Tartar
Tartar is a rough and porous deposit that forms at the base of the dental crown and sometimes under the gums. It results from the calcification of plaque (or biofilm), a whitish substance resulting from the combined presence of food debris and bacteria in the oral cavity. The porosity of the scale in turn provides an environment conducive to the adhesion of a new plaque, which, under the influence of calcium ions in saliva, forms an additional layer of scale.
Related symptoms and pain
Tartar deposits on the teeth to form a yellowish-brown layer.
It is formed first on the inner surface of the teeth, most often on the lower incisors. In a slightly more advanced process, it is also found on the outer surface, on the cheek side, particularly on the upper molars. Over time, all teeth can be affected in the same way.
Tartar may appear above the gum or inside the gum. In this case, the consequences may be more significant, despite the fact that its presence does not cause any pain.
Causes
Tartar, formed from dental plaque, solidifies it by “mineralizing” it. Indeed, the “alloy” between bacteria, calcium, magnesium and acids contained in saliva creates a whitish deposit whose formation is favoured when the excretory channels of saliva open; this is the case for the lower incisors.
This tartar formation can be quite rapid in the absence of proper and regular brushing.
Some factors can speed up the process:
- Tobacco;
- Frequent and excessive consumption of sweet foods;
- Consumption of very colourful foods (tea, coffee);
- Poorly treated cavities;
- Inadequate dental prostheses;
- A bad dental occlusion;
- Orthodontic treatment;
- A lower quality of enamel and teeth;
- Temporary conditions such as puberty or pregnancy.
It is also possible that some drug treatments may promote the development of bacteria. This mainly concerns diabetes treatments, stress treatments, etc. In addition, people with weakened immune systems are more vulnerable to scale formation.
Finally, neglected or even absent oral hygiene allows the rapid formation of tartar.
Solutions
The best way to avoid tartar is to avoid plaque, thanks in large part to good oral hygiene.
Once the scale is installed, it can no longer be removed with a simple toothbrush of any kind. It must be removed by a dentist or hygienist by descaling, most often during annual or biennial visits to a dental office. The latter, which is painless, consists of removing calcified deposits positioned on the teeth and/or between the teeth. This treatment can be done manually or with ultrasonic devices. Scaling removes tartar from above the gum, but also tartar that has entered between the gum and the tooth (subgingival).
As a general rule, it is considered that descaling should be carried out at least once a year.
When tartar accumulates without any treatment being undertaken, the gum gradually comes off the tooth, causing an inflammatory reaction and, sometimes, bleeding. This can lead to gingivitis, which, if left untreated, can lead to periodontitis. Complications are likely to occur, including dental mobility and even the loss of affected teeth.
Risks and consequences of not treating
Tartar can cause more serious problems. In this sense, it must be processed quickly.
The accumulation of plaque and tartar increases the risk of
- tooth decay;
- gingivitis, i.e. inflammation and bleeding of the gums;
- periodontitis, the destruction of the ligaments and bones that support the teeth;
- bad breath (halitosis);
- abscess and tooth pain;
- mobility and tooth loosening;
- loss of teeth, especially in adults;
- respiratory diseases (plaque bacteria can move around the body and eventually reach the lungs, causing infection);
- preterm or low birth weight babies in pregnant women, as plaque bacteria can travel to the placenta through the bloodstream and cause prostaglandins to be activated.
Prevention tips
The more plaque is removed, the less tartar will form. The prevention of dental tartar will therefore first of all involve the prevention of dental plaque. Removing plaque before it calcifies prevents it from becoming tartar.
Prevention consists essentially of a few oral hygiene reminders:
- Brush your teeth 2 to 3 times a day;
- Use a good quality soft bristled toothbrush and replace it every 3 months;
- Floss and/or interdental brush as often as possible to remove food residue between teeth;
- Add a mouthwash to your brushing from time to time (once every two days for example);
- Consult your dentist on an annual or biennial basis to receive a cleaning (prophylaxis) and a complete examination of your teeth.