Tartar: How Does Tartar Effect Teeth And Gums And How Can We Control It

Tartar is probably a word you’ve heard many times before, often associated with plaque, but what is it? The more you know about tartar buildup, the better you’ll be able to prevent it in the future. Put simply, tartar is a hardened version of plaque found within the mouth.

Plaque forms due to a mix of various foods and proteins, and slowly begins to form a visible buildup on your teeth. Plaque can crawl its way into the crevices of your teeth, inside your gum line, and even in hard-to-reach areas, making it all the more difficult to get rid of. When a buildup of tartar occurs it will give plaque a larger surface area to appear upon, and will make surface stains more visible to the naked eye. Tartar stains are usually considered to be brown or yellow in color.

The Effects Of Tartar
Tartar forms due to the ever-present existence of bacteria within the mouth. Those with calcified tartar on their teeth put their oral health at risk for cavities, bad breath, and gum disease. Gum disease in its various stages may cause irreversible damage to your teeth and overall oral health and may even result in complete removal of your teeth. While this is an extreme case of tartar buildup, it shows the importance of taking care of any mild oral health issues before they get out of hand.

How To Get Rid Of Tartar Buildup
Even with vigorous brushing, only a dental hygienist or dentist will be able to completely remove the hard buildup brought on by tartar and plaque. The process used by dentists to remove a buildup of tartar is often called scaling, wherein your dental professional will use special tools to remove the tartar starting at the gum line.

How To Prevent A Tartar Buildup
There are many ways to control an unhealthy buildup of plaque and tartar, all of which mean maintaining good oral hygiene. To prevent tartar buildup be sure to brush your teeth twice daily using a tartar fighting toothpaste. You should also be flossing daily, making sure to get into all of the hard to reach spots within your mouth. Another tip is to replace your toothbrush every 3 months to lessen the amount of bacteria growing on your bristles.

The final way you can ensure your mouth stays fresh and clean from plaque and tartar buildup is to arrange your dental insurance and company plans to allow for regular dental cleanings twice a year. Help keep your teeth their healthiest by scheduling a dental checkup with Easton Dentists today at (614) 414-0111.