Your mouth naturally contains bacteria which will spread across your teeth throughout your day. When this happens, bacteria create a film known as plaque that can feel gritty or fuzzy on the teeth.
Plaque will allow oral bacteria to eat away at your dental structure, making the teeth weaker and therefore more prone to cavities. You can also face a higher risk of oral infections like gum disease with lingering plaque on your teeth.
You remove plaque when you brush your teeth and floss every day. But if plaque does not scrub away in a timely fashion, it can harden into a substance known as tartar.
Tartar will stick to your teeth and will not go away with your usual at-home oral hygiene methods. Yet it will still pose the same threat to your oral health. Instead, plaque must be removed by your dentist. Learn more about tartar and how it can affect your smile when you read responses from your dentist to frequently asked questions.
How Does Plaque Become Tartar?
Plaque consistently collects on your teeth, and particles from the foods you consume throughout the day can contribute to the formation of this sticky film. You brush your teeth to get rid of plaque in the mornings and in the evenings.
Plaque can harden into tartar if it remains on your smile for 24 to 72 hours. Some underlying factors, like dry mouth, might make plaque become tartar at a faster rate. Discuss your risk of tartar formation with your dentist for optimal preventive care.
What Makes Tartar Dangerous for Your Smile?
Tartar poses a threat to your oral health because it spreads and breeds oral bacteria just like plaque. Then bacteria can erode your dental structure, cause tooth decay, irritate the gum tissue, and give you an oral infection.
All of these issues can lead to pain or discomfort as well as irreversible harm to your smile. And it can these concerns even more likely because hard tartar can make completing your oral hygiene routine more difficult. So make sure you get rid of this calcified material on your teeth as soon as possible.
How Do I Get Rid of Tartar?
Once plaque hardens to tartar, you cannot scrub it away with your usual brushing and flossing routines. You will need to attend a professional dental cleaning at your dentist’s office.
During this appointment, the dentist will use a scaler to scrape away tartar that collects on your smile. This precise dental attention will make your mouth feel fresh, clean, and radiant once again. But if tartar causes other dental problems, you may need further treatment from your dentist to restore your smile.
Can I Prevent Tartar Formation?
You can prevent tartar formation by making sure you clear away plaque in a timely fashion. Adhere to a thorough and consistent oral hygiene regimen at home, and make sure you attend regular dental cleanings to ensure all plaque is removed from your smile.
Your dentist can let you know during a check-up if you have underlying conditions, such as aggressive oral bacteria, that may increase your risk of forming tartar. Book a dental appointment today to prioritize your preventive dental care.