What is Tartar?
Dental calculus — or “tartar,” as most people refer to it — is a hard substance that builds up on your teeth. It’s formed out of soft dental plaque biofilm that calcifies in place when it’s set on the tooth for too long.
When you eat, bacteria in your mouth combine with the food particles to form a thin layer of plaque on your teeth. Regular brushing and flossing are important for daily plaque removal, but small amounts of buildup are often left behind. After about 24 hours, the soft plaque hardens into tartar.
Once tartar is attached to a tooth, it can’t be brushed or flossed away. Only a dentist or hygienist can clean it off. Our Port Melbourne dentists have special tools that safely lift away the buildup without damaging your tooth or gums. Sometimes this involves a small hand scaler, and other times we’ll use a gentle ultrasonic tool that vibrates and disrupts the tartar.
Some people tend to metabolise saliva proteins and bacteria at different rates than others. Depending on your situation, you’ve probably noticed at least a small amount of tartar buildup on your teeth between checkups.
The first places you’ll notice tartar tend to be behind your lower front teeth (facing your tongue) and on the cheek side of your upper molars (back teeth.) These areas are home to major saliva glands, and as such you’ll tend to see tartar on those surfaces first.
If you’re a person who gets heavy tartar buildup, be sure to ask our Port Melbourne dentists about special ways to lower your bacterial levels between scale and cleans. For example, a tartar control toothpaste paired with an electric toothbrush can help reduce buildup that accumulates on a daily basis.
Signs of Tartar Buildup
While plaque is a colourless film of bacteria that’s invisible to the eye, tartar is a mineral buildup that’s fairly noticeable if it’s located above the gumline. Here are the most common signs of tartar buildup:
- A yellow or brown hue on your teeth or gums
- Red, irritated or bleeding gums
- Bad breath
- A rough feeling on your teeth
When you notice these signs, the first stop should be our dental clinic.
Why Is Tartar A Problem?
If not properly addressed, tartar can lead to several dental issues such as:
- Gum Disease – Tartar is one of the major contributors to gum disease. When the hardened tartar deposits irritate the gums, it can lead to inflammation, redness and if left untreated, gum disease.
- Tooth Decay – The rough surface of tartar provides an ideal environment for more plaque to build up. This increases the risk of tooth decay as bacteria in plaque produce acids that attack the tooth’s enamel.
- Bad breath – The bacteria released in plaque is an odorous compound. The hardened deposits are very challenging to remove thoroughly thus causing bad breath.
- Teeth stains – Tartar can absorb stains from food and drinks, leading to discoloured teeth.
Tips For Preventing Tartar Buildup
- Brush twice a day and floss daily: You should brush your teeth twice a day for 2 minutes each time using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Make sure to also floss at least once a day as it helps clean any areas your toothbrush may have missed.
- Schedule professional cleanings every 6 months: Despite following your oral hygiene routine at home without fault, there may be certain areas where plaque and bacteria can accumulate. When you visit us for a check-up, we will use special tools like the dental scaler to scrape away plaque and tartar from your teeth and gums. We will also perform a scale and clean, leaving your teeth tartar-free.
- Use an antimicrobial mouthwash: An antimicrobial or antibacterial mouthwash will help reduce bacterial activity and plaque buildup in your mouth. Rinsing your mouth after brushing and flossing is a good idea, as it helps wash away any leftover food particles.
- Limit sugary and starchy foods: Sugars and carbohydrates can increase the risk of plaque buildup. So, try to switch up your diet and eat a healthy diet that includes proteins, fruits, and veggies. If you consume sugary and starchy foods, make sure to brush and floss your teeth afterwards.
- Hydrate well and after every meal: Drinking water after meals can help wash away leftover food particles and bacteria that would otherwise harm your teeth. Not drinking enough water can lead to a dry mouth condition, which can increase your risk of tartar buildup, as it limits saliva production in your mouth.
- Quit smoking and reduce alcohol consumption: Smoking and alcohol consumption can also decrease saliva in your mouth, making it easier for the bacteria in your mouth to stick to your teeth and gums.
If you struggle with tartar buildup, consider scheduling checkups at PMD Dental Care more often than every six months. Call today to book your next visit.