Dental tartar: what is it and how to avoid it

When our oral hygiene is not adequate, on many occasions what occurs is the appearance of dental tartar, but exactly what is it and how can we avoid it. We tell you all the details.

What exactly is dental tartar?

Tartar is also called calculus or dental tartar and it is a calcification of bacterial plaque. The problem is that if we don't remove it, it hardens on the teeth and can cause dental health problems. In addition, it usually acquires a yellowish color first and then brown that is not aesthetically pleasing. It can also form on the edge of the gums and under them.

What problems can it cause?

We can find two main problems derived from the appearance of dental tartar:

• At the health level: It can irritate the gingival tissues since it provides a more extensive and sticky surface for plaque to adhere and grow, which can also lead to cavities.

• On an aesthetic level: It is more porous, making it absorb stains easily and take on a yellowish color that makes our smile look ugly.

Main causes

Generally, its appearance begins to occur when we neglect our oral hygiene. At this point, we not only have to take into account brushing often, but also that the duration and technique used is correct to avoid excessive tartar and thus the problems mentioned above.

Another factor is the pH of the saliva, which varies from person to person. The acidic pH (less than 5) creates a perfect environment for bacterial adherence, allowing the formation of dental plaque that will later give rise to tartar.

Finally, it is also important to highlight eating habits. For example, some foods such as soft drinks or a high consumption of sugars can alter the pH of the saliva and thus trigger what we wrote before.

Measures to prevent its appearance

1. Carry out deep dental cleanings at least once a year.

2. Brush your teeth after eating any food.

3. Don't forget to floss.

4. Use fluoride toothpastes

Procedures for removal

In the case of having reached the point where tartar has accumulated on the teeth and it is impossible to remove it with brushing, we must go to our dentist in Ashok Vihar who will perform a root scaling. It is a procedure that consists of using a fine instrument between the tooth and the gums to remove all of the calculus. This seeks to leave the most superficial part of the tooth root as smooth or polished as possible, eliminating toxins. It can be done in several sessions, dividing the mouth into quadrants or by sides or arches, allowing us to achieve an exhaustive cleaning.

If you see small yellow areas around your teeth and gums, tartar may be starting to build up in your mouth. Do not hesitate and ask for your appointment at our dental clinic in Ashok Vihar, we will help you to find a solution.