Tartar Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Tartar is a hard layer formed due to the calcification process of dental plaque. Tartar is formed from calcium phosphate which sticks to the tooth surface and the surface of the fillings. The surface of the tartar is covered by dental plaque that has not hardened. In the medical world, this condition is also known as calculus or tartar.
Tartar is divided into two types, namely:
- Supragingival tartar. Usually appear from the gum line to the surface of the tooth chewing area.
Tartar is generally yellowish-white in color, which can change according to the conditions and habits of the person who has it. For example, if the person frequently drinks coffee or tea, the tartar may turn brown.
Supragingival tartar texture resembles clay and is easily removed from the tooth surface. Tartar can appear on only one tooth or several teeth at once. Even tartar can also appear on all teeth.
After being cleaned by a dentist, supragingival tartar can still grow back. This condition especially occurs in the front teeth of the lower jaw on the inside.
- Subgingival tartar. Tartar is located starting from the gum line and into the gums towards the roots of the teeth. Because it is located under the gums, this tartar is often not visible and is often overlooked during routine dental checkups.
Subgingival tartar is usually brown or blackish green because it is mixed with blood. The texture is very hard, dense, and very tightly attached to the tooth surface.
Both subgingival and supragingival tartar both have a hollow texture. This allows tartar to absorb toxins from bacteria that can damage the supporting tissues of the teeth underneath (periodontal).
Symptom
Those who have tartar usually will not feel pain or pain. But when tartar has accumulated and left for too long, usually the person will only experience a few complaints.
The most complained sign is the presence of blood while brushing your teeth or visible bleeding on the gums. At that time, there was actually inflammation of the gums, namely the outermost periodontium.
Reason
Tartar is caused by the accumulation of leftover food over a long period of time. Usually, this is found in parts that are not touched by a toothbrush during the teeth-cleaning process. That is why tartar often appears on the front teeth which are in the lower jaw (inner side) and the upper molars (outer side).
The formation of tartar begins with a plaque which undergoes a process of mineralization and hardening within 4–8 hours. Plaque that is still soft will turn hard when it mixes with the mineral salts in the saliva. This process starts from the first day to the fourteenth.
Generally, within two days, 50 percent of the hardened plaque will have mineralized. Furthermore, within 12 days, 60–90 percent will be mineralized.
During the formation of dental plaque, within 24–72 hours the process of mineralization occurs continuously on the tooth surface. The average time required for mineralization for rapid tartar formation is 10–12 days. Meanwhile, the process of forming tartar which is relatively slow is 20 days.
Maintenance
The most effective way to remove tartar is by cleaning tartar or scaling which is done by a dentist. This technique is carried out using the help of a tool manually or with an ultrasonic device.
Ultrasonic devices work by breaking down tartar into hard-to-reach places, including tartar that is under the gums. With correct use, this tool is quite safe for the surface of the teeth and some exposed tooth roots due to receding gums.
Prevention
Taking care of your teeth properly and correctly at home is an easy way to prevent tartar. The use of dental floss ( dental floss ) can also help clean up food debris tucked between the teeth.
Eating fresh, fibrous foods can also help keep your mouth moving and your teeth fresh. In addition, don’t forget to do regular tartar cleaning every six months to prevent dental disease (periodontal).