What is Tartar and How Does it Form?
What is Tartar and How Does it Form? Tartar, commonly known as ‘dental calculus,’ is a hard deposit that forms around the teeth. This formation is due to the presence of bacterial plaque in the mouth, resulting from the action of the bacterial flora present in the oral cavity on food debris.
Once the bacterial plaque comes into contact with saliva, a process of mineralization occurs. After about 5 to 7 days from the start of this process, dental tartar is formed. Consequently, it becomes impossible to remove this calcified formation through normal brushing.
Implications for Oral Health:
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Gum Disease (Periodontitis): Tartar irritates and inflames the gums, leading to gingivitis (early stage gum disease). If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, causing gum recession, bone loss, and ultimately tooth loss.
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Bad Breath (Halitosis): The bacteria in tartar release foul-smelling gases, contributing to persistent bad breath.
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Tooth Discoloration: Tartar can cause visible yellow or brown stains on teeth, affecting the appearance of the smile.
Prevention and Treatment:
- The best way to prevent tartar is through good oral hygiene practices, including brushing teeth twice a day and flossing daily.
- Dental cleanings are essential for removing tartar.
- Once tartar has formed, it can only be removed by a dental professional using specialized instruments during a dental cleaning.
In summary, tartar is a form of dental plaque that develops when plaque is not effectively removed from teeth. It can lead to gum disease, bad breath, and tooth discoloration. Prevention through proper oral hygiene and regular dental cleanings is key to maintaining good oral health and preventing tartar-related complications.
Briefly, the removal of tartar is only achievable by dentists. This is because it requires appropriate instrumentation.
