How does tartar form?
If proper oral hygiene is not performed, the bacteria present in the mouth, along with substances from food such as sugars, carbohydrates and proteins, form bacterial plaque, a thin coating that covers the teeth at the gum line. Plaque, if not removed, over time mineralizes forming tartar.
Mineralization occurs through the mineral salts present in saliva. Because of this transformation, tartar is much harder than plaque and therefore very difficult to remove.
It is also much more visible than plaque: initially it is yellowish and with time can turn brown. It is also deposited under the gums, taking on a coloring tending to black.
Why remove tartar?
Tartar is formed by bacteria, so it is very dangerous for the gums. Its prolonged presence can cause gingivitis. This disease can usually be cured with effective oral hygiene and professional teeth cleaning, but if tartar is not removed and gingivitis untreated, it can progress into a more serious form of gum disease, periodontitis (pyorrhea).
Periodontitis forms because bacteria settle in the space between the tooth and gum and as they deepen this space, they form pockets. Here they nest and proliferate, destroying the periodontium (the supporting apparatus of the tooth).
How to eliminate tartar: prevention
If we take care of our mouth and perform proper oral hygiene, tartar will not be able to form, so the best medicine to fight it is prevention. It is important to brush your teeth properly several times a day and complete the cleaning with dental floss.
Electric toothbrushes can be more effective than manual ones in removing plaque. If there are large spaces between teeth where bits of food get stuck, it is important to use an interdental brush as well.
How to remove tartar: scaling
Once tartar has formed, it must be removed immediately through a technique called scaling or tartar removal. The strength of mineral deposits is such that it is impossible to remove tartar with a toothbrush, only the dentist or hygienist can do it, using certain instruments.
The latter can be manual or ultrasonic. The first ones remove tartar mechanically, through the use of special tips, the second ones take advantage of the vibration thanks to which they can also remove subgingival tartar.
It would be advisable, however, to carry out professional teeth cleaning sessions periodically, depending on the patient’s situation, to remove any plaque before tartar forms. After treatment, the teeth may be more sensitive to heat and cold. This condition can last up to a few weeks after the removal of tartar.