This can lead to cavities and tooth decay.Īny tartar that forms above your gum line could be bad for you. Tartar can make it harder to brush and floss as you should. It must be removed with special tools in the dentist’s office. It is rough and porous and can lead to receding gums and gum disease. Tartar, also called calculus, forms below and above the gum line. But if you remove plaque regularly, you can prevent permanent tooth decay and gum disease.īigger problems arise, however, if plaque stays on your teeth and hardens into tartar. Plaque carries bacteria that can damage tooth enamel and lead to cavities. Plaque coats your teeth gets under your gum line and sticks to fillings or other dental work. They mix with proteins and food byproducts to form a sticky film called dental plaque. What Is Tartar?Įven if you take great care of your teeth at home, you still have bacteria in your mouth. But do you know why? What is tartar? How does it get on your teeth? And what can happen if it does? Get the facts straight ahead. And don't forget regular dental visits.You know it’s important to brush, floss, and rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash to prevent tartar buildup. Using a toothpaste like Colgate ® Total will help prevent tartar buildup, remove stains and negate the need for a calculus removal procedure. Start with brushing at least twice a day combined with daily flossing. But the common denominator in preventing unnecessary trips to your dentist is building a solid foundation of oral care. There are so many ailments that can befall the mouth. Bacteria from plaque and tartar can also find its way into the bloodstream, which can result in such conditions like endocarditis, when blood clots and the inner lining of the heart becoming infected. Periodontal disease has also been linked to an increased risk of coronary artery disease and strokes.

This condition is known as gingivitis the initial stage of periodontal disease. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), calculus buildup can cause gums to swell and bleed. That could come in the form of scaling and root planning or in more severe cases of calculus accumulation - gum surgery may be needed.Ĭalculus removal is crucial to prevent several serious health issues. After the debridement procedure, your dentist will schedule you for a follow-up visit at which time he or she will determine if further treatment is necessary. The ultrasonic device incorporates a combination of high-frequency vibrations with water to extricate the tartar.

A dental hygienist will use either hand-held instruments or an ultrasonic device to remove the tartar. Once calculus collects on your teeth in large quantities, it needs to be removed via a process known as debridement. Subgingival is typically brown or black in color. It typically isn't visible with the naked eye unless gum recession has already taken place. Subgingival forms below the gumline in the sulcus (crevice) between the teeth and the gumline. It's yellow or tan and is visible on a tooth's surface. There are two types of calculus, notes the University of Kentucky. Coffee or tea drinkers and smokers are more susceptible to stained teeth so preventing tartar buildup on teeth is an even bigger priority for those folks. More plaque can mean more cavities and even periodontal disease, so removing calculus is an important step to long-term oral health.Īnother downfall of tartar is its ability to absorb stains easily given its porous qualities.

Tartar is a hardened surface and provides more surface area for plaque to adhere. Within two to three days, the plaque begins the calcification process, morphing into calculus. Once you brush your teeth, plaque begins to form on your clean teeth within 24 hours, according to the Mayo Clinic. While each condition requires its own specific treatment, calculus removal is especially important for good oral health.Ĭalculus, more commonly known as tartar, is the result of plaque buildup that hardens (calcifies) on the teeth. But there are a plethora of reasons why people hide their smiles: crooked or missing teeth, gum disease, or plaque and calculus buildup. A friendly smile is like a warm, sunny day in that you never hear anyone complain about seeing one.

Calculus buildup removed