Some people seem confused and sometimes unaware of the difference between tartar and plague. Usually, a layer of assimilated yellow substance on the surface, between and along the gum line is interchangeably called tartar and plague. Before delving into the discussion about what causes tartar and how we can prevent it, understanding ‘what is tartar’ is crucial.
Plague is a sticky and soft layer of bacteria between the teeth and close to the gum line both on the upper side and the lower one. We usually have bacteria in our mouth that help in the digestive process by breaking down carbohydrates contained in the food we eat. In this process, some small pieces are left in our buccal area and take the shape of the plague.
Dental Calculus or Tartar is the hardened form of plague that takes its hardened shape due to the long-ignored plague. Tartar is a plague build-up that sticks to the surface (enamel) between the teeth and along the gum line if oral hygiene is compromised by not brushing and flossing regularly.
According to doctors’ recommendations, brushing twice a day in the morning and before going to bed plus flossing your teeth once a day keeps plague away from your buccal area. Both of these oral care steps are essential to follow daily. On the other hand, if this oral hygiene routine is not observed, remnant food particles, bacteria, and debris take the form of plague and form a yellow layer around, between the teeth, and along the gum line. You are leaving the plague unserved and not removing it through brushing and flossing resulting in a hard and thickened layer of tartar. Moreover, tartar requires professional dental treatment to get uprooted.
Tartar is composed of dead bacteria and mineralized proteins that are extracted from food and saliva and combined together to form tartar.
Mineralized Proteins in Saliva
Bacteria
Plague Acids
Mineral (Calcium Phosphate, Calcium Carbonate, Magnesium Phosphate)
Tartar is formed as a result of bad oral hygiene and the inclusion of excessive amounts of sugary foods and drinks: when food particles, bacteria, and debris are not cleaned between the teeth and along the gum line, it forms plague, and owing to long oral hygiene negligence turns into Tartar. Tartar can cause tooth decay and other oral diseases such as periodontal pockets and sensitivity etc.
Symptoms of tartar teeth include a hard yellow or black coating that feels like the crust on your teeth, Halitosis: bad breathing, gingivitis: bleeding and swelling gums, hurting gums, cavities and gum recession, etc.
Brushing your teeth daily, twice a day helps remove plaque and saves from build-up and hardened layers of tartar. Using fluoride-based toothpaste and small-size brushes cleans the teeth more precisely. The small size of the brushes helps in reaching the nooks and crannies.
Mere brushing is never enough for complete oral coverage. Brush can not remove a hardened layer of tartar that leaves hard-to-reach areas uncovered. This is where a water flosser comes into play. A pressurized stream of water not only removes the remaining particles but also dislodges the hardened layer of tartar. BOLT Cordless Water Flosser thoroughly uproot and rinse all the germs from your mouth.
Alongside brushing and flossing, rinsing your mouth regularly is essential. Swissing your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash helps in rinsing out all the dislodged contaminations. Moreover, it leaves a fresh feel in your mouth.
With regular brushing and water flossing, a regular visit for a checkup by a dental professional is necessary. Depending on your requirements, you can visit the dentist twice a year or more often if needed.
Diet plays a significant role in one’s oral health and hygiene: the plague is formed partially of broken-up particles of sugar and carbohydrates. Therefore, avoiding or reducing sugary foods and drinks can improve oral health and hygiene.
Studies show smoking is harmful to your oral health as tobacco-containing products and smoking cause tartar between your teeth and along the gums. Therefore, quitting smoking can be helpful in your oral hygiene journey.
