Tartar: What is it and why is it important to remove it?
Tartar is a solid deposit on the teeth that is formed due to the deposition of minerals from saliva on dental plaque. At first, tartar is soft, but as time passes, it mineralizes and becomes hard, usually white to dark yellow in color. In milk teeth, tartar is practically not formed, while in permanent teeth, the possibility of tartar formation is higher, especially with age.
The Most Common Places Where Tartar Occurs
Tartar usually forms on the inner surfaces of the lower front teeth and the outer surfaces of the upper lateral teeth. In these places are the salivary glands, which stimulate the faster formation of soft deposits, which then quickly mineralize and turn into stones.
Why is tartar bad?
Tartar can make it difficult to maintain proper oral hygiene, as it cannot be completely removed with a toothbrush. Tartar becomes an ideal place for bacteria and plaque to accumulate, which can lead to serious problems, such as inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) and periodontitis, which can cause receding gums, bone damage and tooth loss.
How is tartar removed?
Tartar should be removed to prevent further complications. In the dental office, tartar removal involves not only the removal of solid deposits, but also soft deposits, pigmentation caused by food and smoking.
Descaling methods:
- With hand-held instruments : If the limescale is older and more stubborn, manual cleaning is used. In some cases, after ultrasonic removal of tartar, it is necessary to manually remove the residues left in the periodontal pockets.
- Using an ultrasonic scaler: The most common and advanced method of removing tartar is with an ultrasonic scaler. This device uses vibrations to effectively remove tartar from the teeth, and the procedure is virtually painless. Some mild sensitivity around the neck of the tooth may occasionally occur, but it passes quickly.
Descaling – Before and After
After calculus removal, patients usually feel an improvement. The surfaces of the teeth become smooth, and there are often “spaces” between the teeth, because tartar has filled these spaces. This procedure not only removes plaque, but also reduces bad breath that is associated with periodontitis.
Teeth polishing after tartar removal
After removing tartar, the teeth are polished to prevent re-accumulation of plaque. Polishing takes only a few minutes and ensures the smoothness of the tooth surfaces.
Does tartar removal damage teeth?
Tartar removal is a completely safe procedure and does not damage the teeth. On the contrary, regular tartar cleaning protects teeth from serious damage and prevents the development of periodontitis.
How often should descaling be done?
It is recommended to remove tartar every six months, but in the case of patients with pronounced problems with tartar or periodontitis, more frequent cleaning is recommended.
Conclusion
Regular removal of tartar is the key to maintaining the health of teeth and gums. Not only does it improve appearance, but it also prevents long-term problems, such as gum inflammation, bone loss, and the prevention of more serious dental diseases. Contact your dentist for advice on proper oral hygiene and the prevention of tartar formation.
