Tartar is a condition where there is a dirt-like layer that sits on the teeth and is difficult to remove even after cleaning or brushing. Tartar is caused by the presence of hardened plaque and does not get treatment. Plaque itself is a slippery and thin layer on the teeth that is formed due to the remnants of food left on the teeth.
Treatment of tartar can only be done by a dentist. Although tartar does not cause symptoms that interfere with the overall health or function of the teeth themselves, untreated tartar can lead to other conditions, such as gingivitis or gingivitis.
Symptoms of Tartar
Tartar can be recognized by the presence of a yellowish, blackish, or brownish dirt-like layer at the gum line, and is difficult to remove even after repeated cleaning or brushing. Because tartar is the impact of untreated dental plaque, people with tartar will experience other symptoms in the form of dry mouth and bad breath.
In general, the formation of tartar on the teeth does not cause symptoms that interfere with the function of the teeth themselves or the health of the body as a whole. However, if tartar is not treated, this condition can lead to gingivitis. Gingivitis is a condition in which the gums become inflamed. When tartar has caused gingivitis, the symptoms that appear can include:
- Swollen gums.
- Gums are dark.
- Gums are painful to the touch.
- Gums bleed easily.
Causes of Tartar
Tartar is caused by the presence of plaque on the teeth that does not get treatment. Dental plaque itself is a slippery and thin layer on the teeth that is formed due to the remnants of food left on the teeth. When plaque on teeth is left untreated for a certain period of time, it will harden, forming tartar that is difficult to remove just by brushing your teeth.
Foods or drinks that can trigger plaque-causing tartar are foods that contain sugar, such as candy, cakes, or soft drinks.
A person has a high risk of getting tartar if:
- Smoke.
- Rarely clean teeth.
- Not cleaning the mouth with antibacterial mouthwash.
- Are using drugs that affect dental health, such as antihistamines or decongestants.
Diagnosis of tartar
Doctors can diagnose tartar by observing the symptoms. Tartar can also be detected early when the patient performs a routine examination. Dental checkups should be done regularly every 6 months. In addition to observing the condition of the teeth, dental examinations also aim to prevent or even treat if there are problems with the teeth.
A transillumination test can also be used to diagnose this condition. The transillumination test is a test that uses light to observe the gums and teeth. This test is done in a dark room and the doctor will illuminate the oral cavity with a special light to see if there is plaque or tartar.
Doctors can also perform dental X-ray procedures. X-ray of the teeth is a procedure used to produce images of the condition of the teeth and gums. In addition to seeing the tartar on the gums and teeth, X-rays can also detect the damage that can occur due to the presence of tartar.
Tartar Treatment
When the plaque on the teeth has hardened and becomes tartar, this condition cannot be overcome by simply brushing your teeth. To overcome this condition, the doctor will recommend dental scaling.
Scaling Dentistry is a non-surgical (without incision) medical procedure to remove tartar on the teeth. The process of cleaning tartar is carried out using a tool scaler. The benefits of dental scaling are not only for dental and oral health, but also for the health of the body as a whole.
This tool is available in several types, namely: scaler manual and ultrasonic. Each has the same function, but the use scaler ultrasonic is classified as more frequent than scaler manually. It is due to the use of scaler Ultrasound makes the scraping process faster and less painful.
Before undergoing scaling teeth, tell your doctor if you are taking blood-thinning medications, such as heparin or warfarin. The doctor can also give a local anesthetic to reduce the pain that may arise from this procedure. Therefore, also inform your doctor if you have an allergy to anesthetics.
Tartar Prevention
Tartar is a preventable condition. By doing dental care at home, everyone can avoid tartar. Some of the efforts that can be done are:
- Brush your teeth at least 2 times a day.
- Floss your teeth at least once a day.
- Use an antibacterial mouthwash.
- Do a dental check-up and treatment at the dentist every 6 months.
- Eat a balanced diet.
- Avoid smoking.
Complications of Tartar
Some of the complications that can occur due to tartar are:
- Cavity
- Gingivitis
- Periodontitis
- loose teeth