You probably know that brushing your teeth is the best way to remove plaque regularly, but what about tartar? Do you know what tartar is and how it forms? Tartar is harder than plaque and is more difficult to remove. Here are a few things to understand about it:
How Tartar Forms
Plaque is a substance you can find on your teeth at any given time. It is something that continually forms on your teeth, yet it is also something you can remove just from brushing. Plaque forms from sugars and bacteria left on your teeth from eating. If you do not remove it daily, it hardens and turns into tartar.
Therefore, tartar is a hardened form of plaque. It is more difficult to remove it from your teeth, and it does more harm to teeth than plaque.
The Risks of Tartar on Your Teeth
What does tartar do your teeth? First, it stains your teeth. Tartar is porous and absorbs stains very quickly. When a dental hygienist cleans your teeth, he or she will likely spot the tartar first by the stains. Tartar tends to turn brownish or yellowish after it forms. It will discolor more the longer it remains present.
Tartar also leads to gum disease and cavities if you leave it on your teeth. Tartar and plaque are not only present on teeth, but they also form in the pockets of your gum lines. When this occurs it leads to receding gums, and the bacteria present in plaque causes an infection in the gums. You will have a higher risk of developing cavities and gum disease if you have tartar present on your teeth.
How to Remove Tartar
There is not a lot you can do yourself to remove tartar. Brushing will not remove it, and flossing does not help either. The only way you can remove it is through professional services. Dentists and hygienists have the correct tools to scrape it off of your teeth, and scraping it is the only effective way to remove it.
If you have tartar on your teeth, you might be able to see it or feel it. If you want to remove it, you will need to visit a dentist. Your dentist can remove it and help you find ways to prevent it from forming on your teeth in the future. Call a family dentist today to set up an appointment for services.
You can contact dental clinics like Silver Lake Family Dental for more information.