Tartar on Teeth: What is it? - Introduction
Teeth tartar is a coating on the teeth that can be described as hardened and discoloured plaque. This is because the food and the mouth bacteria mix to form plaque. If the plaque is not removed on time, it hardens and forms tartar. But there is much more to teeth Tartar than this. Let us see what that is.
What is Tartar?
Tartar is not just the hardened and untreated plaque. It has distinct features associated with it. To learn what is tartar, let us look at these:
• The first answer to what is tartar is that it is a calcified deposit on the teeth. It looks like plaque.
• Tartar ruins the appearance and the health of the teeth and gums. It can be an ungodly sight as it is at times yellow and even brown.
• If tartar gets collected above the gum line, it could lead to gingivitis.
• Tartar is also called dental calculus and builds up more with age. It progresses in stages from slight dental calculus to moderate, heavy, and then severe dental calculus.
• The true answer to what is tartar is that it is something that genuinely compromises your dental hygiene. It can prompt tooth decay and bad breath.
• For those who drink coffee regularly, have braces on, have a dry mouth, and often smoke, it is easier to get tartar.
Ways to treat teeth tartar
You now have tartar on your teeth; you panicked and wondered what your next step should be. But, first, wipe the worry off your brows because teeth tartar is more common than you realize. About 68% of adults have it. Also, it is easily treatable. Let us explore how:
• The most effective, most accessible, and standard method is to brush your teeth twice daily. Make sure you give it a 2-minute brushing. You can use tartar control toothpaste to make sure tartar diminishes.
• Go for electronic or powdered toothbrushes. They prove more effective against tartar. Buy toothbrushes with ADA seal of approval as they are better in quality.
• Perform oil pulling using coconut oil to get rid of the teeth tartar. We recommend the use of coconut oil because it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• Brush your teeth with baking soda to remove plaque and tartar. It can help in removing the tartar without posing any risk to the enamel.
• Visit your dentist for a professional teeth tartar removal. He will scrape off the tartar from your teeth using a metal scaler.
Tartar on teeth? – Methods to prevent it
Now that we understand what is tartar on teeth? We know that it is better and easier to prevent it from forming in the first place. So, how to do that? Look below:
• Use teeth whitening strips if your teeth have the disposition to get discoloured. This will ensure no staining and prevent plaque from turning to stained brown tartar.
• Drink tea to reduce the bacteria accumulation in your mouth. Those who do not drink tea can use a mouthwash that has tea in it.
• Do not forget to floss. Dental flossing is the proper way to get rid of plaque build-up and subsequent tartar build-up. Flossing regularly will make you forget what is tartar on teeth, forever!
• Prevent food items that stain your teeth. A few things such as coffee, wine, and even the habit of smoking can elevate the problem of teeth tartar.
• Be mindful of the sugar intake. Sugar is not just bad for fitness, and it even takes a toll on your dental health. The bacteria that create teeth tartar thrives on sugary food. So, after all, what is tartar on teeth? It is just a common dental problem that can be treated at home.
