Dental calculus — why should you remove it every year?

What is tartar formed from?

Tartar, also called dental stone, is formed due to the mineralization of bacterial plaque that accumulates on the surface of the teeth. The process is complicated and depends on many factors, but it starts with something we know perfectly well — plaque.

Plaque is a thin, sticky layer of bacteria and their metabolic products that accumulates on our teeth. If it is not regularly removed by brushing and flossing, it begins to harden, turning into tartar. This process is accelerated by minerals contained in saliva, such as calcium and phosphates, which settle in the plaque, causing it to harden.

It is important to understand that tartar can develop both above and below the gum line. A stone above the gum line is easier to spot and remove, while the one below the gum line can lead to more serious problems such as periodontal disease.

Factors favoring the formation of tartar

• Improper oral hygiene
  Insufficient or incorrect brushing of teeth and irregular use of dental floss lead to the accumulation of bacterial plaque, which hardens over time and turns into tartar.
• Diet
  Eating a lot of foods rich in sugars and starches favors the formation of plaque and tartar. Sugars and starches provide a breeding ground for bacteria in the mouth, which produce acids that lead to plaque formation and, consequently, tartar.
• Smoking tobacco
  Smoking increases the risk of tartar formation. The chemicals contained in tobacco smoke promote the accumulation of bacterial plaque and scale.
• Dryness of the oral cavity
  Saliva neutralizes acids produced by bacteria and washes away food debris from the teeth. Insufficient saliva production (xerostomia) increases the risk of tartar formation.
• Genetics and individual characteristics of saliva
  Some people are genetically predisposed to the formation of tartar more quickly. A higher concentration of minerals in saliva also increases susceptibility to its formation.
• Aged
  The risk of tartar formation increases with age.
• Illness and medicine
  Certain diseases, such as diabetes, and certain medications can increase the risk of tartar formation.
• Improper use of dental floss and mouthwash
  Incompetent flossing or excessive use of mouthwashes can lead to tissue damage, which favors the accumulation of plaque and tartar.

How is tartar different from sediment?

Sediment and tartar are often confused, but they are two different stages of the same process.

• Dental plaque (bacterial plaque) is a soft, sticky substance made up of millions of bacteria and food debris that accumulates on the surface of the teeth. It is almost transparent and difficult to notice. Plaque forms very quickly after teeth cleaning — that's why regular brushing and flossing is so important. Sediment is the main factor leading to caries and gum disease.
• Tartar is a hardened, mineralized bacterial plaque. When the sediment is not rimuovered, minerals from saliva cause mineralization, forming a rigid stone. A stone is more difficult to remove and usually requires professional treatment with a dentist or dental hygienist. It can lead to more serious problems, such as advanced gum disease and tooth loss.

What color is tartar?

Tartar is usually light yellow to brown in color. Its color depends on many factors, including diet, hygiene habits and oral hygiene products used.

Often a stone is about the same color as the teeth, which makes it difficult to notice it. Over time, however, it becomes more visible and darkens. A stone that accumulates under the gum line can have a darker, even black or brown tint, which is due to the accumulation of bacteria and impurities under the gums.

Effects of Long-Lasting Tartar

Prolonged leave of the stone without treatment can lead to serious health problems:

• Gum diseases (gingivitis and periodontitis) — tartar irritates the gums, causing inflammation (gingivitis). If left untreated, it can go into periodontitis, leading to the destruction of the tissues supporting the teeth and their loss.
• Loss of teeth — advanced periodontal disease can result in tooth loss.
• Bad Breath — bacteria in the stone cause an unpleasant smell from the mouth.
• Tooth discoloration — the stone negatively affects the aesthetics of the smile.
• Increased risk of health complications Chronic gingivitis can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and lung disease.

How does a dentist remove tartar?

Stone removal, called scaling, is done by a dentist or dental hygienist using specialized tools called scalers.

• Manual scaling — use sharp tools to scrape the stone off the surface of the teeth. It is effective, but time consuming, especially with large amounts of stone.
• Ultrasonic Scaling — a modern method using ultrasonic waves to break a stone. It is faster and less invasive. During the process, the tip of the instrument rinses the area with water or an antiseptic solution.
• Tooth sandblasting (air-flow) — involving the removal of plaque, scale and discolouration by means of a jet of air, water and fine abrasive particles. It is painless and often complements scaling.
• Polishing enamel — smoothes the surface of the teeth after removal of the stone, which makes it difficult for bacterial plaque to accumulate again.

How long does it take to clean teeth from tartar?

The standard treatment usually lasts from 30 to 60 minutes. In the case of a large amount of stone or long neglect, it can take up to 90 minutes.

Do teeth hurt after cleaning the stone?

After the procedure, some may experience temporary sensitivity or discomfort, caused by:

• exposing the roots of the teeth,
• irritation of the gums,
• change of sensation in the oral cavity.

These symptoms usually go away after a few days.

How often can tartar be removed?

It is recommended to remove the stone at least once a year, however, the frequency should be adjusted individually. The procedure is prophylactic and does not replace daily oral hygiene.

How to prevent the deposition of tartar?

• Regular and thorough brushing of teeth (at least twice a day) and daily flossing.
• The use of mouthwashes.
• Regular visits to the dentist (at least twice a year).
• A healthy diet, limiting sugars and starches.
• Drinking plenty of water.
• Avoiding smoking.

Is oxidized water good for tartar?

Oxygenated water is a popular whitening agent that can help remove stains, but does not remove tartar. The stone is too hard and requires professional removal. In addition, the use of oxidized water without consulting a dentist can irritate the mucous membrane and damage the gums.

Does citric acid remove tartar?

Citric acid, although a natural whitening agent, does not remove tartar. Attempting to use lemon juice can lead to erosion of enamel, increasing tooth sensitivity and the risk of other dental problems.