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Tartar


A plaque, when left untreated with proper dental care, causes tartar. While one can easily get rid of plaque in their home itself, tartar needs a professional dental cleaning. This is because tartar, also called dental calculus, is a hard-to-remove substance deposited on your tooth enamel. Moreover, tartar is deposited below and above the gum line. If you neglect to treat for a period of time, it can lead to receding gums or serious gum disease.

People with dental appliances like braces or dentures are more likely to develop tartar. Also, people with crowded teeth and dry mouth are highly susceptibility to tartar buildup.

Tooth and mouth injuries

How does tartar affect teeth and gums?


  • Causes tooth decay or cavities
  • Damages your gums
  • Causes bad breath
  • Tooth Sensitivity
  • Tooth loss
  • Destroys your tooth enamel
  • Formation of pus between your teeth
  • Makes it harder to chew or bite the food
  • Makes your gums tender or even bleed
  • Can lead to progressive gum disease like Periodontitis

Tips to help control tartar


  • Brush regularly: Brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day is the simplest remedy to treat plaque or tartar. Use a brush with soft bristles so that there is no abrasiveness on your gums. Be sure to clean the surfaces behind your teeth, which are often hard to reach. Using tartar-control toothpaste is recommended.
  • Use an Electric toothbrush: Studies have found that an electric toothbrush is better in getting rid of plaque than your manual toothbrush. Also, do look for IDA (Indian Dental Association) mark on your toothbrush and toothpaste brand.
  • Floss: Along with brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste daily, flossing is also important for the overall well-being of your dental health. Use an antiseptic mouthwash to rinse your mouth daily
  • Diet: Maintain a healthy diet and limit the consumption of snacks, sugary and starchy foods. You don’t have to completely stopping eating them, just be mindful about how much you consume. Also, do remember to drink plenty of water after or during meals, this does allow the bacteria to grow in your mouth.
  • Stop smoking: People who drink alcohol, or smoke cigarettes and use tobacco-based products are highly prone to develop plaque or tartar.
    Visit your dentist regularly: Keeping on visiting your dentist once every 3 or 6 months to have a proper dental checkup. If you start seeing any signs of tartar buildup, speak to your dentist immediately.