Tartar, also known as dental calculus, is a hard, calcified deposit that forms on your teeth when plaque is not thoroughly removed. It develops above and below the gum line, creating a rough surface that makes it easier for more plaque to accumulate. Tartar is not just a cosmetic problem—it can lead to serious oral health issues like gum disease and tooth decay if left untreated.
How does tartar form?
Tartar starts as plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth. If not removed through regular brushing and flossing, plaque can harden into tartar due to the minerals in your saliva. Once hardened, tartar becomes firmly attached to the enamel—the outer layer of your teeth—and can only be removed by a dentist or dental hygienist using specialized tools. Unlike soft plaque that can be cleaned at home, tartar is stubborn and requires professional dental care.
Why is tartar a problem for your oral health?
Tartar can have significant impacts on your dental health, including:
- Increased risk of cavities: Tartar serves as an ideal environment for bacteria, which produce acids that can erode tooth enamel and cause cavities.
- Gum disease: Tartar buildup along the gum line can irritate and inflame the gums, leading to gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease. If left untreated, gingivitis can advance to more severe conditions, such as periodontitis, which can result in tooth loss.
- Bad breath: The bacteria trapped within tartar can contribute to persistent bad breath, also known as halitosis.
- Discoloration and stains: Tartar can easily absorb stains from foods, drinks, or tobacco, giving your teeth a yellow or brownish appearance.
Where does tartar typically accumulate?
Tartar tends to build up in areas where plaque is not effectively removed. These areas often include:
- Along the gum line: Tartar can push the gums away from the teeth, leading to gum irritation and infection.
- In hard-to-reach areas between teeth: These spots are more difficult to clean properly, making them prone to tartar formation.
- Behind the lower front teeth and on the outer surfaces of the upper molars: These areas are close to the salivary glands, where mineral concentrations can accelerate tartar formation.
How is tartar removed?
The removal of tartar requires professional dental cleaning. A dentist or dental hygienist performs a procedure known as scaling, where specialized instruments are used to scrape off tartar from your teeth. If tartar has developed below the gum line, you may require a more in-depth procedure called deep cleaning or root planing.
At ValbyTand, we specialize in professional tartar removal using advanced techniques and state-of-the-art equipment, ensuring a safe and comfortable experience for our patients.
Preventing tartar buildup
While professional dental cleaning is the only way to remove tartar, there are several steps you can take to minimize its formation:
- Brush your teeth twice a day: Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and fluoride toothpaste, dedicating at least two minutes to each brushing session to remove as much plaque as possible.
- Floss daily: Flossing removes plaque from between teeth and along the gum line—areas a toothbrush cannot reach effectively.
- Rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash: This helps reduce bacteria in your mouth, slowing the development of plaque and, consequently, tartar.
- Visit your dentist regularly: Routine check-ups and cleanings allow dental professionals to detect and address tartar buildup early, preventing more serious oral health issues.
- Maintain a healthy diet: Avoid sugary and starchy foods that promote plaque formation. Eating crunchy fruits and vegetables, such as apples and carrots, can help naturally clean your teeth.
- Avoid tobacco products: Smoking and chewing tobacco can significantly accelerate tartar formation and increase your risk of gum disease.
How ValbyTand can help with tartar-related dental care
At ValbyTand, we have been providing exceptional dental care to the residents of Valby and surrounding areas since 1945. With over 75 years of experience, our clinic combines a deep-rooted tradition in dental care with the latest technology to ensure that you receive the best possible treatment.
Our dedicated team of skilled dentists, dental hygienists, and clinic assistants works together to provide comprehensive oral health services, including professional tartar removal. When you visit us, we begin with a thorough assessment of your dental health. To enhance our accuracy, we use state-of-the-art 3D scanning technology to create a digital copy of your teeth. This advanced approach helps us monitor changes in your oral health over time and allows for precise treatment planning.
As the first clinic in Denmark to offer this 3D scanning service at no extra cost during your first visit, ValbyTand is committed to providing a seamless and innovative dental experience. Whether you need routine tartar removal, gum disease treatment, or other specialized dental care, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
With our longstanding commitment to combining tradition and advanced technology, you can trust that your oral health is in safe and capable hands at ValbyTand. Our goal is to help you achieve and maintain a healthy, confident smile for years to come.