Dental calculus, commonly known as tartar, is a condition that can be observed in almost everyone. Although patients are generally afraid of this condition, it's possible to achieve healthy teeth and gums with a painless and short treatment. Tartar, which is frequently seen among dental problems and causes curiosity among patients, can be easily cleaned. Dentists perform these procedures in sterile environments using special tools.

What is Dental Calculus?

Tartar is the hardening of plaque into a stone-like structure when dental cleaning is insufficient. Uncleaned food particles accumulate behind and between teeth. Bacteria in the mouth breed in these materials in the gaps, causing plaque formation.

The reason for tartar hardening is that the sticky plaque collects calcium when not cleaned. At the same time, the sticky plaque holds other substances over time and grows.

When substances and bacteria in the mouth are not cleaned, acids are produced by bacteria, and this acid negatively affects dental health. When tartar accumulated at the junction of the gum and tooth is not cleaned, it both aesthetically disturbs the person and leads to gum problems.

What Causes Dental Calculus?

It can be due to reasons such as not cleaning the tooth surface, not giving importance to oral hygiene, inadequate dental cleaning, and accumulation of plaque in areas that are difficult to clean. Smoking, excessive consumption of coffee, tea, and sweets cause tartar on teeth. Tartar is most commonly observed in the 25-30 age range.

How to Prevent Dental Calculus?

There are some methods to prevent the formation of dental calculus. The first of these is to give importance to oral care and dental cleaning. Teeth should be brushed at a 45-degree angle twice a day, and mouthwash should be used.

The back of the teeth, the gums, and the back teeth should not be skipped when brushing teeth. Rather than a superficial dental cleaning, a detailed dental cleaning should be done without damaging the gums.

Using dental floss is as important as brushing teeth in preventing tartar formation. Dental floss is used to clean materials accumulated in the spaces between teeth, which prevents plaque formation. Habits such as tea, coffee, and smoking should be limited. Teeth should be frequently checked by dentists.

How is Dental Calculus Cleaned?

Dental calculus cleaning is performed by dentists. Although patients are hesitant about this procedure, tooth surface cleaning is painless. Patients can continue their daily lives within a short time. It is recommended not to consume hot and cold foods and beverages on the first day as sensitivities may occur in the gum.

Stones caused by plaques are cleaned in clinics after examinations by dentists. Dentists use ultrasonic devices and hand tools. The procedure takes approximately 30 minutes. This duration may extend in patients with high tartar density.

What are the Harmful Effects of Dental Calculus?

If not cleaned, tartar threatens oral health. The discomfort caused by tartar varies from person to person. If tartar is not cleaned, gum diseases may be observed in the person.

Dental calculus leads to problems such as gum bleeding, swelling, redness, pain, bad breath, gum recession, space between teeth, loose teeth, gum inflammation, and sensitivity.

What are the Symptoms of Dental Calculus?

Although the symptoms of tartar are similar to other dental problems, it's easy to distinguish. It is generally confused with staining and decay by patients. Tartar manifests itself with symptoms such as brown, yellow, bronze, gray, or black deposits; gum aching, redness; bad breath, and swelling. Patients with these symptoms should be examined by a dentist and have dental calculus cleaning done.

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