How to remove tartar from teeth seem to be getting yellower or browner, you may have tartar. Usually this is most visible around the edges of your teeth. Many people have to deal with it from time to time. Still, prevention is better than cure.
What is tartar and how does it form?
To understand what tartar is and how it forms, we must start at the beginning. In this case with dental plaque . Food residues may remain in the mouth after eating and drinking. Especially in hard-to-reach areas or along the gum line. In combination with saliva and bacteria in the mouth, this forms a pale yellow, sticky layer [1] . Does this layer remain after cleaning the mouth? Then this hardens because of the minerals in your saliva. Within 24 to 48 hours, the plaque can already calcify into tartar. And unfortunately, unlike dental plaque, tartar cannot be removed yourself.
Why you should have tartar removed
Tartar is formed by bacteria, but is also the ideal place for new bacteria. It is more porous and stiffer than tooth enamel, so that bacteria can easily attach. Left untreated, these harmful bacteria can seriously affect your tooth enamel and oral health [2].
Some bacteria in dental plaque, such as Streptococcus mutant, convert sugar from food into acids [3] . This affects the tooth enamel and is the first stage of tooth decay. When this continues, the bacteria attack the deeper layers of the tooth. This starts with the dentin. In other words, the layer that provides support for the enamel gives structure to the tooth and protects the pulp.
When the tartar reaches the dentin, the tooth enamel becomes porous and prone to tooth decay (caries). This can make your teeth sensitive to cold or warm foods. Have you ever had a cavity in your tooth? Then the rotting process goes a lot faster. A visit to the dentist is necessary in this case! This drills away the inflammation and places a filling, to protect your tooth and to prevent further damage.
Untreated tooth decay offers bacteria a chance to reach the pulp. This layer is in direct contact with bone and contains connective tissue, blood vessels and nerves. Not only is it very painful when exposed, but it can also lead to infection or inflammation. The tooth can then no longer be cured. In this situation there are only a few options: a root canal treatment, root tip surgery or extraction of the tooth.
In addition to being harmful to your oral health, tartar also affects the color of your teeth. The porosity of tartar makes it prone to discoloration. This allows it to easily absorb discoloration from drink, food or smoking. In addition, the older the tartar, the darker the color. In addition, the bacteria in tartar break down the tooth enamel. The top white layer of your teeth disappears, revealing the yellowed dentin (dental bone). Shame about that beautiful white smile!
How do you prevent tartar?
Because you cannot remove tartar yourself, it is important to look at how you prevent it. This starts with the prevention of dental plaque. Take a close look at your daily oral care routine.
Brushing your teeth is the most effective way to remove dirt and plaque [4]. Therefore, brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes. Preferably with a toothbrush with soft bristles. This allows you to clean deeply along the gum line without it irritating or hurting. Wondering how best to brush? Then take a look at this cleaning instruction.
To remove the plaque in the most difficult places, use an interdentally brush. This small brush helps you to properly clean between teeth or orthodontic appliances. Depending on your teeth, you may need several sizes. This is usually a matter of trial and error. You should feel a small amount of resistance as you brush so that it removes most of the plaque.
Rinsing is the last step in your fight against plaque. After brushing and brushing, bacteria can remain in the mouth. By rinsing you reduce the bacteria present and give them less chance to form plaque. Use a mouthwash without alcohol for this, because that dries out the mouth and actually worsens bacterial growth. The best mouthwash is one that contains fluoride, is pH neutral and based on active oxygen.
How to remove tartar from teeth?
Unfortunately, removing tartar yourself is not possible, so a visit to the dentist or dental hygienist is essential. They remove the tartar using a dental hook or a device that gives ultrasonic vibrations. The goal is to leave your teeth as clean and smooth as possible. This gives bacteria the least chance to reattach to the tooth. Is all the tartar gone? It’s up to you to keep it as clean and smooth as possible. Good luck!
