Tartar Calculus Removal: Why It’s Essential for Oral Health
Ever wondered why the dentist keeps talking about “tartar” or “calculus”? It might sound like a fancy science word, but understanding what it is and why it needs to go is super important for keeping your smile healthy and bright.
In this blog, we’re going to break down everything you need to know about tartar calculus removal in very easy language, so you can be a pro at protecting your pearly whites!
Introduction
Think of your mouth as a busy little world.
Every day, food particles, drinks, and even just your saliva are swirling around. While most of this is harmless, over time, a sticky film called plaque starts to form on your teeth. If you don’t brush and floss this plaque away regularly, it hardens into something much tougher: tartar, also known as calculus. And once tartar sets in, brushing alone won’t get rid of it.
That’s where the friendly dentist comes in!
What is Tartar (Calculus) and How Does It Affect Oral Health?
Imagine you’ve just eaten a delicious biscuit. Some tiny bits of it might stick to your teeth. Add that to the natural bacteria in your mouth, and you’ve got plaque. Plaque is a soft, colourless, sticky film that’s always forming on your teeth. You can usually brush and floss it away without much trouble.
However, if plaque isn’t removed, it starts to soak up minerals from your saliva, like calcium and phosphate. Over time, these minerals make the plaque harden, turning it into tartar, or calculus. Think of it like concrete forming on your teeth – it becomes rough and porous.
So, how does this affect your oral health? Well, tartar acts like a rough, sticky magnet for even more plaque. It creates a perfect bumpy surface for bacteria to cling to and grow. This isn’t just a cosmetic problem; it’s a serious health issue. Tartar build-up can lead to:
Bad Breath: Those bacteria feasting on your teeth release nasty-smelling gases.
Gum Disease (Gingivitis and Periodontitis): This is the big one. Tartar irritates your gums, making them red, swollen, and prone to bleeding. This early stage is called gingivitis. If left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease that can destroy the bone supporting your teeth, eventually leading to tooth loss.
Cavities (Tooth Decay): Tartar provides a safe haven for acid-producing bacteria that eat away at your tooth enamel, causing holes or cavities.
Stained Teeth: Tartar is porous, meaning it easily absorbs stains from coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco, making your teeth look discoloured and dull.
The Risks of Not Removing Tartar
Ignoring tartar is like ignoring a small leak in your roof – it might not seem like a big deal at first, but it can lead to much bigger, more expensive problems down the track.
The main risks of not removing tartar are:
Progressive Gum Disease: As mentioned, gingivitis can turn into periodontitis. Periodontitis is a serious infection that can damage the soft tissue and bone that support your teeth. It’s the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
Tooth Loss: When the bone supporting your teeth is destroyed by periodontitis, your teeth become loose and may eventually fall out or need to be extracted.
Increased Risk of Cavities: More tartar means more places for cavity-causing bacteria to hide and thrive, leading to more fillings and potential root canals.
Chronic Bad Breath: No one wants to be known for having bad breath. Tartar is a major contributor to this embarrassing problem.
Impact on Overall Health: Believe it or not, your oral health is connected to your overall health. Studies suggest a link between severe gum disease and other health conditions like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and even certain types of cancer. The bacteria from your mouth can enter your bloodstream and affect other parts of your body.
So, while it might seem like just a bit of gunk on your teeth, the risks of not removing tartar are quite significant.
How a Dentist Professionally Removes Tartar
Since brushing can’t get rid of hardened tartar, you need a professional! This process is called “scaling and root planing” or simply a “dental cleaning.”
Here’s how the dentist, like dentist Newport, will typically remove tartar:
Scaling: Our dentist at Newport Dental Centre or dental hygienist will use special instruments to carefully scrape away the tartar from the surface of your teeth, both above and below the gum line.
Manual Instruments: They might use hand instruments called scalers, which are thin, curved metal tools designed to reach all the nooks and crannies.
Ultrasonic Devices: Often, they’ll use an ultrasonic scaler. This clever device uses high-frequency vibrations to break up the tartar, along with a fine mist of water to wash it away and keep the area cool. It sounds a bit like a high-pitched whirring, but it’s very effective.
Root Planing (if needed): If tartar has built up under your gum line and is causing gum disease, the dentist might perform root planing. This involves smoothing out the root surfaces of your teeth. Why? Because rough root surfaces are like magnets for plaque and bacteria. Smoothing them out helps prevent new plaque from sticking and allows your gums to reattach more firmly to your teeth.
Polishing: After the scaling, your teeth might feel a bit rough. The dental hygienist will then use a small, rotating brush with a gritty toothpaste to polish your teeth. This removes any remaining surface stains and leaves your teeth feeling smooth and shiny. This smoothness also makes it harder for new plaque to stick.
Fluoride Treatment (optional): Sometimes, after a thorough cleaning, our dentist might apply a fluoride treatment. Fluoride helps strengthen your tooth enamel and makes your teeth more resistant to cavities.
The whole process is generally quite comfortable, especially for routine cleanings. If you have a lot of tartar or sensitive gums, our dentist might offer a local anaesthetic to numb the area, so you don’t feel any discomfort.
What to Expect During Tartar Removal at the Dentist
Going to the dentist for a cleaning can feel a bit daunting if you’re not sure what to expect. But rest assured, it’s a routine and safe procedure designed to keep your mouth healthy.
Here’s a general idea of what will happen:
Warm Welcome: You’ll be greeted by the friendly staff at the dentist.
Examination: Before starting the cleaning, the dentist or hygienist will usually do a quick check of your mouth. We’ll look for any obvious problems like cavities, signs of gum disease, or other concerns. We might use a small mirror and a probe for this.
X-rays (sometimes): If it’s your first visit or if it’s been a while, they might take X-rays. These images help them see what’s happening below your gum line and between your teeth, where tartar and cavities can hide.
The Cleaning Process: As described above, they’ll perform scaling (using manual or ultrasonic tools) to remove the tartar. You’ll hear some scraping or whirring noises and feel some pressure. Don’t worry, it’s normal. You’ll also feel water being sprayed and then suctioned away to keep your mouth clear.
Polishing: After scaling, polishing will leave your teeth feeling incredibly smooth.
Flossing: The hygienist will usually give your teeth a final floss to make sure all surfaces are clean.
Discussion and Advice: Once the cleaning is done, the dentist or hygienist will talk to you about what they found. They’ll give you tips on how to improve your brushing and flossing at home, recommend any specific products, and discuss your next appointment. This is a great time to ask any questions you have about your oral health.
Feeling After: Your teeth will feel incredibly smooth and clean! Your gums might be a little sensitive or slightly bleed, especially if you have had a lot of tartar or early gum disease. This is usually temporary and a sign that your gums are healing.
Most regular cleanings take about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the amount of tartar and the state of your oral health.
How to Prevent Tartar Build-Up with Proper Oral Hygiene
The best way to deal with tartar is to stop it from forming in the first place! And the good news is, it’s all about consistent, good old-fashioned oral hygiene.
Here’s your go-to guide for preventing tartar build-up:
Brush Twice a Day, Every Day: This is the golden rule!
Use a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush: Hard bristles can damage your gums and enamel.
Use Fluoride Toothpaste: Fluoride strengthens your teeth and helps fight cavities.
Brush for Two Minutes: That’s right, two full minutes! Most people rush it. Use a timer if you need to.
Brush All Surfaces: Don’t forget the inside, outside, and chewing surfaces of all your teeth. Angle the brush at 45 degrees towards the gum line to clean effectively.
Floss Daily: Brushing alone misses about 35% of your tooth surfaces – the bits between your teeth and under your gum line. Flossing removes plaque and food particles from these tricky spots before they can turn into tartar. Make it a daily habit!
Use an Antimicrobial Mouthwash (Optional but Helpful): A mouthwash can help reduce bacteria in your mouth and rinse away loose food particles. Look for one that’s designed to fight plaque and gingivitis. It’s a great addition, but it’s not a substitute for brushing and flossing.
Eat a Healthy Diet: Limit sugary and starchy foods and drinks. These are a feast for bacteria that produce plaque and acid. Choose plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.
Drink Plenty of Water: Water helps wash away food particles and keeps your mouth hydrated, which is important for saliva production. Saliva helps neutralise acids and wash away food.
Don’t Smoke or Use Tobacco Products: Tobacco significantly increases your risk of developing tartar, gum disease, and various oral cancers.
Consistency is key! Making these habits part of your daily routine will make a massive difference in preventing tartar and keeping your mouth healthy.
When to Visit The Dentist for Tartar Removal
So, how often should you get this professional tartar removal done?
For most people, a check-up and clean every six months is recommended. This allows the dentist to:
Remove any accumulated tartar: Even with the best home care, small amounts of tartar can still build up. Regular cleanings ensure it doesn’t get out of hand.
Catch problems early: The dentist can spot tiny cavities, early signs of gum disease, or other issues before they become major problems. Early detection often means simpler and less expensive treatment.
Monitor your oral health: We can track changes in your teeth and gums over time and provide tailored advice.
However, some people might need more frequent cleanings:
People prone to heavy tartar build-up: If you notice tartar forming quickly despite good home hygiene, our dentist might recommend cleanings every three or four months.
People with gum disease: If you have gingivitis or periodontitis, our dentist will likely recommend more frequent “maintenance” cleanings to manage the condition and prevent it from worsening.
Smokers: Smoking significantly increases the risk of gum disease and tartar, so more frequent visits might be necessary.
People with certain medical conditions: Some health conditions can affect oral health, requiring more frequent dental attention.
Our dentist will advise you on the best schedule for your individual needs. Don’t wait until you’re in pain or have obvious problems! Regular preventative care is the smart way to keep your smile healthy for life.
Conclusion
Tartar, or calculus, is more than just a cosmetic nuisance; it’s a serious threat to your oral health. While regular brushing and flossing are your best friends in preventing its formation, once it hardens, only a professional dental cleaning can remove it.
Understanding the risks of unchecked tartar – from bad breath and cavities to severe gum disease and even tooth loss – highlights why regular visits to our dentist for tartar calculus removal are absolutely essential. It’s an investment in your smile, your comfort, and your overall well-being.
So, don’t put off that dental visit!
Ready to Give Your Teeth the VIP Treatment They Deserve?
Don’t let tartar take over your smile!
Book your next professional tartar calculus removal appointment with the trusted dentist at Newport Dental Centre today! Protect your oral health and keep your smile shining bright.
Your teeth (and your whole body!) will thank you for it.
Source: Tartar Calculus Removal: Why It’s Essential for Oral Health
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