Oral Hygiene FAQ: What Is Dental Tartar?

oral hygiene Bellevue, WA

Oral hygiene is important because dental tartar is not fun! Luckily, good health is! Why is a healthy mouth good for the body? Quite simply, oral hygiene prevents tooth decay, gum diseases and helps prevent bad breath. If our oral health is not taken care of we could lose our teeth, especially as we grow older.

What is dental tartar and how is tartar formed?

Tartar is rough and porous and has a yellow or brown color. Teeth tartar is also known as dental calculus, which forms below and above the gum line. Tartar is a deposit on the teeth that trap stains which then, in turn, cause the discoloration. Certain foods can cause stains, such as blueberries, coffee and other deep rich in color foods.

Here's the deal:

Plaque and bacteria — which can damage tooth enamel and form cavities — can become problematic to remove if tartar formation is present. As we age, many of these deposits build up faster. Plaque also carries bacteria, damaging the enamel on the tooth. If this stays on the teeth it hardens into tartar, which needs to be removed.

The removing of tartar process is called scaling. Specialized instruments are used to remove the tartar, which the dentist is well-trained in using.

Unfortunately, tooth-brushing twice a day will not remove plaque or prevent tartar, but using oral hygiene with dental floss will help remove plaque between teeth and keep the tartar away. Once tartar forms, the dentist or hygienist is the only real option to clean it all out. But how often should a patient go in for a tartar cleaning? Depending on the patient, it could be wise to schedule a visit at least twice a year, or more often upon the dentist's evaluation.

Taming Plaque

Here are a few great tips to both understand and fight tartar better:

  1. Gently brushing your teeth and gums twice a day lines will keep bacteria away
  2. Using dental floss once a day will help fight tartar build-up
  3. Regular dental checkups and teeth cleaning
  4. A balanced diet by eating healthy
  5. Being a non-smoker or commit to stopping smoking
  6. Stay away from staining foods
  7. Use a tartar control mouthwash daily

As mentioned above plaque is a big factor in tartar

Removing the sticky film on a regular basis helps permanent gum disease. Gum disease could get into a person's bloodstream, turning into an infection of the gum tissue itself and even the bones surrounding the teeth. Periodontal disease is on the rise and is an increasing health risk. A professional treatment is, of course, recommended to treat the disease.

Once tartar builds up on the teeth, it makes a yellow discoloration and causes bad breath. Once this happens, it can be difficult to easily remove the tartar.

Tartar doesn't have to be a permanent condition

There is so much to smile about, so keep smiling! Improve your overall dental health, your sense of confidence, and the way you look in the mirror by keeping tartar away.

For more information or to schedule an appointment with Artisan Dental, request an appointment in our Bellevue office here: https://artisandentalbellevue.com. Or call us at (425) 454-2005.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Google: Read our Google reviews.

Related Posts

4 Oral Hygiene Basics That Can Affect Your Teeth

Practicing good oral hygiene basics is essential for keeping beautiful, strong teeth and gums as well as staying healthy throughout the entire body. Here are four of the most common ways to ensure excellent oral health and hygiene.Dentists recommend that everyone brush their teeth at least two times per day for two minutes each session.…

How Oral Hygiene Basics Can Help Prevent Cavities

The oral hygiene basics that you need to practice to keep your teeth looking clean and your breath fresh will also protect your teeth from cavities. Good cleaning habits and consistency about your oral care regimen can spare teeth from the damage and decay that causes cavities to form. Here are a few key practices…

Dental Bonding: A Minimally Invasive Cosmetic Treatment

For problems like tooth chips, stains, or gaps between two front teeth, dental bonding is often the preferred option. Dental bonding can also be used to repair cracked teeth or teeth with jagged edges. It is a simple and painless way to enhance the look of your teeth and your smile. Continue reading to learn…

Oral Hygiene Basics Before You Go To Sleep

Consistent oral hygiene is essential for promoting strong oral health. While responsibly caring for your mouth deserves attention throughout the day, oral hygiene basics before sleep is essential in keeping your teeth and gums healthy over time.Regularly practicing strong oral hygiene habits before bed can make a world of difference in the health of your…