Teeth tartar, also known as dental calculus, is a crusty deposit that can trap stains on the teeth and cause discoloration. It creates a strong bond that can only be removed at a dental clinic. Tartar formation contributes to trapping newly-formed plaque and bacteria, making it more difficult to remove them. Susceptibility to acquiring tartar varies greatly from one person to the other, but generally increases and builds up faster as a person grows older.
Tartar is formed due to negligence in removing the plaque that is formed on the teeth; when this happens, minerals in the saliva combine with plaque-forming crystals that harden over time and become tartar.
While plaque can be removed by thorough brushing and flossing at home, dental calculus can only be removed by a professional in the dental office. Your dentist will have to use sharp instruments to scrape (scale) the tartar above and below the gum line and smooth the tooth’s surface which helps prevent plaque from sticking to the teeth and more tartar from forming.
The surface of tartar is rough and makes it difficult to remove plaque with a toothbrush and floss. Tartar is unattractive – it can be yellow or even brown as stains accumulate. In addition, since it attracts plaque and makes cleaning at home difficult, it can contribute to tooth decay, bad breath, and serious forms of gum disease. The good news is, this can be easily solved in one visit to your dental clinic.