Tartar is scraped away regularly at check-up appointments. Many people know the word, but what exactly lies behind it, and how does it affect our teeth? How can tartar be tackled effectively, or prevented from forming at all?
How tartar forms
Everyone knows the word plaque, which means a deposit. Tartar forms from it: the definition says it is mineralised plaque. Tartar arises from plaque that has not been dealt with. The types of tartar differ, however. A distinction is made between subgingival and supragingival tartar. The first forms in the gum pockets. Unlike its counterpart it takes longer to develop, but it sticks to the teeth firmly and takes on a more intense, darker colour. The second type, supragingival tartar, forms not in the pockets but above the gum. It prefers the inner surface of the lower front teeth and the outer surface of the upper back teeth. At those spots sit the largest salivary glands of the human mouth, and these areas are in constant contact with mineral-rich saliva. Areas that are hard to clean are also badly affected: at the necks of the teeth and in the spaces between them, plaque and therefore tartar likewise build up.
How can a layperson recognise tartar?
If you know the vulnerable spots, you know what to look for. With cigarettes and coffee in particular, tartar discolours quickly. You recognise it when the teeth turn yellow, brown or even black. It catches the eye. But mineralised plaque can be identified not only by its appearance: you can also feel its rough surface with your tongue. These are not the only signs. Other indications can be bleeding gums, bad breath and swollen patches of gum. If you suspect tartar, you should consult a practitioner.
What helps against tartar?
As explained, human saliva contains minerals. These mineralised masses appear in greater quantity at the spots mentioned. When the minerals settle in plaque, tartar forms. For that reason the frequently affected spots should be cleaned more thoroughly and watched particularly. Even so, the formation of plaque is anything but unnatural; it is also connected with the mineral content of saliva, which varies from person to person. Nonetheless everyone can protect themselves against tartar by paying more attention to oral hygiene. There are aids that make cleaning the affected areas easier.
Is it bad to leave tartar untreated for a long time?
The unattractive side of tartar is only one reason to remove it as soon as possible. Tartar itself does not directly damage the tooth. What is bad, though, is that it is essential to the development of long-term disease. To begin with, it provides fertile ground for bacteria. As a result periodontitis, gingivitis and decay can develop, because it is easy for bacteria to lodge in the crumbly areas of the deposit. What many people do not know is that implants can be affected by these diseases too. The consequences are more than unpleasant: the gum around the implant is affected and peri-implantitis develops — an inflammation, put simply. Hence the clear answer to the question above: yes, tartar should definitely be treated, so that more serious and more painful subsequent conditions can be prevented.
