartar buildup on your teeth, your doctor may suggest the following treatments:

• Dental Cleaning: This is what is usually done.
• Gum Disease Treatments: These treatments are necessary if the gums have been damaged by tartar.

Dental Cleaning

The best way to keep your mouth and teeth healthy is to have your teeth cleaned at regular intervals . A dental hygienist uses special instruments (scalers) to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth. Then, they floss between your teeth, apply a special paste, and polish your teeth.

Most people can control tartar by getting their teeth cleaned every six months . But if you have frequent problems like tooth decay or gum disease, your doctor may recommend that you get your teeth cleaned more often. Ask your doctor what schedule is right for you.

Treatment for gum disease

If tartar has eroded the bone around your teeth, your doctor may recommend a gum treatment. This treatment removes tartar that is trapped under the gums, in places that we can't remove with brushing or flossing.

Common treatments for gum disease include:

• Scaling and Root Planing: This involves scraping away tartar and bacteria from under the gums and smoothing the surface of the tooth root.
• Osseous Surgery (Pocket Reduction Surgery): This surgery may be performed if gum disease is severe.
• Laser Periodontal Therapy: Laser rays are used to destroy bacteria beneath the gums.

What happens if I don't remove tartar?

If you don't remove tartar from your teeth, the following can happen:

• The enamel on your teeth can melt .
• Tooth decay (cavities) can occur.
• The gums may become swollen and bleed .
• My mouth is starting to stink .
• The teeth are discolored and look unpleasant.

How to prevent tartar buildup?

To avoid problems like tooth decay and gum disease, the best thing to do is to prevent tartar from forming in the first place. Here are some things you can do to help:

• Brush your teeth two or three times a day. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a toothpaste that contains fluoride.
• Floss your teeth at least once a day. You can use regular dental floss or interdental brushes. Ask your doctor what is right for you.
• Rinse your mouth twice a day with an alcohol-free, antibacterial mouthwash. This helps kill the bacteria that form plaque and tartar.
• Avoid smoking and using other tobacco products. Research has found that smokers are at a much higher risk of developing tartar.
• See a dentist at regular intervals to have your teeth checked and cleaned. No matter how well you brush and floss at home, professional cleanings are still necessary. For most people, seeing the doctor twice a year is enough. But for some, it may be necessary to go more often.

How often do I need to see a doctor to have tartar removed?

It really depends on your oral health. Some people develop plaque and tartar more quickly than others. For most people, a regular cleaning every six months is enough. But if you have a history of tooth decay or gum disease, you may be advised to see your dentist more often. It's best to ask your dentist what maintenance schedule is right for you.

What is the difference between Plaque and Tartar?

• Dental Plaque: This is a yellow, sticky film. It is formed when bacteria in the mouth combine with the sugars in the foods we eat. When the plaque builds up, it makes your teeth feel "fuzzy," or a bit rough. But it can be removed by brushing and flossing.
• Tartar: This is what forms when plaque hardens. It may be yellow at first, but over time it can become darker. Tartar feels like a hard coating on your teeth. Unlike gum, tartar cannot be removed by brushing or flossing.

Why are pieces of tartar breaking off my teeth?

Sometimes, when you eat spicy food or brush your teeth too hard, pieces of tartar can break off. When that happens, the area can feel rough and sharp. You might think to remove the rest yourself. But don't do that. Doing so can damage your teeth and gums.

If you notice pieces of tartar breaking off your teeth, call a dentist immediately. He or she can safely and accurately remove the remaining tartar.

Why do I have black tartar on my teeth?

Tartar changes color depending on what we eat and drink. If you have black tartar, it could be due to:

• Smoking or using tobacco products.
• Frequent drinking of things like tea, coffee, and red wine.

Also, tartar that builds up under the gums can cause bleeding gums. When this blood mixes with the tartar, it can turn black.

Finally, things to remember (Take-Home Message)

The best way to prevent tartar buildup is to take good care of your oral hygiene. That means brushing and flossing your teeth properly every day. But sometimes, no matter how well we keep our mouths clean, tartar can build up.

If that happens, see a dentist as soon as possible. Tartar buildup is not an emergency, but it's best to get it removed as soon as possible before it causes problems like tooth decay and gum disease. It will go a long way in preserving your beautiful smile!

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