Tartar Calculus Removal: Essential for Oral Health

 Have you ever wondered why the dentist keeps talking about something called tartar and calculus? It might sound a bit technical, but it’s actually an important part of maintaining oral health. 

In this blog post, we’re going to break down everything you need to know about tartar and calculus removal in really simple terms. We’ll cover what it is, why it’s a big deal, how it’s done, and how you can stop it from coming back. 

So, let’s explore how tartar forms and why professional cleaning matters!

What Is Tartar and Calculus?

Let’s begin with the basics. You know that soft, sticky film that builds up on your teeth during the day? That’s called plaque. Plaque is a colourless, sticky layer of bacteria, food particles, and saliva. It’s always forming on your teeth, and if you don’t brush and floss properly, it starts to cause problems.

Now, imagine what happens if you leave that plaque on your teeth for a while. Over time, the minerals in your saliva harden the plaque, and it turns into a much harder substance. This hard stuff is what we call tartar, or calculus. 

Tartar is much harder than plaque, making it difficult to remove with daily brushing and flossing. It’s a bit like trying to scrub concrete with a dishcloth – it just won’t work!

So, to put it simply:

  • Plaque: Soft, sticky film of bacteria that you can remove with brushing.
  • Tartar (or Calculus): Hardened plaque that you can only get rid of with a professional dental cleaning.

How Tartar and Calculus Form

The process of tartar formation is pretty straightforward. It all starts with the food and drinks we consume. When we eat, tiny food particles get stuck in our mouths. These particles mix with the bacteria that are naturally present in our mouths and our saliva to form plaque. This process happens all day, every day.

Plaque loves to stick to your teeth, especially in hard-to-reach places like between your teeth and along the gum line. If you don’t brush and floss well enough, that plaque has a chance to stay put. The longer it stays, the more minerals from your saliva start to soak into it. This is what causes it to calcify, or harden, into tartar. Tartar can also stain easily, which is why it often looks yellow or brown.

Once you have tartar, it creates a rough surface on your teeth. This rough surface makes it even easier for new plaque to stick, creating a vicious cycle of buildup. This is why regular brushing and flossing are so important – they are your first line of defence against plaque, which is the root of the problem.

Why Tartar and Calculus Removal Is Important

Okay, so we know what tartar is, but why is it such a big deal? Why can’t we just leave it there? Tartar is a major contributor to several serious oral health problems if it is not removed regularly. Ignoring it can lead to some pretty uncomfortable and expensive issues down the track.

  1. Gum Disease (Gingivitis and Periodontitis): This is the biggest reason to get rid of tartar. Tartar that builds up along the gum line irritates your gums. The bacteria in the tartar release toxins that cause your gums to become red, swollen, and sometimes bleed when you brush. This early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to a more serious condition called periodontitis. With periodontitis, the inflammation spreads deeper, causing the gums to pull away from the teeth and form pockets. These pockets then get infected, and the infection starts to break down the bone that holds your teeth in place. If left untreated, gum disease may progress and affect the supporting structures of the teeth.
  2. Cavities (Dental Caries): Plaque and tartar create a perfect hiding place for bacteria. These bacteria feed on the sugars from the food you eat and produce acids. These acids then wear away the enamel on your teeth, which can lead to holes, or cavities. Tartar provides a safe haven for these acid-producing bacteria, making it harder to clean your teeth properly and increasing your risk of getting cavities.
  3. Bad Breath (Halitosis): Tartar and plaque are full of millions of bacteria. These bacteria give off foul-smelling gases, which can lead to persistent bad breath that brushing alone can’t fix. Managing tartar build-up can help reduce bad breath.
  4. Aesthetics: Tartar often looks yellow or brown, making your smile look discoloured and unhealthy. Professional cleaning may help improve the appearance of teeth by removing surface stains and tartar deposits.

For all these reasons, regular removal of tartar is not just a nice-to-have – it’s an essential part of maintaining your oral and overall health.

How Tartar and Calculus Removal Works

So, how exactly do dentists get rid of this rock-hard tartar? The process is a professional cleaning procedure called scaling and root planing. This is a common and routine treatment performed in dental practices.

A professional dental cleaning usually involves these steps:

  1. Initial Examination: The dentist or dental hygienist will first examine your mouth to check for any signs of gum disease, cavities, and tartar buildup. We’ll use a small mirror and a probe to look for tartar deposits.
  2. Scaling: This is the main part of the procedure. The dental professional will use special tools to scrape the tartar off your teeth, both above and below the gum line. We might use a handheld metal scaler, which has a hooked end to scrape away the deposits. They also often use an ultrasonic scaler, which is a tool that vibrates at a very high frequency. This vibration, along with a stream of water, helps to loosen and wash away the tartar and plaque from your teeth and gums. The water also cools the instrument and flushes away debris.
  3. Polishing: After the scaling is complete, the dental hygienist will use a special polishing tool with a gritty toothpaste. This tool spins and polishes the surfaces of your teeth, making them smooth. A smooth surface makes it harder for new plaque to stick, which helps prevent future tartar buildup. This step also helps remove any minor stains, leaving your teeth looking cleaner and brighter.
  4. Flossing: The final step is a thorough flossing to remove any remaining debris from between your teeth.

For people with more advanced gum disease, a deeper cleaning called scaling and root planing might be necessary. This procedure involves cleaning the roots of the teeth below the gum line to remove tartar and bacteria from the deep pockets that have formed. This helps the gums reattach to the teeth and reduces the depth of the pockets.

How Often Should Tartar and Calculus Removal Be Done?

The general recommendation is to have a professional cleaning and check-up every six months. For most people, this is enough to keep plaque and tartar under control and catch any potential problems early.

However, some people may need more frequent cleanings. If you have a history of gum disease, are prone to a lot of plaque build-up, or have certain health conditions like diabetes, the dentist might recommend coming in every three or four months. The dentist will be able to give you the best advice based on your needs.

What to Expect During a Tartar Removal Procedure

A professional cleaning is usually a comfortable experience. You might feel some scraping or vibration from the tools, and a cool spray of water. If you have sensitive teeth or if there is a lot of tartar to remove, you might experience a bit of discomfort. In these cases, the dentist can use a topical numbing gel to make the process more comfortable.

After the cleaning, your teeth might feel a little sensitive for a day or two, and your gums might be slightly tender. This is completely normal and should subside quickly. After a professional cleaning, your teeth may feel smoother and cleaner.

If you’re looking for a great Ballarat dental clinic Sebastopol, or anywhere in the wider Ballarat area, you can book an appointment with SmileWorks Dental Ballarat for a check-up and cleaning.

Preventing Tartar and Calculus Buildup

While professional cleanings are essential, the real work of preventing tartar happens at home, every single day. Here are some simple, effective tips to keep your mouth healthy:

  • Brush Twice a Day: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste. Brush for at least two minutes, making sure to cover all surfaces of your teeth: the front, back, and chewing surfaces. Don’t forget to brush your tongue too, to get rid of bacteria that cause bad breath.
  • Floss Every Day: Flossing is crucial because it reaches places your toothbrush can’t. It gets in between your teeth and along the gum line to remove plaque before it hardens into tartar. Use dental floss or an interdental cleaner to clean these tight spaces.
  • Use an Antimicrobial Mouthwash: An antibacterial or antimicrobial mouthwash can help kill the bacteria that cause plaque. It’s a great addition to your routine, but remember it’s not a substitute for brushing and flossing.
  • Eat a Healthy Diet: Limit sugary and starchy foods and drinks. These are the main culprits that feed the bacteria in your mouth. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, as it helps rinse away food particles and bacteria.
  • Visit The Dentist Regularly: This is the most important step. Regular check-ups and cleanings enable the dentist in Ballarat to remove any tartar buildup and detect potential problems, such as cavities or gum disease, in their early stages. Early detection can save you from more extensive and costly treatments later on.

Conclusion

Tartar and calculus might seem like minor problems, but they can lead to some big issues for your oral health. They are a hardened form of plaque that can’t be removed with just a toothbrush and floss. Without professional help, they can cause gum disease, cavities, and bad breath.

Regular professional cleanings are one of the ways to protect your smile. By visiting the dentist at SmileWorks Dental Ballarat for a check-up and clean every six months, you can support your oral health through regular professional care.

Remember, a healthy mouth is a happy mouth. By combining great at-home care with regular professional cleanings, you’re doing the best thing you can for your teeth and gums.

Take Control of Your Oral Health

If it’s been a while since your last check-up, now is the time to book an appointment for a professional cleaning. Find a trusted dentist in Ballarat and schedule your tartar calculus removal with SmileWorks Dental Ballarat. 

FAQs

Q: Does tartar removal hurt? 

A: For most people, professional cleaning is a comfortable process. You might feel some pressure or scraping, but it shouldn’t be painful. If you have sensitive teeth or a lot of buildup, the dentist can use a numbing gel to make it more comfortable.

Q: Can I remove tartar at home? 

A: No, you can’t. Once plaque hardens into tartar, it’s too hard to be removed with a toothbrush, floss, or any at-home remedies. Professional dental tools are needed to safely and effectively scrape it off without damaging your teeth.

Q: How can I tell if I have tartar? 

A: Tartar often feels rough to the tongue and can be yellow or brown in colour. It typically builds up along the gum line and between teeth. However, a dental professional is the only one who can properly diagnose the extent of tartar buildup.

Q: Is professional cleaning the same as scaling and root planing? 

A: Professional cleaning usually refers to the removal of plaque and tartar from above the gum line (scaling) and polishing. Scaling and root planing is a deeper cleaning procedure that goes below the gum line to remove tartar and smooth the tooth roots, usually for patients with more advanced gum disease.

Q: How often should I have a professional cleaning?

A: Most people benefit from a check-up and clean every six months, but the dentist may recommend a different interval depending on your oral health needs.

Source: Tartar Calculus Removal: Essential for Oral Health

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