Remove Tartar: Safely Clean Your Teeth

Removing tartar, also known as dental calculus, is a crucial aspect of maintaining good oral hygiene. Tartar is a hard, yellowish deposit that forms on teeth when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, is not removed regularly. If left untreated, tartar can lead to a range of problems, including bad breath, gum disease, and even tooth loss. In this article, we will explore the importance of removing tartar, the risks associated with it, and the safest methods for cleaning your teeth.

Understanding Tartar Formation

Tartar forms when plaque is not removed from teeth through regular brushing and flossing. Plaque contains bacteria that feed on food particles, especially sugars and starches, and produce acid as a byproduct. This acid can damage tooth enamel and cause cavities. If plaque is not removed, it can harden into tartar, which is much more difficult to remove than plaque. Tartar can form both above and below the gum line, making it a significant threat to oral health.

Risks Associated with Tartar

Tartar can lead to a range of oral health problems, including:

• Gum Disease: Tartar can cause inflammation of the gums, leading to gum disease. Gum disease can cause symptoms such as red, swollen, and bleeding gums, as well as bad breath.
• Tooth Loss: If left untreated, tartar can lead to the formation of pockets between the teeth and gums, which can become infected and cause tooth loss.
• Bad Breath: Tartar can cause bad breath, as the bacteria that form tartar can release volatile sulfur compounds.
• Tooth Decay: Tartar can contribute to tooth decay by providing a habitat for bacteria that feed on sugars and starches.

Methods for Removing Tartar

There are several methods for removing tartar, including:

• Professional Cleaning: The most effective way to remove tartar is through a professional cleaning by a dentist or hygienist. This involves the use of specialized tools, such as ultrasonic scalers and curettes, to remove tartar both above and below the gum line.
• Brushing and Flossing: Regular brushing and flossing can help prevent tartar formation. Using a toothbrush with soft bristles and a fluoride toothpaste can help remove plaque and prevent tartar formation.
• Mouthwash: Using a mouthwash that contains antibacterial ingredients, such as chlorhexidine, can help kill bacteria that form tartar.
• Dental Picks: Dental picks can be used to remove tartar from between teeth and below the gum line.

Safe Methods for Removing Tartar at Home

While professional cleaning is the most effective way to remove tartar, there are some safe methods for removing tartar at home. These include:

• Using a Waterpik: A Waterpik can be used to remove plaque and tartar from between teeth and below the gum line.
• Using a Dental Pick: A dental pick can be used to remove tartar from between teeth and below the gum line.
• Using a Tartar-Control Toothpaste: Using a toothpaste that contains tartar-control ingredients, such as pyrophosphates, can help prevent tartar formation.

Conclusion

Removing tartar is an essential aspect of maintaining good oral hygiene. While professional cleaning is the most effective way to remove tartar, there are safe methods for removing tartar at home. By understanding the risks associated with tartar and taking steps to prevent its formation, you can help keep your teeth and gums healthy for years to come. Remember to brush and floss regularly, use a mouthwash that contains antibacterial ingredients, and have a professional cleaning by a dentist or hygienist every 6 months to ensure that your teeth are properly cleaned and to prevent oral health problems.