Dental Tartar (Calculus): Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Dental calculus, also known as tartar, affects approximately 68% of adults. Tartar is a deposit that forms on the teeth and gums of people who suffer from dental problems. If plaque is not routinely removed from the teeth, such as by brushing and flossing. If left untreated, dental calculus can lead to gum disease and tooth loss, which is why regular dental check-ups and professional dental calculus treatment are important for maintaining good oral health. A buildup of tartar can lead to cavities, gum disease, and bad breath if you do not brush and floss properly. At dentistry peoria az, we can only remove tartar because it is tightly bonded to the enamel of the teeth.
Causes
When you eat starchy or sugary food, bacteria still mix with your teeth, regardless of how well you care for them. Consequently, dental plaque forms, which coats your teeth, gums, and dental restorations. As a result of bacteria that are present in plaque, acid is produced that erodes tooth enamel and causes cavities. In the absence of routine plaque removal, tartar will develop. Since tartar is extremely porous and rough, removing it without specialized dental tools is impossible.
Plaque can develop in anyone, but if you have the following factors, you are at greater risk:
- Sugary foods (cakes, sweets, etc.)
- Carbohydrate intake (e.g. bread, pasta, potato chips, etc.)
- Some medications and not enough water can cause dry mouth
- Tobacco chewing or smoking
Plaque cannot be completely avoided, but it can be prevented from building up by brushing and flossing regularly.
Prevention
Keeping your mouth healthy is the best way to prevent tartar. This can be accomplished by following these steps:
- Practice good oral hygiene by flossing twice daily and brushing twice daily for two minutes
- Changing the bristles of an electric toothbrush every three months is recommended
- Fluoride toothpaste is a good way to keep your teeth healthy
- Visit your dentist every six months for regular cleanings and examinations
- In order to lose weight, eat a balanced diet and minimize sugar and starch consumption
- The use of tobacco, including smoking and chewing, should be avoided
Removal
A dental professional should remove tartar because it adheres firmly to tooth enamel. It is possible to achieve this by professional cleaning, debridement, or scaling and root planing.
In the absence of dense deposits, bone loss, or periodontal disease, the American Dental Association recommends getting a routine cleaning every six months. The scaler is used by your dentist or dental hygienist in order to remove plaque, tartar, and stains from between your teeth and along your gum line.
A When dense calculus covers the teeth and prevents the dentist from performing a thorough examination, debridement may be recommended. It is possible to break up and remove tartar with hand tools and ultrasonic equipment.
Scaling and root planing may be necessary if you have gum disease or pockets between your teeth and gums. As far as the bottom of the pocket is concerned, all plaque and tartar are removed under local anesthesia. You will be able to reattach your gums to your teeth once the tooth roots have been rounded off.
Taking care of your teeth now can prevent you from having to deal with an even bigger problem later.
Do you suffer from dental tartar? Is it causing you any discomfort? Sunrise Dental Peoria AZ can be reached at 623-487-4870 or you can request an appointment through our online request form if you prefer.