What Causes Tartar Build Up On Teeth?

We’ve all seen the commercials about how tartar on teeth is a bad thing but what is tartar? Even if you have good oral health habits your mouth will have bacteria in it. When this bacteria comes into contact with the proteins and other byproducts of food in your mouth it can mingle today and form a sticky substance that coats the teeth known as dental plaque. Dental plaque can cover your teeth, especially around your gum line, and is the reason it is important to brush your teeth twice a day or after you’ve had particularly sugary or starchy treats. If you neglect to deal with the dental plaque in your mouth it can harden into a rough and porous material known as tartar, or calculus. Tartar build-up in your mouth can lead to a number of different dental issues including:

• Cavities and tooth decay since tartar makes it harder to brush teeth properly
• Gum disease because the rough surface of the tartar can rub and irritate the gum line or even cause gum recession leaving a patient needing a gum graft procedure.
• Periodontitis if bacteria from the tartar gets into the pockets formed between the teeth and gums
• Other health problems, studies have shown a link between gum disease to other health issues like heart disease

Dealing with dental plaque before it can become tartar is always the best course of action by brushing and flossing daily, using mouthwash, and going to see a local dentist near you for regular checkups and cleanings. And if tartar does have a chance to form on your teeth it is important to do what you can to remove it.

How to Remove Tartar From Teeth

Because the build-up of tartar on your teeth can cause many dental issues it is best to try to remove tartar before it becomes a problem. There are some things that you can do at home to help reduce plaque build-up before it can become tartar.

• Brush frequently and properly – You need to brush your teeth at least twice a day and for at least two minutes each time. Scrub every surface of your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush to help scrape the plaque from your teeth.
• Floss daily – Flossing can seem like an unnecessary hassle but even the best toothbrushes in the world can’t get in between your teeth the way dental floss can.
• Use mouthwash – Rinsing daily with an antiseptic mouthwash can help to flush your mouth of harmful bacteria that cause dental plaque.
• Limit certain foods – The bacteria that forms dental plaque thrive on sugary or starchy foods. Restricting the amount of these types of foods you consume can help reduce your chances of dental plaque buildup.
• Don’t smoke – Smoking has been shown to increase the risk of tartar buildup in a person’s mouth as well as cause other dental issues.

If dental plaque is able to form into tartar it can be difficult to get rid of on your own. There are some home remedies that can be used to deal with tartar on your teeth like rinsing your mouth and gargling with a vinegar, salt, and water solution, or scrubbing your teeth with a baking soda paste but these treatments won’t be as effective as booking a proper mouth cleaning with a family dentist near you.

Do I Need To See A Dentist For Tartar Removal?

The short answer is yes you will need to see a dentist to have tartar removed from your teeth properly. Unfortunately, at-home treatments just don’t compare to the tools and materials that an experienced dentist will have in his or her dental office. The good thing is that an experienced dental hygenist and dentist can do a dental scaling when you come in for a dental cleaning. And if they find that there is excessive tartar buildup you can come back in for an official dental scaling and root planing procedure where significant time will be taken to clean your teeth and descale them to remove the tartar.

Dental Tartar Removal Before and After

Here are some before and after tartar removal photos. Tartar build up can cause significant discolouration causing you to be self-conscious about your smile. Let the experienced Higson Dental team help you regain your confidence with professional tartar removal.

Book An Appointment With Our Grande Prairie Dental Clinic

If you are concerned about tartar or dental plaque buildup on your teeth, or you are just looking for an experienced family dentist near you contact our office. Higson Dental Group has been serving the residents of Grande Prairie, AB, and the surrounding communities for over twenty years and are proud to offer top-notch dental services including cleanups, cosmetic dentistry, pediatric dentistry, and emergency dental services. Call today to book an appointment or for any questions you might have.  780-532-4661

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“I highly recommend Higson Dental Group, Dr. Schamehorn has been my dentist for a few years now. The staff are all very professional and always make me feel at ease when I am there. I love that they send you reminders by email and text and it is so easy to confirm and to contact the office.”

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