Know the Causes of Tartar and How to Prevent it

Not only interfere with appearance, tartar can also cause some dental and mouth problems. For that, it is important for you to know the cause of tartar and how to prevent its appearance. In medical language, tartar is also called calculus. Basically, the cause of tartar is formed is due to a buildup of dental plaque that hardens and coats the teeth. Dental plaque itself is formed due to food scraps and proteins mixed with bacteria in the mouth. Plaque carries bacteria that can damage tooth enamel, causing cavities and permanent tooth decay and gum disease.

Bad Impact of the appearance of tartar

Tartar can accumulate can make the activity of brushing teeth and cleaning teeth to be less effective. Tartar that develops above and below the gum line can cause serious problems. Because the bacteria on dental plaque will also irritate and damage teeth and gums. Over time, this inflammation can cause progressive gum disease, which can have serious consequences if left untreated. The mildest form of gum disease is called gingivitis. This is the initial stage of gum inflammation caused by plaque and tartar. Tartar that is not quickly cleaned and inflammation of the gums that is not treated quickly can develop into a more serious form of gum disease, such as periodontitis. Periodontitis is a condition in which the formation of a sac between the gums and teeth due to the infection process. The bag is infected by bacteria under the gums. This can damage the bones and other tissues that hold the teeth in place. This can eventually lead to tooth loss and bone degradation. In addition, studies have shown that bacteria in gum disease can cause heart disease and other conditions.

The Best Way to Prevent Serious Causes of Tooth Tartar

Although dental plaque occurs naturally, you can control the buildup of plaque that causes tartar. There are several tips and techniques that can help control the buildup of tartar. Here are some ways to prevent the formation of tartar, namely:

• Brush your teeth regularly twice a day for at least two minutes with the right technique. Use a brush with soft bristles that is small enough to reach all areas between your teeth and mouth. Also make sure the surface of the back of your teeth and molars is affordable when brushing your teeth.
• Electronic toothbrushes may be more effective than manual toothbrushes to remove plaque. Regardless of the type of toothbrush you use, make sure the toothbrush product that you use has received approval from the dentists, and has passed stringent quality and safety testing.
• Choose toothpaste with fluoride that can control tartar. Toothpaste that contains pyrophosphate can help prevent plaque from hardening into tartar. In addition, fluoride will help repair damage to the enamel that might have occurred. Some formulas also contain triclosan (antibiotics that fight bacteria in plaque).
• Dental floss. No matter how diligently you brush your teeth, only the use of dental floss every day can remove dental plaque and prevent the formation of tartar in hard-to-reach areas. Do cleaning teeth using dental floss properly so as not to hurt your gums.
• Mouthwash. Use an antiseptic mouthwash every day to help kill plaque-causing bacteria.
• Watch your food. Bacteria in your mouth develop from eating foods that contain sugar and flour or carbohydrates. When consuming these foods, bacteria will release acids that can damage teeth and cause tartar to form. Try to eat healthy foods and limit the amount of sugar-containing foods such as candy or chocolate. Be aware that every time you eat, you also feed the bacteria in your mouth. In addition, avoid consuming too much food and drinks that can be the cause of the emergence of tartar such as bread, potato chips, dried fruit, citrus fruits, ice drinks, alcoholic drinks and soda.
• Drinking plenty of water during and after eating can also help minimize plaque formation.
• Avoid smoking. People who smoke or use other tobacco products tend to have tartar under their gums.

The level of calculus or tartar and the location of its formation is greatly influenced by the habit of cleaning teeth and mouth, access to professional dental or dentist care, diet, age, ethnic origin, time of cleaning teeth, systemic disease, and use of drugs. The buildup of plaque that is not cleaned properly coupled with poor dental and oral care is also very risky to cause tooth decay, tooth loss, bad breath, and tooth discoloration. Once tartar is formed, it is important to realize that only the dentist can remove it. Make sure you visit the dentist regularly, at least every six months to clean tartar and prevent further complications. Your dentist can also help diagnose the cause of your tartar.