Have you ever noticed a rough, hard buildup on your teeth, especially near your gum line? That’s likely dental tartar, and it’s a common issue that many people face. While it might seem harmless at first, tartar can lead to serious problems for your teeth and gums if left untreated.
In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know about dental tartar removal, why it’s so important for your oral health, and how to keep your smile bright and healthy.
Dental Tartar
To understand tartar, let’s first talk about plaque. Plaque is a sticky, colourless film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth. When you eat or drink, these bacteria produce acids that can harm your tooth enamel and irritate your gums. If plaque isn’t removed regularly through brushing and flossing, it can harden and turn into tartar, also known as calculus.
Think of it like this: plaque is soft and easily brushed away. Tartar, on the other hand, is like concrete – hard and firmly stuck to your teeth. Once tartar forms, you can’t remove it with just brushing and flossing. You’ll need a dental professional to get rid of it.
Causes of Tartar Build-Up
Tartar build-up is a result of plaque not being removed effectively. Here are some common reasons why tartar forms:
- Poor Brushing and Flossing Habits: If you don’t brush and floss thoroughly and often enough, plaque has more time to form and harden into tartar.
- Diet: Sugary and starchy foods and drinks feed the bacteria in your mouth, leading to more plaque production.
- Dry Mouth: Saliva helps wash away food particles and neutralise acids. If you have a dry mouth, plaque can build up faster.
- Smoking and Tobacco Use: Tobacco products can make you more prone to developing plaque and tartar.
- Genetics: Some people are naturally more susceptible to tartar build-up than others, even with good oral hygiene.
The Importance of Dental Tartar Removal
Removing dental tartar isn’t just about having a cleaner smile; it’s crucial for preventing various oral health problems.
- Prevents Cavities: Tartar creates a rough surface on teeth where more plaque can stick, making cavities easier to form.
- Combats Gum Disease: Tartar can irritate your gums, leading to gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease. Symptoms include red, swollen, and bleeding gums. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease that can damage the bone supporting your teeth and eventually lead to tooth loss.
- Freshens Breath: Tartar harbours bacteria that produce unpleasant odours, contributing to bad breath (halitosis).
- Improves Appearance: Tartar can look unsightly, often appearing yellow or brown, and can make your teeth look dull. Removing it helps keep your smile looking its best.
Professional vs. At-Home Tartar Removal
Many people wonder if they can remove tartar themselves at home. The simple answer is no. While there are products marketed for at-home tartar removal, these are generally not effective for hard, established tartar and can even be harmful if not used correctly.
- At-Home Methods: Brushing and flossing are excellent for preventing plaque from turning into tartar. However, once plaque has hardened into tartar, it’s virtually impossible to remove at home without damaging your tooth enamel or gums. Attempting to scrape tartar off your teeth with sharp objects can lead to serious injury and should never be done.
- Professional Tartar Removal: A dentist or dental hygienist uses special tools and techniques to safely and effectively remove tartar. This process is called a dental scale and clean.
The Process of Dental Tartar Removal
When you visit your dentist Sunbury or dentists Gisborne VIC for a professional scale and clean, here’s what you can expect:
- Examination: The dental professional will first examine your mouth to assess the amount of plaque and tartar build-up and check for any signs of gum disease or cavities.
- Scaling: They will use a tool called a scaler (which can be a handheld instrument or an ultrasonic device) to carefully remove tartar from tooth surfaces above and below the gum line. Ultrasonic scalers use vibrations and a water spray to loosen and wash away tartar, while hand scalers are used for more precise removal.
- Polishing: After scaling, your teeth will be polished using a special paste and a rotating brush. This smooths the tooth surface, making it harder for plaque to stick and giving your teeth a clean, shiny feel.
- Fluoride Treatment (Optional): In some cases, a fluoride treatment might be applied to strengthen your tooth enamel and help prevent cavities.
The process is generally not painful, though you might feel some pressure or scraping sensations. If you have sensitive teeth or a lot of build-up, your dentist might suggest a local anaesthetic to make you more comfortable.
Benefits of Professional Dental Cleaning
Regular professional dental cleaning offers numerous benefits beyond just tartar removal:
- Thorough Cleaning: It reaches areas that your toothbrush and floss can’t, like deep pockets between your teeth and gums.
- Early Detection of Problems: Your dentist can spot early signs of cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues, allowing for timely treatment.
- Stain Removal: Professional cleaning can remove surface stains caused by coffee, tea, and other foods, making your smile brighter.
- Overall Health Benefits: Good oral health is linked to good overall health. By preventing gum disease, you’re also reducing your risk for other health problems like heart disease and diabetes.
How Often Should You Have Tartar Removed?
The general recommendation is to have a professional dental cleaning, including professional tartar removal, every six months. However, this can vary depending on your individual needs. If you’re prone to tartar build-up or have signs of gum disease, your dentist might recommend more frequent visits, perhaps every three or four months. Your dentist in Sunbury or dentists Gisborne VIC can advise you on the best schedule for you.
Risks of Ignoring Tartar Build-Up
Ignoring tartar build-up can lead to a cascade of problems for your oral health:
- Worsening Gum Disease: As mentioned, untreated gingivitis can turn into periodontitis, which can cause your gums to pull away from your teeth, leading to loose teeth and eventually tooth loss.
- Increased Cavities: Tartar creates a rough surface, trapping more plaque and making it easier for bacteria to produce acids that eat away at your enamel, leading to more cavities.
- Chronic Bad Breath: The bacteria in tartar constantly release foul-smelling gases.
- Tooth Loss: In severe cases of periodontitis, the bone and tissues supporting your teeth can be destroyed, leading to teeth becoming loose and potentially falling out.
- Systemic Health Issues: Research suggests a link between severe gum disease and other health conditions, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes complications.
How to Prevent Tartar from Forming
Preventing tartar is much easier than removing it. Here’s how you can keep your teeth free from this stubborn buildup:
- Brush Twice a Day: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Brush for at least two minutes, making sure to reach all surfaces of your teeth and gently along the gum line.
- Floss Daily: Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between your teeth and under the gum line, areas your toothbrush can’t reach. This is crucial for preventing tartar where teeth touch.
- Use Antimicrobial Mouthwash: A therapeutic mouthwash can help reduce bacteria in your mouth and fight plaque.
- Eat a Balanced Diet: Limit sugary and starchy foods and drinks. These feed the bacteria that produce plaque.
- Drink Plenty of Water: Water helps rinse away food particles and neutralise acids.
- Regular Dental Check-ups: Visit your dentist, like dentists Gisborne VIC, regularly for professional cleanings and check-ups. They can spot early signs of plaque and tartar and give you personalised advice.
Common Tartar Removal Myths
Let’s clear up some common misunderstandings about tartar and its removal:
- Myth: You can remove hard tartar at home with special tools.
- Fact: This is dangerous and can damage your teeth and gums. Professional dental tools are designed to safely remove tartar without harming your enamel.
- Myth: Once you have tartar, you can do nothing about it.
- Fact: Tartar can be effectively removed by a dental professional. It’s never too late to take action for your oral health.
- Myth: Tartar is just a cosmetic issue.
- Fact: While it affects the look of your teeth, tartar is a serious health concern that can lead to gum disease, cavities, and even tooth loss.
- Myth: If your gums bleed when you brush, it’s normal.
- Fact: Bleeding gums are a sign of gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, often caused by plaque and tartar build-up. It’s a sign you need to improve your oral hygiene and see your dentist.
Cost of Dental Tartar Removal
The cost of dental tartar removal (as part of a scale and clean) in Australia can vary. Factors that influence the cost include:
- Location: Prices can differ between cities and regional areas. Your dentist will have specific pricing.
- Complexity of the Clean: The cost might be higher if you have a significant amount of tartar build-up or signs of gum disease requiring more extensive treatment.
- Private Health Insurance: If you have private health insurance with dental cover, a portion of the cost (or sometimes all of it) may be covered.
- Type of Clinic: Costs can vary between different dental practices.
It’s always best to check with your dental clinic for an accurate quote before your appointment. Remember, investing in regular dental cleanings is much more affordable than treating the severe problems that can arise from neglected tartar.
Conclusion
Dental tartar removal is a critical step in maintaining excellent oral health. While you can’t remove hardened tartar at home, a professional scale and clean by your dentist can effectively get rid of it, preventing a host of problems from cavities to severe gum disease.
By combining regular professional cleanings at Vineyard Dental with a consistent at-home oral hygiene routine, you can keep your smile healthy, bright, and strong for years to come. Don’t underestimate the power of a clean mouth – it’s the foundation of a healthy life!
Dr Mahmoud Metwally, a second-generation dentist in Sunbury, moved to Australia in 2015 after clearing the Australian Dental Board exam. With over nine years of experience, Dr Mahmoud Metwally focuses on root canal treatments and cosmetic dentistry. As a dentist in Sunbury, he advocates for preventative care, minimally invasive dentistry, and prioritises patient comfort.
