What is Dental Tartar?
Dental tartar, also known as calculus, forms from the minerals in saliva and plaque buildup on teeth. People typically require tartar cleaning every six months; otherwise, the risk of gum inflammation and gum diseases increases.
How Does Tartar Affect Health?
Tartar is most commonly found on the front teeth of the lower jaw and the cheek-facing sides of the upper first molars, as these areas are near the salivary glands and parotid glands. If tartar is not removed through scaling, it can lead to gum recession, and in more severe cases, bone loss in the jaw, causing teeth to become loose or even fall out.
Which Department Handles Tartar Cleaning?
Patients seeking tartar cleaning can receive treatment from the periodontology department of dentistry.
Does Tartar Cleaning Harm Teeth?
Due to common misconceptions, many people believe that tartar cleaning damages teeth. However, tartar cleaning does not harm your teeth. Tartar accumulates in areas that can damage tissues, and if left untreated, it can progress and lead to tooth loss.
What is the Treatment for Gum Diseases?
In the early stage of gum disease, known as gingivitis, treatment involves removing tartar and bacterial plaque and smoothing the root surface. By eliminating tartar and plaque, the bacteria causing gum disease are also removed. This treatment is usually sufficient to eliminate inflammation and allow the gums to reattach to the teeth. Additionally, patients should be educated on controlling bacterial plaque that causes inflammation.
If the condition progresses to periodontitis, the treatment goal shifts. It focuses on cleaning tartar from periodontal pockets, eliminating the pockets, ensuring a smooth root surface for the gums to reattach to the teeth, and creating a gum form that is easier to clean.
After periodontal treatment, patients should attend check-ups every six months to remove any new tartar or plaque buildup. To maintain the oral health achieved through treatment, patients must consistently follow proper oral care practices.
