Natural Breakdown of Tartar
Most patients experience a build up of tartar at some point. Tartar, or calculus, is hardened plaque. Plaque is the sticky film that makes your teeth feel fuzzy throughout the day! Plaque is easily removed with brushing and flossing but Tarter cannot be removed with rushing, only by scraping it off with metal instruments and only by a dental professional.
Plaque hardens into tartar within 24-48 hours which is why it is so important to brush and floss every day. When we eat throughout the day, the bacteria within plaque eat the sugars and carbohydrates in our foods and beverages and produce enamel-eroding acid. When plaque is not removed in a timely manner, it calcifies and becomes hard, porous tartar.
Is tartar harmful to teeth?
Tarter encourages the formation of more plaque and therefore more bacteria and more acids that damage tooth enamel. Tartar can be colorless but it is typically a light yellow color and can cause severe staining to the teeth. The gum tissue can be affected by tartar by becoming inflamed and tender.
Gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease, may develop at which point you might notice pain and bleeding upon brushing and flossing. Gingivitis can lead to advanced periodontal disease which can cause irreversible damage to teeth and gum tissue. Infected gum tissue can begin to pull away from the tooth surface and expose the sensitive tooth roots, causing a lot of pain and tooth sensitivity.
Can tartar be removed at home?
Plaque is easily removed with brushing and flossing. Brushing removes plaque buildup on the tooth surface and along the gum line, flossing removes build up between teeth. When plaque has been allowed to harden into tartar, it can be much more difficult to remove and should only be done by your dental professional.
There are a few things you can try at home that can help reduce the amount of tartar and prevent more from building up. However, it is important that you never try to scrape tartar off using metal tools on your own. Even though some stores sell at home dental kits with dental scalers, these are sharp metal instruments and you may end up causing damage to your teeth and gums instead of removing tartar.
Baking soda: You can use baking soda and a little water to make a paste which you can then use with your toothbrush to gently lessen tartar buildup. Do not combine baking soda with toothpaste, it will be overly abrasive and can cause damage to tooth enamel.
White vinegar: You can rinse with a vinegar and warm water mixture to reduce bacteria and help prevent additional deposits from forming.
There are also a few food options that can actually help prevent plaque and tartar from forming. Orange peels can be used by wiping them over the affected areas as can mashed strawberries and tomatoes. The vitamin C found in these foods can help keep plaque and tartar at bay. Aloe has antibacterial properties and can be effective for reducing tartar buildup as well!
Removing tartar altogether is best left to the professionals. You can end up doing more harm than good so take the time to visit your dentist at least twice a year for a professional cleaning and exam.