The negative effects of tartar and how to remove it

Tartar is a calcified plaque that can cause not only an aesthetic problem but also various dental diseases. Regular removal is therefore very important and should not be neglected. We’ve created this article to show you the negative effects of tartar, how it can be removed and avoided.

What is tartar?

During meals, plaque forms on the surface of the teeth, which is formed of food, drink and saliva.

It is almost imperceptible to the eye, ranging in color from transparent to yellowish. The plaque adheres tightly to the surface of the teeth; however, it can still be removed with a toothbrush in the earliest stages.

If you don’t remove it when brushing your teeth, plaque will harden and turn into tartar. Tartar is mostly mineralized, dead bacteria that is attached very tightly to the teeth, so it cannot be removed at home just by brushing your teeth. Also, the negative effects of tartar can be quite severe.

How does tartar form on our teeth?

• Plaque forms on the teeth after eating and drinking
• The plaque left on the teeth is mineralized, so it hardens
• Plaque adheres even more easily to the rough surface of tartar
• From this, additional tartar is formed

It is important to know that tartar may form from plaque in just a few days, which is why it is so important to clean your teeth thoroughly every day.

It’s important to know that some people have a greater risk of developing tartar:

• If you have braces
• If you smoke
• Certain hereditary factors can make you more prone to it
• If you have dry mouth
• If you have crowded teeth

The negative effects of tartar

First of all, tartar creates stains on your teeth, but neglecting it can have more serious consequences. The negative effects of tartar include the risk for cavities, bad breath, and gum disease. Gum disease can cause irreversible damage to your teeth and may result in removal of your teeth.

How to avoid tartar buildup

The most important thing is to maintain good oral health. Thorough brushing at least twice a day is a must, and it should last for at least 2 minutes.

In addition to traditional brushing, cleaning the interdental spaces on a daily basis is also necessary. You can learn more about maintaining good oral health here.

Unfortunately, even with the most thorough oral hygiene, tartar can develop in less accessible, hidden areas. This is why it is extremely important to have tartar removed regularly. Book an appointment for scaling and polishing at Digital Dental Art, and you will experience great result and whiter teeth.

If you have any further questions, contact us here. We will be happy to answer any of your questions.