What is Tartar? What Causes Tartar?

Plaque or tartar is the accumulation of plaque on the surface of the teeth, which, if not cleaned, turns into a hard stone. Plaque contains nutrients and bacteria. Regular brushing prevents plaque from forming on the teeth. Tartar formation negatively affects oral and dental health and can cause gum recession, loose teeth and tooth loss. You can prevent the formation of tartar on the teeth or have tartar cleaning by having regular dental check-ups.

It occurs especially in the area where the teeth meet the gums. Dental plaque, which contains mostly food residues, microorganisms and bacteria, should be cleaned regularly. People can use toothbrushes, dental floss and mouthwashes to remove dental plaque. If plaque is not removed from the mouth, it can turn into tartar. It is especially seen in individuals who do not pay attention to oral and dental care. It can also occur in individuals who do not apply the tooth brushing process correctly and do not use dental floss.

Why Tooth Stone Occurs

It is one of the most common dental problems in adults. It is a problem that occurs when oral and dental hygiene is poor. The causes of tartar can include not taking care of your mouth and teeth, not brushing your teeth or not flossing.
The minerals in the saliva, together with the nutrients that enter the mouth, accumulate on the teeth and then dental plaque appears. Dental plaque begins to harden when the mouth and teeth are not cleaned. An increase in the level and amount of hardening causes stone formation. Food and fluids darken the color of this stone over time. 

Should Tartar Be Treated?

Depending on the density of the stone and the damage it causes to the surrounding tissues, tooth tartar treatment can be performed. In cases where tartar forms, brushing or flossing does not help. 
Treatment of dental tartar is done with instruments used by dentists. Hand tools called cretuar used by dentists and periodontologists can be preferred for tartar treatment. It can also be cleaned faster with devices and tools that work with vibration and water.
If tartar is not removed, complications can arise. Bad consequences such as inflammation of the gums, loose teeth, gum recession and tooth loss can occur. Tartar can cover the entire tooth surface. While it can increase bad breath and bacterial production, it can impair oral health. 
Tartar, which is usually white or cream colored at first, can become a dark color as the density and amount of tartar increases. Teeth with a dark color lose their aesthetic appearance. Teeth with tartar accumulation should be cleaned by specialists.

How to Prevent Tartar Formation

It is not always possible to prevent tartar formation. It may occur as a result of the mineral structure and size of the saliva of some people. However, some measures can be taken to reduce this situation. The factors that cause plaque formation on the teeth should be identified and eliminated. The points to be done to prevent tartar formation on the teeth are as follows:

• brushing your teeth twice a day (for about two minutes)
• Preferring a toothbrush that is suitable for the person
• Using an electric toothbrush and mouth shower
• Preventing dental plaque formation by flossing
• Restore tooth enamel using fluorinated toothpaste
• Regular and healthy diet, avoiding sugar and acidic foods
• Brushing teeth after eating
• Avoid smoking and tobacco-like substances
• Regular dental check-up

What is Teeth Cleaning?

Applications performed by dentists to remove tartar are called tooth cleaning procedures. The instruments used by dentists ensure that the stones accumulated on the teeth, gums or under the teeth are cleaned. As a result of this process, the person's teeth and gums reach their old structure. In addition, stains on the tooth surface caused by factors such as smoking, coffee and tea are also eliminated.

Who Can Have Tartar Removal?

Scaling can be performed for individuals who have stained teeth or developed tartar due to different reasons. Brushing, flossing or mouthwashes are not enough to remove tartar. For this reason, they are not procedures that people can do on their own at home. Experts recommend going to the dentist every six months. 
Tartar cleaning is performed by a gum disease specialist or dentist when deemed necessary. After the tartar is removed, the person will have a healthy mouth and tooth structure. In addition, bad breath, bleeding gums, gum pain and swelling are eliminated. 

How to Clean Tartar

Individuals with bad breath or dark teeth may visit a dentist with the suspicion of tartar. Dental tartar cleaning is performed by specialized dentists in dental clinics. Anesthesia is not required as there is no pain or pain. However, people with gum disease may feel sensitivity such as tingling during the procedure. In such cases, those areas may need to be numbed. The cleaning process is done in a short time with special tools. However, these procedures may take longer in individuals with too many stones.