Tartar removal
Why tartar must be removed
- Because tartar is an excellent medium for the proliferation of bacteria that cause gum bleeding and tooth bed diseases.
- Because tartar may lead to loose (and ultimately lost) teeth.
- Because tartar causes bad breath and discoloured teeth.
How often do you hear this:
„My gums do not ache, they’re just a bit red and bleed when I brush my teeth.”
Tooth bed diseases are the second main reason for tooth loss; they damage the part where the tooth is rooted, and thus lead to loosened and eventually lost teeth. Normally, the gums protect teeth from external impacts. But if plaque builds up and becomes tartar, the tooth bed is inflamed.
In case of bad oral hygiene, tartar (as a constant irritant) and bacteria in the plaque lead to chronic gingivitis, characterised by swollen, reddish gums that do not hurt but bleed when the teeth are brushed. At a later stage, the tooth bed is inflamed unless the cause of the problem is eliminated.
In the initial phase, so-called gum pockets are formed, which reduces adherence between the tooth and the gum. Food remnants stick to these places, which aggravates the inflammation. Finally, the tooth becomes loose and falls out once the tooth bed is fully destroyed.
Everybody is aware of the importance of keeping their own teeth; besides that obvious advantage, professional tartar removal also makes your teeth much more pleasant to look at.
What is tartar?
Tartar is hardened plaque. Plaque consists of food remnants that adhere to your teeth. Plaque can be removed with a tooth brush after meals, but tartar can only be removed by a dentist. Visit your dentist whenever you find tartar on your teeth; once tartar is formed, the gums gradually retreat, start bleeding, and then bone decay sets in. The gingivitis caused by tartar becomes irreversible over time, and leads to tooth loss.
Plaque is primarily deposited between teeth as well as between a tooth and the gum; those places are not cleaned by the tongue, by chewing, or by the usage of mouth muscles. The most endangered areas are the following: the external surface of teeth on both sides of the upper jaw; and the internal surface of front teeth in the lower jaw. The concentration of mineral matters in the saliva is the highest there because that is where the saliva glands open.
In addition, tartar removal influences our appearance. As one of the characteristic places for tartar build-up is where the lower front teeth and the gum meet, we cannot really hide those ugly discolorations.
Tartar build-up can be prevented via a good tooth-brushing technique. Three times a day is insufficient if you brush your teeth in a haste, or not thoroughly enough. At least once a day, preferably in the evening, devote five minutes to really thorough tooth-brushing.