Dental Tartar

Tartar is a common dental problem. More than 80 percent of the people suffer from dental tartar. Learn all about it in detail as under:

What is Tartar?

Tartar also known as calculus refers to the hardened plaque that is developed over a period of time due to lack of oral hygiene. Tartar most often develops underneath the gum line and irritates gum tissues. It allows plaque more surface area to grow and a lot more stickier substance to adhere. Hence, it leads to serious dental problems like gum disease and cavities.

Causes of Tartar

Some of the major causes of tartar teeth are mentioned as under:
-Not brushing properly or not brushing regularly.
-Plaque not treated for a long period of time.
-Eating starch and carbohydrates laden food like candies, sweets etc.
-Lack of flossing.
-Failure at cleaning the teeth surfaces.

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Tartar Removal

Tartar cannot be treated at home by oneself. It is a disease condition that only dentists can treat using specialized surgical instruments. The procedure to remove tartar is called 'Scaling'. It involves removal of tartar from the adhering teeth and gumline. This is something which only the professionals can do. Hence, it becomes imperative to see a dentist in case of tartar.

How to Control Tartar Buildup?

Regular and proper brushing with a tartar control tooth paste can avoid the formation of tartar. Along with brushing, make sure you floss your teeth on a regular basis too. Also, a time-to time visit to the dentist can also help in controlling and avoiding tartar formation.

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Tartar: Cosmetic Problem

Since tartar renders teeth stained and tarnished, it is a cosmetic dental problem which eventually requires cosmetic dentistry to treat it. Tartar is porous in nature and thus absorbs stains etc, easily. This leads to teeth discoloration, yellowness and stained teeth. In case you are a chain smoker or tea and coffee drinker then tartar on teeth can indeed leave you with an ugly set of denture.

Difference Between Tartar and Plaque

Plaque and tartar are often confused as same but there is a lot of difference between them. Plaque is actually a thin colorless film of bacteria while tartar is a mineral build up which is quite obvious in its presence. One can see the very visible line of tartar around the gum line of teeth. Yellow or brown colored teeth also indicate the presence of tartar in teeth.