Tartar cleaning is an important practice that should be done regularly to maintain our oral health. So, what is tartar, how does it form, and how is tartar cleaning performed? Let's find the answers to these questions together.

What is Tartar?

Tartar is a hard, yellowish layer formed by the mineralization of plaque that accumulates on teeth. The minerals in saliva accumulate on the plaque, hardening it and creating tartar. Tartar cannot be cleaned with a toothbrush and dental floss.

How Does Tartar Form?

• Inadequate Oral Care: Not brushing teeth regularly and not using dental floss leads to the accumulation of plaque and the formation of tartar.
• Dietary Habits: Frequent consumption of sugary and acidic beverages creates an acidic environment in the mouth, accelerating tartar formation.
• Tobacco Use: Smoking contributes to the formation of tartar by increasing plaque accumulation on the teeth.
• Certain Diseases: Some diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, and certain hormonal disorders, can trigger tartar formation.

Harms of Tartar

• Gum Diseases: Tartar can cause gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis. These diseases can lead to tooth loosening and even loss.
• Bad Breath: Tartar causes bad odors in the mouth.
• Cavities: Tartar plays a significant role in the formation of cavities.
• Aesthetic Appearance: Tartar creates yellow or brown stains on the teeth, impairing their aesthetic appearance.

How is Tartar Cleaning Done?

Tartar cleaning is a procedure performed by a dentist using special tools. During this procedure, tartar is scraped off the tooth surface and the gum pockets are cleaned. Generally, there is no need for local anesthesia during tartar cleaning, as there is no pain or sensitivity felt during the procedure. However, in necessary cases, local anesthetics may be used if the patient has sensitivity in the tooth structure.

Importance of Tartar Cleaning

• Prevention of Gum Diseases: Tartar cleaning prevents the development of gum diseases or halts the progression of existing ones.
• Elimination of Bad Breath: Tartar cleaning is effective in eliminating bad breath.
• Reduces the Risk of Cavities: It reduces the risk of cavities by cleaning bacteria from the tooth surface.
• Aesthetic Appearance: It whitens the teeth and enhances your smile.

How Often Should Tartar Cleaning Be Done?

Tartar cleaning varies according to individual oral health and the dentist's recommendation, but it is generally advised to be done twice a year.

In conclusion, tartar cleaning is a very important practice for maintaining our oral health. Regularly visiting the dentist for tartar cleaning will help keep your teeth healthy and bright.

Additional Information:

• What to Pay Attention to After Tartar Cleaning: There may be sensitivity in the teeth after tartar cleaning. This usually subsides within a few days.
• At-Home Dental Care: Although tartar cleaning is a professional procedure, regular brushing and flossing at home are also very important.
• Tartar Cleaning in Children: Tartar can also form in children. Therefore, children should be taken for regular dental check-ups.