Have you ever wondered, “How is tartar formed?” You might not think much about it until your dental hygienist mentions it during a cleaning, but understanding how tartar develops is key to maintaining a healthy smile. Luckily, exceptional dental care at home along with routine preventive dentistry appointments at Dental Care of Lombard can help!
With summer winding down and the kids going back to school, there’s no better time to prioritize your oral health. So, give your smile some attention by scheduling a dental check-up and cleaning with Dr. Julie Glud in Lombard, IL. Contact our team at (630) 629-5700 to reserve your appointment now!
Tartar, also known as calculus, is a hardened layer of plaque that forms on your teeth, harboring bacteria that can lead to cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems. In this blog, Dr. Glud dives into the sticky truth about how tartar is formed, why it’s essential to keep it at bay, and some fun, easy tips to help you manage or prevent it.
What Is Plaque, and Why Does It Matter?
To understand how tartar is formed, we first need to explore the origin story of plaque. Plaque is a soft, gummy film that constantly forms on your teeth. It’s made up of bacteria, food particles, and saliva. After you eat or drink, especially sugary or starchy foods, bacteria in your mouth feed on the sugars, producing acids that mix with the other debris to create plaque.
Now, here’s the kicker: Plaque starts to form just minutes after eating! If you don’t remove it through brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar within 24 to 72 hours. This rapid transformation is why it’s crucial to keep up with your daily oral hygiene routine.
How Is Tartar Formed?
So, how is tartar formed from plaque? Picture this: When plaque isn’t cleaned away regularly, it begins to harden. Saliva, which contains minerals like calcium and phosphate, reacts with the plaque, causing it to calcify. This calcified plaque is what we know as tartar, a tough, yellowish or brownish deposit that clings to your teeth, especially around the gumline.
Tartar is more than just an aesthetic issue. Once it forms, it becomes much more difficult to remove than plaque. This means that only a dental professional can eliminate the calcified build-up during a specialized cleaning.
If left untreated, tartar continues to build up, leading to gum irritation, inflammation, and eventually, gum disease.
The Impact of Tartar on Your Oral Health
Now that we’ve answered “How is tartar formed?” let’s talk about why it’s so problematic. Tartar doesn’t just sit harmlessly on your teeth – it creates a rough surface that attracts even more plaque. This vicious cycle allows bacteria to thrive, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, starts with gingivitis, an early stage where the gums become red, swollen, and prone to bleeding. If tartar continues to accumulate, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more severe condition where the gums pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that can become infected. Over time, this can lead to tooth loss and even affect your overall health.
Tips and Tricks to Prevent or Manage Tartar
Preventing tartar formation is much easier than dealing with it once it’s there. So, let’s explore some simple yet effective tips and tricks to keep your teeth tartar-free:
Brush Twice a Day with Remineralizing Toothpaste
Frequently brushing your teeth is your first line of defense against plaque. Make sure to gently scrub for at least two minutes, twice a day, using remineralizing toothpaste containing fluoride or nano-hydroxyapatite. These ingredients help strengthen tooth enamel and can slow down the tartar formation process. Pay extra attention to the gumline, where plaque tends to accumulate and turn into tartar.
Don’t Forget to Floss Daily
While brushing can eliminate plaque on most surfaces of teeth, it cannot reach between teeth. That’s why flossing is so important. Otherwise, food and bacteria trapped between teeth can become a major contributor to plaque and tartar formation on your smile.
Remember, “How is tartar formed?”—it starts with plaque in those hard-to-reach areas. Flossing daily can help prevent that plaque from turning into stubborn tartar.
Rinse with an Antiseptic Mouthwash
A good antiseptic mouthwash can kill bacteria that contribute to plaque and tartar buildup. Rinsing after brushing and flossing adds an extra layer of protection, leaving your mouth feeling fresh and clean.
Watch Your Diet
Sugary and starchy foods fuel plaque formation, which, as we’ve learned, is the precursor to tartar. To reduce your risk, try to limit your intake of these foods and opt for a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Foods high in fiber and water, like apples and carrots, can also help clean your teeth as you eat.
Chew Sugar-Free Gum
Chomping on sugar-free gum after eating stimulates saliva production, which helps wash away food particles and neutralize acids. This can be an effective way to prevent plaque and tartar from forming between brushings.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking fluids throughout the day helps cleanse away food particles and bacteria, especially unflavored, uncarbonated water. Plus, staying hydrated ensures that your saliva can do its job in keeping your mouth squeaky clean.
Don’t Skip Regular Dental Visits
Even with the best at-home care, plaque can still sneak past your defenses and harden into tartar. Planned dental check-ups with Dr. Glud are essential because our team can professionally remove tartar that has already formed, preventing further oral health issues.
Consider Professional Dental Cleanings More Often
Some people are more prone to tartar buildup than others. If that’s the case for you, consider scheduling professional cleanings at Dental Care of Lombard every three to four months instead of the standard six. Dr. Glud can help you determine the best frequency based on your oral health needs.
Take Charge of Your Oral Health at Dental Care of Lombard
Now that you know the answer to “How is tartar formed?” you can take proactive steps to prevent it, like scheduling a check-up and dental cleaning at Dental Care of Lombard. With regular dental care, you can keep your teeth smooth, shiny, and healthy. So, schedule your appointment online, or call our Lombard, IL, dental office at (630) 629-5700 for scheduling!
