When our oral hygiene is not adequate, on many occasions what occurs is the appearance of dental tartar, but exactly what is it and how can we avoid it. We tell you all the details.
What exactly is dental tartar?
Tartar is also called calculus or dental tartar and it is a
calcification of bacterial plaque. The problem is that if we don't remove
it, it hardens on the teeth and can cause dental health problems. In
addition, it usually acquires a yellowish color first and then brown that is
not aesthetically pleasing. It can also form on the edge of the gums and
under them.
What problems can it cause?
We can find two main problems derived from the appearance of
dental tartar:
- At
the health level: It can irritate the gingival tissues since it
provides a more extensive and sticky surface for plaque to adhere and
grow, which can also lead to cavities.
- On
an aesthetic level: It is more porous, making it absorb stains easily
and take on a yellowish color that makes our smile look ugly.
Main causes
Generally, its appearance begins to occur when we
neglect our oral hygiene. At this point, we not only have to take into
account brushing often, but also that the duration and technique used is
correct to avoid excessive tartar and thus the problems mentioned above.
Another factor is the pH of the saliva, which
varies from person to person. The acidic pH (less than 5) creates a
perfect environment for bacterial adherence, allowing the formation of dental
plaque that will later give rise to tartar.
Finally, it is also important to highlight eating
habits. For example, some foods such as soft drinks or a high consumption
of sugars can alter the pH of the saliva and thus trigger what we wrote before.
Measures to prevent its appearance
- Carry
out deep dental cleanings at least once a year.
- Brush
your teeth after eating any food.
- Don't
forget to floss.
- Use
fluoride toothpastes
Procedures for removal
In the case of having reached the point where tartar has
accumulated on the teeth and it is impossible to remove it with brushing, we
must go to our dentist in Ashok
Vihar who will perform a root scaling. It is a procedure that
consists of using a fine instrument between the tooth and the gums to remove
all of the calculus. This seeks to leave the most superficial part of the
tooth root as smooth or polished as possible, eliminating toxins. It can
be done in several sessions, dividing the mouth into quadrants or by sides or
arches, allowing us to achieve an exhaustive cleaning.
If you see small yellow areas around your teeth and gums,
tartar may be starting to build up in your mouth. Do not hesitate
and ask for your appointment at our dental clinic in Ashok Vihar, we
will help you to find a solution.
