Got Tartar?

What is Tartar?

Tartar, sometimes called calculus, is a deposit that forms when plaque hardens on your teeth. It can form both above and below the gumline.

Getting rid of these calculus deposits is important, since they can lead to chronically inflamed gums and gum disease, receding gums, and persistent bad breath. Tartar also accelerates plaque formation and helps to hide deposits of plaque, which can in turn create greater risk of periodontal disease.

Tartar is distinct from plaque, which is caused by bacteria on the teeth, but both are usually present in the mouths of people who have less than adequate oral hygiene.

Individuals vary greatly in their susceptibility to tartar buildup. For many, these deposits build up faster with age. Tartar is easily noticeable because of its yellow or brown color on teeth.



image courtesy of findmeacure.com



How do I Know if I Have Tartar Buildup?

Unlike plaque, which is a colorless film of bacteria, tartar is a mineral buildup that's fairly easy to see if above the gumline. The most common sign of tartar is a yellow or brown color to teeth or gums. Because tartar buildup bonds strongly to enamel, once formed, it can only be removed by your dentist or dental hygienist.

The process for removing tartar is called scaling. During a scaling, the dentist or hygienist uses special instruments to remove tartar from your teeth above and below the gumline.

How can I Prevent Tartar Buildup?

While tartar can only be removed by a dental professional, you can avoid tartar buildup by removing plaque.

You should plan to brush their teeth at least twice daily. They should floss once daily too, and also make and keep appointments to have teeth cleaned at least twice a year. Ask you dentist or dental hygienist about using a tartar control toothpaste to reduce formation of tartar if you notice that tartar build-up occurs quickly, even despite good oral hygiene.

Other common risk factors for greater build-up of calculus include smoking, having diabetes, and taking medications that cause dry mouth. Keeping sugar levels under control if you have diabetes may help reduce tartar build-up. 

There’s also been some suggestion in recent medical literature that tartar buildup and gum inflammation or gum disease in pregnant women may be linked to low birth weight in babies, and also to heart disease.

It is a fact that people are more at risk for bacterial endocarditis when they have gum disease, which can be accelerated by tartar. Many people who have heart disease also have gum disease, but medical researchers haven’t quite identified a causal relationship. Neglect of one’s health, poor diet, and smoking may cause both heart disease and gum disease, and might possibly explain the presence of both conditions in many people.