The formation of tartar will make the teeth look unclean. This dental hygiene problem can make we become not confident, sertalazy tersmile or laugh out loud.
Tartar (calculus) and dental plaque are not the same. Dental plaque, or better known as jigong, is a thin, sticky, colorless layer that forms on the surface of the teeth. While tartar is dental plaque that hardens because the teeth are not cleaned properly.
Tartar that is not cleaned can make dental plaque easier to stick, build up more quickly, and become a "home" for harmful bacteria. Dental plaque can be cleaned at home by brushing and flossing between your teeth. However, does this also apply to tartar?
What Happens If Tartar Is Not Cleaned?
Before answering the questions above, it's a good idea to know the risks that can occur if tartar is never cleaned, namely:
Inflammation of the gums or gingivitis
Inflammation of the gums is often characterized by symptoms such as swollen gums and easy bleeding. Gingivitis is only the initial impact. This condition can progress to more severe gum disease.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis is inflammation of the gums that spreads to the bones and other supporting tissues of the teeth. This condition can lead to tooth loss.
In addition to health problems in the oral cavity, bacteria on tartar are also at risk of causing heart disease.
How to Clean Tartar
Back to the original question, can tartar be cleaned at home? Unlike dental plaque, the tartar cleaning process needs to be done in a clinic by a dentist. This procedure is called dental scaling. There are two types of techniques in dental scaling, namely manually or using a machine ultrasonics.
Each technique has advantages and disadvantages in removing tartar. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of each technique:
Manual technique
Techniques with manual instruments are better able to reach the part of the teeth under the gums, but cleaning tartar using this technique is more time consuming.
Technique ultrasonic
This tooth scaling is done by utilizing high-speed vibrations. The time it takes to clean tartar using a machine ultrasonic indeed shorter, but this method can make the surface of the teeth become rough.
Tartar needs to be cleaned by dental scaling by a dentist, to prevent gingivitis and periodontitis. But keep in mind, even though tartar can be cleaned, it doesn't mean you don't need to keep your teeth and oral cavity clean.
Keep your teeth and mouth clean by brushing your teeth twice a day in the morning and at night before going to bed, cleaning between your teeth with dental floss (flossing) before brushing your teeth, drink enough water, eat less sugary foods, and don't smoke. Don't forget to check your dental health regularly, which is every 6-12 months to the dentist.
Written by:
drg. Arni Maharani(Dentist)