What Is Tartar And What Causes It

Tartar in humans is a mineralized soft plaque that has not been removed in a timely manner. Hard dental plaque forms as a result of an increase in the mass of soft plaque if it is not removed. The hardening process is due to the impregnation of mineral salts in saliva. As a rule, 10-16 hours after the appearance of soft plaque is enough for partial mineralization, but the time may vary depending on the individual characteristics of each person.

Stones consist of organic (white blood cells, pathogenic bacteria, protein-polysaccharide components, epithelial cells from mucous membranes) and inorganic (calcium salts) components.

Types of tartar

Dental tartars are classified according to where they are located:

• supragingival – they are visible to the naked eye during a routine examination. They look like dark or yellowish deposits above the gumline. These types of stones are easier to remove;
• subgingival – only a doctor can determine how this type of tartar looks like. Deposits of this type are located under the gum, below its level, so it is impossible to see them. However, there are indirect signs of the formation of such stones: redness, swelling or lividity of the gum, bleeding, possibly the outflow of pus from the periodontal pocket.

The second type of hard deposits are more dangerous because they are an indirect evidence of periodontitis and periodontal disease. Stone is formed due to the destruction of the attachment of the gum to the tooth surface, its detachment. The next step can be a structural change of the tissues that hold the tooth in place, loosening it and making it fall out.

Diagnostic features

While supragingival stones can easily be seen by yourself, those under the gingiva can only be seen by a dentist with special instruments. Diagnosis is made as follows: the doctor plunges the probe into the periodontal pocket, which verifies the presence of hard deposits, as well as to determine the depth of the pocket. This will allow you to choose the method of stone removal.

It is possible to diagnose supragingival calculus even in its early stages. There are special tablets on the market, which, when bitten, stain the areas of the tooth with calculus.

Mechanism of tartar formation

The reasons for tartar are as follows: After you eat, food particles remain in your mouth. They are a breeding ground for pathogenic bacteria. They have a particular preference for digestible carbohydrates, such as particles from sugary foods and baked goods. Experts have found that even one day of lack of hygiene doubles the amount of bacterial plaque in the mouth.

Nutrients are not only used by microorganisms to reproduce. They also secrete special enzymes, enzymes, which allow them to firmly attach themselves to the surface of tooth enamel. Lack of hygiene leads to the fact that individual point colonies quickly merge into one “plaque”, forming an impressive mass of plaque. It can easily be brushed off with a toothbrush before it starts to mineralize.

As the soft deposits gradually mineralize, they begin to form. Calcification occurs when calcium salts from saliva are deposited on the soft plaque. Mineralization is accompanied by a process of layering of new colonies of bacteria, which leads to an increase in the volume of hard deposits.

The mechanism of tartar formation is accompanied by processes such as the release of toxic substances and inflammatory mediators by the plaque. This is what causes the inflammatory processes in the soft tissues. The symptoms of this complication are:

• bleeding of the gums – under mechanical influences, and in severe cases and spontaneous;
• redness, lividity, swelling of the gums;
• painfulness, itching;
• the appearance of pus in periodontal pockets;
• mobility of individual teeth.

Inflammation promotes even more bacterial growth. There is a gingival sulcus where the gum meets the surface of the tooth, and a fluid with salts and proteins in it is produced from the gum. This leads to the growth of bacterial colonies. With inflammation, this fluid becomes more abundant, resulting in an even more favorable breeding environment for microorganisms. Calcification occurs even faster.

Causes of tartar

So, we’ve figured out the mechanism of hard tartar. What causes tartar and what contributes to its rapid formation? There are several factors:

• Ignoring hygiene, improper brushing of teeth. An increase in bacterial plaque leads to rapid mineralization and tartar buildup;
• Consumption of carbohydrates (sweets, baked goods), preference for soft foods (no natural mechanical cleaning with solid foods);
• Changes in the saliva composition, its acidity, or increased salivation due to a metabolic disorder – leading to a rapid saturation of soft deposits with calcium salts;
• Internal diseases, inflammatory, infectious, which causes a large number of pathogenic bacteria;
• Roughened tooth surface – “facilitates” the formation of soft and hard plaque;
• Bite defects, which make it impossible to clean certain areas (for example, when there is crowding of teeth);
• Taking certain medications that change the saliva composition.

The causes of tartar may be a combination of both. When you see a dentist, it is important to find out what they are so you can find effective ways to prevent them.

What are the dangers of tartar?

Why is it so important to see a dentist? There are several unpleasant and dangerous consequences of tartar:

• Halitosis or bad breath – as a result of the constant multiplication of pathogens;
• Gum inflammation – gingivitis, periodontitis, and inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth (tongue, cheeks, lips, etc.) – Microbes release toxins, mediators of inflammation, which causes inflammation;
• Spread of inflammation – if untreated, inflammation covers the tissues that hold the teeth in the jaw, the periodontal attachment is violated, which leads to periodontitis and periodontitis: loosening, the appearance of periodontal pockets with purulent content, atrophy of bone tissue, exposure of the necks of teeth, their loss;
• Tooth decay – there are microorganisms in soft and hard deposits, which provoke the appearance of tooth decay. This happens due to the release of hydrochloric acid, which destroys enamel. The resulting defect is colonized by pathogenic flora and a cavity is formed;
• General deterioration of the condition and health – the toxins released by the bacteria are absorbed into the blood, which complicates the course of chronic diseases and can affect the functions of organs and systems.

That’s why it’s important to seek professional dental care – removal – regardless of the cause of tartar.

Tartar removal

Unlike soft deposits, hard ones cannot be removed by yourself: professional dental care is definitely required. For this purpose, the doctor can use the following methods to remove tartar in dentistry:

• Ultrasonic cleaning. This technique guarantees the complete destruction and removal of tartar. It is used for supragingival and subgingival tartar. The doctor uses an ultrasonic scaler, a special nozzle attached to an ultrasound source device. By directing the scaler to the dental calculus, it destroys it, while the water supply allows it to be removed from the oral cavity and prevents overheating. Ultrasound has no harmful effect on dental tissue.
• Air Flow method. The procedure is performed using an apparatus that feeds a water-air mixture with abrasive particles. It is worth noting that this method is combined with ultrasound, but it is not used as an independent method of stone removal – the abrasive may not be enough to destroy hard deposits. However, it perfectly fights soft plaque and serves as a way to prevent stone.
• Mechanical removal. Using a special bur, the doctor mechanically removes the stone from the tooth and scrapes the enamel surface. This method is not able to affect the subgingival deposits; it is more traumatic than the modern methods and may be uncomfortable.
• Laser removal. The doctor affects the hard deposits with a special nozzle with laser radiation. He removes the stone in layers, crushing it. It is removed from the mouth using water and an air jet. The procedure does not cause discomfort, so it does not require anesthesia.
• Chemical removal. It consists of applying special agents with acids and alkalis in their composition to the surface of teeth covered with stone. They help to soften the hard stone, and then the doctor removes it mechanically. The only disadvantage of this method is its inability to be applied to the subgingival calculus. This method is used less frequently because the acids can damage the enamel and it is important to make sure that there are no risks.
• The removal of subgingival hard deposits can be done surgically, with closed or open curettage procedures. These procedures consist of gaining access and mechanical removal of subgingival calculus with curettes, special instruments. They are required in case of diagnosed periodontal disease and imply simultaneous removal of granulation from periodontal pockets. Curettage is performed under mandatory anesthesia, because the manipulation of the doctor can be quite painful. It is important to entrust this procedure to a professional, a periodontal dentist.

After the removal procedure

After the removal of hard deposits, the doctor is sure to polish the teeth – plaque accumulates more slowly on a smooth surface. Also, to consolidate the effect and strengthen the enamel, a product containing fluoride can be applied – a solution, gel in drops or fluoro-lacquer.

It is important to find out what is causing the formation of tartar, so you can take the necessary preventive measures. If one of the factors is a disease or a metabolic disorder, it is recommended to see a specialist and have the condition corrected.

General preventive measures include:

• Professional brushing twice a year –it can be difficult to remove all the plaque that forms on your own, especially if you have a bad bite or other features of the structure of the dental system. It is necessary to visit a dental hygienist once every six months, and for those who wear orthodontic appliances, once every 4-5 months;
• Compliance with oral hygiene at home – brush your teeth twice a day, use a floss;
• Some measures outside the home – to use a rinse after eating, do not forget about the floss;
• Limiting consumption of foods that promote plaque (tea, coffee, sugary, sticky foods, baked goods);
• Choosing a brush with the optimal degree of hardness of the bristles (it is better to consult a doctor);
• Choosing a toothpaste that contains pyrophosphate (in consultation with your doctor), which inhibits tartar buildup;
• Preference for hard products as a method of mechanical cleaning of teeth.

Can I remove tartar myself?

Removing tartar on your own is impossible and even dangerous. There is a chance of damaging the enamel, worsening the condition of the mouth. Only soft plaque can be removed to prevent tartar from forming.

To remove tartar it is not allowed to use any abrasives by yourself – it can lead to scratches on enamel and deterioration of the condition.

Avoiding the formation of soft and hard dental deposits on your own, at home, is quite difficult. Therefore, the most effective prevention is regular visits to the dentist and professional dental cleaning. Affordable Dentistry of South Florida employs skilled dentists who will immediately restore your teeth to health and beauty. Call and make an appointment!