Tartar affects everyone, but here you can find out how to fix damage that has already happened and how to avoid it in the future.
If you would like to book an appointment with a dentist, you are welcome to contact us.
What is tartar?
Tartar is calcified bacteria, which is a combination of too many bacteria and the calcium that comes from our saliva. Bacteria in our mouths are a necessity because they have a protective effect in our mouth and ensure that food can be easily digested. For some bacteria, however, it is important to keep their presence to a minimum.
The problem with tartar starts if you don't clean your teeth thoroughly. The better your teeth are cleaned, the less tartar. Therefore, oral hygiene is one of the deciding factors in whether or not tartar builds up in the mouth.
The build-up of bacteria in your mouth - which forms plaque - happens every time you eat. If you don't remove plaque in time through brushing and possibly flossing, you give tartar a good opportunity to grow. This whole process can happen in a matter of days.
Are tartar harmful?
If the plaque has been on your teeth for a few days, a harder coating will form. If this coating is not removed after a week or so, it is no longer possible to remove it by brushing.
To check if you also suffer from this dental problem, you can run your tongue on the back of your front teeth in the lower jaw and the front of your molars in the upper jaw. If you notice that the tooth surfaces are rough, it could be a sign that this coating has formed, and in the worst case scenario, tartar has already formed.
Tartar (calculus) can lead to cavities forming in the teeth (caries) and/or teeth becoming loose along the gums (periodontal disease). In the early stages of periodontal disease, you will often experience bleeding gums and discomfort when brushing your teeth.
Can you remove tartar yourself?
You can't remove tartar yourself once the plaque has been present for a long time and the tartar has formed. In such cases, a dental cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist is necessary. What you can do, however, is minimize the formation before the damage occurs.
Reduce tartar formation by:
- Daily tooth brushing
- Using dental floss or interdental brushes.
To prevent future complications with tartar, it is therefore crucial to have a thorough cleaning routine several times a day. In addition, it's important to visit your dentist or dental hygienist regularly for a more thorough dental cleaning. At the dental clinic, there are tools and instruments specifically designed for professional dental cleaning to ensure that all plaque is removed.
Whether it's hard or soft plaque, our gentle ultrasonic cleaners and curettes (hand instruments) are effective and gentle ways to remove tartar. This way, you can be sure that your teeth and gums won't be harmed - neither by the tartar nor by the cleaning instruments.
FAQ - tartar
Tartar forms when plaque, a mixture of food debris, bacteria and saliva, hardens on the teeth. Plaque begins as a soft, sticky substance, but minerals from saliva turn it into hard tartar over time. If plaque is not removed regularly through thorough brushing and flossing, tartar can develop and contribute to gum disease.
Tartar looks like a hard, yellowish or brownish coating that adheres to the surface of the teeth and gum line. It can often be found behind the lower front teeth and around the upper back teeth. Tartar can vary in color and size and can lead to discoloration and bad breath if not removed.
Tartar itself is not directly dangerous, but it can worsen oral health and increase the risk of gum disease. Tartar makes it harder to clean teeth effectively and can contribute to the build-up of bacteria. This can lead to gingivitis, periodontitis and ultimately tooth loss if not treated by a dentist or dental hygienist.
Contact us and get advice
If you have any doubts or questions, don't hesitate to contact us.
- I look forward to meeting you in the clinic.
- Dental hygienist
Adam was born in 1996 and graduated from the University of Copenhagen at the School of Clinical Assistants and Dental Hygienists (graduated in 2019).
In his spare time, he loves playing and watching football.
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