Tartar Calculus Removal: Keep Teeth Clean & Healthy

 Have you ever wondered what those hard, yellow or brown deposits are on your teeth? They’re not just stains from your morning coffee. They’re called tartar, and they can contribute to oral health issues if not managed.

This guide explains tartar in clear terms to help you better understand your dental health.

What is Tartar (Calculus)?

First things first, let’s get our terms right. You may hear dentists refer to “tartar” or “calculus.” They’re the same thing. Think of tartar as a hardened form of dental plaque. Plaque is a sticky, invisible film of bacteria that’s always forming on your teeth. When you don’t brush and floss properly, plaque stays on your teeth. Over time, the minerals in your saliva (like calcium) join with the plaque, and it hardens into tartar.

Tartar is porous, meaning it contains tiny holes. These holes can trap more plaque, creating a vicious cycle that’s detrimental to your teeth and gums. Once tartar has formed, you can’t just brush it away. It’s tough and firmly stuck to your teeth, a bit like a barnacle on a ship.

How Tartar Forms on Teeth

The process of tartar formation is a slow and sneaky one. Here’s a simple breakdown:

1. Plaque Formation: It all starts with plaque. Every time you eat or drink, especially foods high in sugar or starch, bacteria in your mouth produce acids. These acids mix with food particles and saliva to form plaque. It’s a clear or yellowish film that constantly forms on your teeth, particularly along the gum line.
2. Plaque Hardens into Tartar: If you miss some spots while brushing, the plaque that’s left behind starts to absorb minerals from your saliva. This is similar to how a sponge absorbs water. Over a period of a few days, this mineralisation process causes the plaque to harden. This is when it becomes tartar.
3. Location, Location, Location: Tartar tends to form in areas that are difficult to reach with a toothbrush, such as between your teeth, behind your lower front teeth, and on the outer surfaces of your upper back molars. This is why good brushing technique is so important!

The Importance of Tartar Removal

So, why should you care about getting rid of tartar? It’s more than just a cosmetic issue. Leaving tartar on your teeth can lead to some serious dental problems.

• Gum Disease (Gingivitis): Tartar irritates your gums. The plaque that collects on the rough surface of tartar releases toxins that cause your gums to become red, swollen, and prone to bleeding. This early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis.
• Periodontitis: If gingivitis isn’t treated, it can progress to periodontitis. This is a much more serious form of gum disease. The irritation and inflammation from tartar cause the gums to pull away from the teeth, creating pockets. These pockets then get infected, and the infection can start to destroy the bone and tissue that hold your teeth in place. Eventually, this can lead to loose teeth and even tooth loss.
• Cavities: The plaque that builds up on tartar can lead to cavities. The bacteria in the plaque produce acids that eat away at your tooth enamel, creating holes.
• Bad Breath: Tartar is a great place for bacteria to hang out, and these bacteria are a major cause of bad breath (halitosis).
• Aesthetics: Let’s face it, tartar doesn’t look good. It can make your teeth look yellow, brown, or even black. A clean, tartar-free smile is a more confident smile.

Professional Tartar Removal Procedures

Once tartar has formed, you can’t just brush it away. You need a professional dental cleaning. This is where your dentist or dental hygienist can assist through professional cleaning. They have the right tools and skills to safely and effectively remove tartar.

• Scaling: This is the primary aspect of professional cleaning. The dentist or hygienist uses special instruments, often referred to as scalers. These can be manual hand tools or ultrasonic devices.
  • Manual Scaling: The dentist uses a scaler with a fine tip to carefully scrape the tartar off the surface of your teeth, both above and below the gum line.
  • Ultrasonic Scaling: This is a more modern method. An ultrasonic scaler uses vibrations and a water spray to break up and wash away the tartar. This method may be faster and is commonly well-tolerated by patients.
• Polishing: After the scaling is done, the dental professional will polish your teeth. This removes any surface stains and makes your teeth feel super smooth. A smooth surface makes it harder for plaque to stick, which helps prevent future tartar build-up.
• Fluoride Treatment: Sometimes, the dentist will apply a fluoride treatment. This helps remove surface stains and leaves teeth with a smoother surface.

Scaling and Root Planing for Calculus Removal

For more advanced cases of gum disease, a regular cleaning might not be enough. If you have periodontitis, your dentist might recommend a procedure called scaling and root planing.

This is a deeper cleaning that goes below the gumline. The dentist will use a scaler to remove tartar from the roots of your teeth. The “planing” part of the procedure involves smoothing the root surfaces. This helps the gums reattach to the teeth and makes it harder for bacteria to hang out in those pockets.

Scaling and root planing is often performed with a local anaesthetic to ensure your comfort. It is an important part of managing gum disease and may help preserve teeth.

Home Care Tips to Prevent Tartar Build-Up

The best way to deal with tartar is to stop it from forming in the first place! While you can’t remove existing tartar at home, you can do a lot to prevent new tartar from forming.

• Brush Twice a Day: This is the most important rule. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush for at least two minutes, twice a day, morning and night. Ensure you’re using the correct technique. Angle the brush at a 45-degree angle to your gums and use gentle, circular motions. Don’t forget to brush the inner surfaces of your teeth and the outer surfaces of your tongue.
• Floss Once a Day: Brushing only cleans about 60% of your tooth surfaces. Flossing gets between your teeth and under your gumline, where a toothbrush can’t reach. It’s essential for removing plaque that can develop into tartar.
• Use an Anti-Tartar Toothpaste: Look for a toothpaste that says “tartar control” on the box. These toothpastes often contain ingredients such as pyrophosphates or zinc citrate, which can help prevent plaque from hardening into tartar.
• Use an Anti-Bacterial Mouthwash: A good mouthwash can help kill the bacteria that cause plaque. Look for one with an antibacterial ingredient like cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC).
• Eat a Healthy Diet: Limit sugary and starchy foods, as they are a favourite food source for the bacteria in your mouth. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Water helps rinse away food particles and acids.
• Quit Smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor for tartar build-up and gum disease.

The Role of Dental Cleanings in Tartar Prevention

Even with regular brushing and flossing, you still need to see your dentist in Noble Park VIC, regularly. A professional cleaning can reach areas you miss and remove any tartar that has started to form. It helps maintain oral hygiene by removing tartar that brushing and flossing may miss.

Regular dental check-ups also allow your dentist to spot potential problems early, before they become serious. They can check for signs of gum disease, cavities, and other issues.

Risks of Leaving Tartar Untreated

If tartar is not treated, it may lead to more serious dental issues over time. It may not seem like a significant issue at first, but over time, it can lead to major structural problems.

• Chronic Gum Inflammation: This can lead to persistent bad breath, bleeding gums, and a sore mouth.
• Tooth Loss: As gum disease progresses, the bone and tissue that support your teeth are destroyed. This can lead to teeth becoming loose and eventually falling out. This is a common cause of tooth loss in adults.
• Systemic Health Issues: A growing body of research links gum disease to other health problems, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and respiratory issues. The bacteria from your mouth can enter your bloodstream and cause inflammation in other parts of your body.

Frequency of Professional Tartar Removal

How often should you get a professional cleaning? For most people, a dental check-up and cleaning every six months is the right frequency. This allows your dentist to remove any tartar that has built up and monitor your overall oral health.

However, if you’re prone to tartar build-up or have a history of gum disease, your dentist might recommend more frequent cleanings, perhaps every three or four months.

Conclusion

Tartar is difficult to remove at home, but professional cleaning can effectively manage it. By understanding how it forms and why it’s so important to remove it, you can take control of your dental health. Regular brushing and flossing, combined with professional cleanings, are essential for maintaining a healthy, happy smile.

If you’re in the Springvale or Noble Park VIC area and need a thorough clean, you can book an appointment with a dentist for a professional check-up and clean. A professional can help you get rid of that pesky tartar and give you the tools and advice you need to keep your teeth healthy and clean for a lifetime.

FAQs

Q: Can I remove tartar myself at home with a scaler? 

A: No. It’s highly recommended that you do not try to scrape tartar off your own teeth. You can easily damage your gums, scratch your tooth enamel, and cause infection. Leave it to the professionals.

Q: Do electric toothbrushes help prevent tartar? 

A: Yes! Electric toothbrushes, especially those with rotating or sonic technology, are often more effective at removing plaque than manual toothbrushes. This can significantly reduce your risk of tartar build-up.

Q: What’s the difference between plaque and tartar? 

A: Plaque is a soft, sticky film of bacteria that’s always forming on your teeth. Tartar is hardened plaque. You can remove plaque by brushing and flossing, but you need a professional to remove tartar.

Q: How long does it take for plaque to turn into tartar? 

A: Plaque can start to harden into tartar in as little as 24 to 72 hours if it’s not removed. This is why brushing twice a day is so important.

Ready to Get a Clean, Healthy Smile?

Don’t let tartar take over! If you’re looking for a dentist in Noble Park, VIC, or a dentist in Springvale Dental Smiles, book an appointment today for a professional check-up and clean. 

Professional cleaning can support your long-term oral health.

 

Source: Tartar Calculus Removal: Keep Teeth Clean & Healthy