Tartar is a normal byproduct of a life lived, and dental health neglected. Especially in the modern era, we consume foods which are rich, delicious, sugary, and salty. The more calorie dense the food, the more likely bacteria will feast upon it. Our mouths are lined with millions of bacteria, all of them looking for the next meal. For many of us, this bacteria feeds upon our food, stuck between or under our teeth. When food gets left behind, and is not removed promptly, bacteria will attach and create microscopic communities. These bacteria will create acids and enzymes that break down the food into a slurry, a slurry which yellows and breaks down the enamel on our teeth. Eventually the enamel fails, exposing the underlying dentin, and the bacteria destroy that too. Meanwhile, the plaque and food slurry atop the tooth begins to harden–forming a shell of pain and discomfort all along your teeth.
What Is Tartar ?
Tartar is natural, at some point almost all of us will experience it. The hardened form of plaque will penetrate your gumline and wreak havoc on the root of your teeth. The only way to eliminate the pesky Tartar is to see your dentist. You can practice immaculate hygiene, but once this stuff is on it can be tough to get rid of. There are at-home plaque and Tartar removal kits, but be very cautious of them. Dentist and Hygienist spend years in school learning how to effectively intervene during dental health events. The idea that you are going to read the back of a box and learn everything they do is kind of crazy.
Your doctor will have specialized tools that can be used to break off, and break up, hard stuck cumulus from the teeth. They may use a combination of scaling, drilling, and cleaning tools. They will also have a suite of precise tools that can be used without damaging the enamel or underlying tooth structures.
How can you prevent Tartar?
You can prevent Tartar by preventing Plaque, and you prevent plaque by following fastidious rules for dental hygiene. Donuts do not cause plaque, but the sugary residue left around your teeth does. So, work quickly to eliminate the problem before it becomes a bigger one.
Brush- Brush after every meal. Use a dentist approved toothpaste, and take your time. Work in gentle but firm motions away from the gums. Do not rush, and do not try to scrub or scrape residue off of the tooth.
Floss- Flossing is a great way to drag foodstuffs out from between and under the tooth. It may bleed or smell the first couple of times you do it. Do not worry, this is normal, stick with it.
See your Dentist
The best, most efficient, and safest way to remove Tartar is to see your dental care professional. While Tartar is totally normal, it can also be detrimental to your dental health. Make an appointment, and a followup, at the earliest signs of heavy dental cumulus.