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Tartar – Removal of tartar

Tartar is mineralized plaque. It is very easy to recognize – it manifests itself as yellow deposits which unsightly discolor enamel. Unfortunately, tartar not only disturbs the aesthetics of our smile, but if not removed, it can also lead to many dangerous diseases, including caries, periodontitis and periodontal diseases. Are there any home remedies for tartar removal or in the case of detection of tartar can we only visit a specialist? After reading today’s text, the problem of tartar will have no secrets from you!

What is tartar? How does it form?

Before we define tartar, it is worth writing what dental plaque is. This is because it directly leads to the formation of tartar. Dental plaque consists of substances contained in saliva (especially glycoproteins) and bacteria, which we supply to the oral cavity with food. It is from all these elements that soft, unsightly plaque begins to form on our teeth, which we call plaque.

As mentioned before, dental plaque is soft, so it is easy to remove with traditional brushing and flossing. However, if it is not removed for a longer period of time (several dozen hours is enough), it becomes mineralized, i.e. hardens into tartar. This build-up is much more difficult to remove, and traditional brushing unfortunately cannot cope with it.

What is the risk of not removing tartar?

The rate at which tartar develops differs from person to person. Some people have an exceptional tendency to develop tartar, while it appears less frequently in others. However, it is practically impossible to avoid tartar formation – just like dental plaque. Although it is possible to reduce the number of bacteria remaining in the oral cavity by daily oral care, tartar will probably form sooner or later anyway, so it is necessary to implement measures enabling us to deal with it.

Especially that tartar has not only a negative impact on the appearance of our teeth. Its most common health consequences include:

  • caries,
  • periodontitis,
  • gum inflammation,
  • dental hypersensitivity,
  • bad breath.

Scaling – the most effective way to get rid of tartar

If you are struggling with tartar, the best option to get rid of it is to visit a professional dental office and undergo a scaling procedure. A specialist, using a special scaler, will remove the tartar deposited on teeth and thus restore a beautiful, natural smile.

Currently, there are several types of scaling, including mechanical, ultrasonic, laser and chemical. The doctor decides which one is best in our case, based on an analysis of the patient’s oral cavity and the type of tartar we are struggling with. It is worth remembering, however, that tartar removal in a dentist’s office usually does not come down only to scaling – apart from scaling, the specialist usually also performs sandblasting, i.e., removal of discoloration from the enamel surface. Often in addition to the two above-mentioned operations, the dentist also proposes to the user fluoridation, which is designed to protect the enamel against the formation of tartar in the future.

Home remedies for tartar

In principle, already formed tartar can only be dealt with in a professional dental surgery, but the problem can be effectively prevent at home. The basis for this is, of course, proper oral hygiene – brushing teeth at least twice a day, flossing interdental spaces and using special mouthwashes that help to clean the tooth surface.

Some natural products also have an excellent preventive effect against tartar formation. Thanks to their use, tartar will certainly appear on your teeth much less frequently:

  • apple cider vinegar – this natural specific has strong anti-caries properties, it perfectly protects the surface of your teeth against tartar buildup. Just once a week put a few drops of apple cider vinegar on the bristles of your toothbrush and rub it into your teeth. You will notice the effects faster than you think;
  • activated charcoal – activated charcoal also protects enamel against decay very well. It is available in pharmacies and drugstores in toothpastes and special powders, but you can also prepare a preparation based on it at home. Mix one capsule of activated charcoal with a small amount of water and you’re done! You can use this mixture to brush your teeth 2-3 times a week;
  • sage – this plant has antibacterial and soothing properties. Sage infusion should be cooled to room temperature and then kept in the mouth for 3-5 minutes. It is best to do this once a day for the next 7 days;
  • yeast – is a fungus that creates a protective barrier in the mouth against bacteria. Thanks to this they can effectively prevent tartar formation. You can make a special paste based on yeast. To do this, mix together half a teaspoon of table salt and a teaspoon of yeast. Mix everything until you get the consistency of a paste. You should brush your teeth with the yeast preparation twice a day for at least a week;
  • baking soda – everyone knows that it whitens teeth perfectly, but as it turns out, it also has properties protecting teeth against tartar. Half a teaspoon of baking soda is mixed with one teaspoon of coconut oil, and then the prepared preparation is cleaned teeth for a maximum of one week. It is important not to use a similar mixture for a longer period of time, because in the long run soda may have a negative impact on enamel.

Invest in a sonic toothbrush

A sonic toothbrush may also prove helpful in the fight against tartar. This type of device is great for dealing with plaque build-up on enamel, significantly reducing the problem of plaque build-up. In addition, it can be used by everyone as the technology used by sonic toothbrushes is safe for people with oversensitivity, gum disease, braces and implants.

Recommended sonic toothbrushes that can help you fight tartar include Smilesonic GO, Smilesonic EX and Smilesonic UP, as well as the Smilesonic KIDS toothbrush for children.

Grzegorz Kostka

Smilesonic technology specialist

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