One of the potentially serious dental problems most people face at some point in their lives is called tartar, and we are not talking about the sauce! Tartar, which also goes by the name dental calculus, is a hardened form of dental plaque that can build up on your teeth even if you brush and floss regularly, but doing that does help a lot to slow it down! Despite your best efforts, some tartar deposits will form over time, and if the problem isn’t addressed it can lead to oral health issues like gum disease.
Tartar is problematic because no matter how hard you brush and floss, you can’t remove it yourself, only a dentist or oral hygienist can do that! In order to prevent tartar from forming on your teeth, and to remove any that already has, you need to make an appointment with your trusted dentist in Burwood, NSW who can use their instruments to give your teeth a thorough cleaning!
So, what exactly is tartar made of? Tartar is mostly dead bacteria that has become mineralized along with a small portion of mineralized proteins derived from your saliva. Scientifically speaking, tartar consists of the following minerals:
• Calcium carbonate
• Magnesium phosphate
• Calcium phosphate
Here are the signs you should look for to alert you to the formation of tartar on your teeth:
• Gingivitis, a condition that is exemplified by swollen, red, or bleeding gums.
• Yellow, brown, or in serious cases, black stains on your teeth.
• Hard, crusty coatings on your teeth.
• Halitosis, which means bad breath.
has an unpleasant odour, which causes halitosis to occur. This is because the small pockets of tartar that form between your teeth and gums help to trap food debris and bacteria, which gives you bad breath and leaves a bad taste in your mouth.
Here are some behaviours that are risk factors for tartar:
• If you aren’t brushing or flossing your teeth enough, twice a day for brushing, and flossing once a day.
• If you are smoking cigarettes or cigars, or using chewing tobacco.
• If you suffer from dry mouth, a condition also called xerostomia.
• If you are consuming a lot of foods with high sugar content like sweets, soft drinks, cookies, and pastries.
• If you are wearing braces or other dental gear. Your dentist will help you monitor this!
Is it possible to prevent tartar buildup in the first place? Yes, although it’s still advised that you undergo a yearly professional teeth cleaning with your dentist to remove tartar in hard-to-reach spots! Here is your best course of action for tartar prevention:
• Brush your teeth two to three times daily.
• Floss between your teeth once daily.
• Use an antibacterial mouthwash twice daily
• Don’t smoke or use other tobacco products.
• Visit your dentist for exams and cleanings regularly.
While brushing and flossing at home is the best way to keep your teeth and gums healthy, it is still necessary for you to schedule dental exams and cleanings so you can enjoy a tartar-free life!