An Overview of Tartar
From the time you were a child, you’ve known that it’s important to brush and floss teeth regularly. Doing so prevents tartar buildup and keeps teeth and gums healthy.
But, you may not know exactly what this evil substance called tartar is, or how it ends up on your teeth. Oral health is intricately linked to overall well-being. So it’s important to understand what leads to the formation of tartar. It’s also important to know how to prevent its build-up and how it should be removed.
What is the difference between plaque and calculus?
Plaque is the sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth. Bacteria live in plaque and secrete acids that cause tooth decay and irritate gum tissue. This irritation causes an inflammatory reaction by your body that can eventually lead to gingivitis and periodontal disease. If plaque is not removed regularly by tooth brushing and flossing, it hardens to create calculus (also known as tartar). Calculus cannot be removed with a toothbrush; only a dental professional can remove it during an oral cleaning. To keep plaque and calculus under control, it is essential to brush your teeth twice every day, floss at least once every day, and see your dental professional for regular cleanings.
What Is Tartar and Why Is It a Concern?
Even if you practice the best oral hygiene, there are bacteria in your mouth. These bacteria, along with proteins and food byproducts, form a sticky film called dental plaque. This film coats teeth. Plaque is most prevalent in areas that are hard to clean — like the back teeth — just along the gum line, and around fillings or other dental products.
Plaque can be bad news for teeth. Every time you eat, these bacteria secrete acids that can damage tooth enamel and lead to cavities. The acids can also cause inflammation and infection to your gums. But, if you remove plaque regularly with proper hygiene practices, you can prevent this assault on your teeth from leading to permanent tooth decay.
A bigger problem arises if plaque is allowed to remain on your teeth and harden. That can happen after just 26 hours. When this happens, the plaque hardens into tartar, or dental calculus. Because it has mineralized onto your teeth, tartar is far more difficult to remove than plaque.
Tartar threatens good oral health and makes your smile noticeably less attractive
How Does Tartar Affect Teeth and Gums?
Once tartar forms on teeth, it may be more difficult for you to brush and floss effectively. If this is the case, the acids released by the bacteria in your mouth are more likely to break down tooth enamel. That leads to cavities and tooth decay. The CDC estimates that more than 90% of adults over the age of 40 have some form of tooth decay.
Tartar that develops above the gum line can be especially serious. That’s because the bacteria it harbors may irritate and damage gums. Over time, this inflammation can lead to progressive gum disease. Gum disease can have serious consequences if left untreated. According to the CDC, between 5% and 11% of adults are affected by advanced gum disease.
The mildest form of gum disease is called gingivitis. This is the initial stage of gum inflammation caused by plaque and tartar on the teeth. Gingivitis can usually be stopped and reversed with careful brushing, flossing, and regular cleanings by dental professionals.
If tartar is not removed and gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress into a more serious form of gum disease. That more serious form is known as periodontitis. With this gum disease, pockets form between the gums and teeth. Those pockets become infected by bacteria beneath the gums. The body’s immune system releases chemicals to fight the bacteria. These chemicals along with the substances the bacteria release can damage the bone and other tissues that hold the teeth in place. This can lead ultimately to tooth loss and bone degradation. In addition, studies have shown that bacteria in gum disease may contribute to heart disease as well as other conditions.
click here to watch a VIDEO on how to clean your teeth and to avoid plaque: Get rid of the plaque in your teeth and how does dental plaque form ?
Once tartar forms, only a professional cleaning can remove it.
http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/tartar-dental-calculus-overview
http://www.perio.org/node/261