Tooth Stone Cleaning

What is Tartar?

Tartar is plaque, or a deposit of bacteria, food particles and saliva that hardens on the teeth over a period of time. If not cleaned periodically, the build-up mineralizes into tartar. It causes gum recession, cavities and bad breath.

Compared to untreated and left on tartar, the slight surface changes that can affect it remain very high. Once formed, brushing with toothpaste or baking soda will not remove the buildup.

Tartar, known as calculus, is a series of dental plaque that accumulates on the teeth over a period of time. It can form both above and below the gum line. Since every person's mouth contains plaque, inadequate removal by oral hygiene allows tartar to form

Once tartar has formed, it cannot be removed by brushing or flossing alone. Professional cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist is required to remove it from the affected area and prevent further complications.

Is Tooth Stone Cleaning Harmful?

Contrary to what many people think, professional tooth stone cleaning is not harmful at all, but rather an important part of oral and general health. There is very little risk involved in the methods used, which involve lightly scratching the surfaces as a cleaning process.

Although some food residue can be removed with home remedies, the remaining rough surface continues to attract plaque and bacteria. Proper removal requires specialized dental instruments that can provide a smooth tooth surface.

Important to remember that a single cleaning session does not prevent tartar from forming again. Bacterial plaque can harden into tartar in as little as 24 hours, depending on factors such as saliva composition and differences in the microbiome between individuals.

While professional cleaning removes existing tartar, maintaining oral hygiene through daily brushing, flossing and regular check-ups is essential for long-term prevention.

When performed by qualified dentists, professional tooth stone cleaning is extremely beneficial. It contributes to healthier gums and stronger teeth. Regular tartar removal prevents gum disease and tooth decay, helping to preserve natural teeth for longer.

How Does Tartar Develop?

Tartar forms when plaque is not adequately removed from the teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of food particles, saliva and bacteria on tooth surfaces. If left undisturbed, it mineralizes and hardens to form tartar. The most common cause of tartar formation is poor oral hygiene.

Factors Affecting Tartar Formation

A number of factors can contribute to plaque and tartar buildup, including

• Inadequate or infrequent brushing and flossing. It is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss once a day to control plaque build-up.
• A diet high in sugar and carbohydrates. Foods such as bread, pasta and sugary drinks allow bacteria to multiply, leading to more plaque.
• Tobacco use and tobacco products accelerate tartar formation. In smokers, deposits may be more difficult to remove.
• Genetic factors. Saliva or tooth anatomy is different and some people are naturally prone to tartar formation.
• Dry mouth or xerostomia involves reduced saliva flow, which limits the natural mechanisms for cleaning the mouth of food debris and bacteria.
• Anatomical structure of the tooth. Some teeth, especially molars and those with cracks, are more prone to collecting plaque. These thus become common sites for tartar formation.

Importance of Tartar Removal

Tooth stone cleaning is an important method of maintaining oral health by removing tartar deposits. For healthy teeth and improved overall health, regular cleanings are necessary to prevent dental diseases such as gum disease.

Tartar build-up leads to gingivitis, known as gingivitis, and worse conditions such as periodontitis. If tartar forms below the gum line, it damages the gum tissue. It creates a risk of gum recession, bone loss and eventually tooth loss. Regular removal of tartar helps prevent such complications.

If tartar is removed, it reduces bad breath. Tartar and bacteria trapped in plaque are the causes of chronic bad breath, also known as halitosis. Scaling reduces bacterial buildup, resulting in fresher breath.

Scaling improves smile aesthetics. Tartar can cause yellow or brown stains on your teeth. Your smile becomes unsightly. Cleaning by a professional removes these deposits. It allows the natural shine to shine through for a healthier and more beautiful smile.

Teeth are strengthened and decay is prevented. Plaque and tartar erode tooth enamel over time, causing cavities and sensitivity. Removing them protects the enamel, strengthens teeth and reduces the risk of tooth decay.

Some studies have linked gum disease to systemic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. Regular removal of tartar helps to maintain oral health. Reduces the risk of related health problems.

Reduces treatment costs in the long term. Early scaling minimizes costs by enabling early detection and treatment of gum and dental problems. Preventive care reduces eventual high-cost treatments.

Tooth stone cleaning should always be performed by a qualified dentist. Dentists use specialized instruments that safely remove tartar and polish teeth to reduce future plaque buildup. Regular dental visits and teeth cleaning are essential for a healthy and confident smile.

How is scaling performed?

Scaling is a professional dental procedure that removes tartar. It can be performed by a dentist following a thorough cleaning of both the teeth and gums.

First, the teeth and gums are examined and evaluated. The dentist looks for signs of tartar and plaque buildup. X-rays are requested if necessary to determine the extent of tartar build-up, especially below the gum line.

The dentist removes tartar from the tooth surface using special instruments. Tartar cleaning is done on the visible parts of the teeth and below the gum line to remove hardened plaque from all parts.

When there is tartar below the gum line, root planning is performed. It smooths the surface of the tooth roots, making it harder for bacteria to adhere. It prevents further tartar formation in these areas.

After tooth stone cleaning, your teeth are polished with a special paste. Fluoride can be applied to strengthen the enamel and provide further protection against decay.

Ultrasonic devices are often used in the cleaning process. These devices use high-frequency vibrations that break down tartar and effectively remove it even below the gum line.

Hand instruments are used for gentle cleaning, especially in hard-to-reach areas. These tools help to carefully remove tartar without damaging the teeth.

Smoothing of the surfaces is done after the removal of tartar. This makes it harder for plaque to form again. This will also help to improve the appearance of the teeth.

The dentist will also monitor the health of your gums during the procedure. If some problems are detected, further treatments or advice will be given. Finally, the whole process usually results in the tooth surface being made much brighter, cleaner and smoother.

Tooth stone cleaning is usually painless, although some discomfort may be felt if the gums are very sensitive. Afterwards, your teeth will be much cleaner and your gums healthier. A dentist or hygienist will recommend a cleaning schedule, usually every six months, to best control tartar build-up and maintain optimum oral health.

Tartar Removal Prices

In its simplest form, which is the normal straight procedure, the tooth stone cleaning costs between £40 and £70. In the case of using Airflow, the price of scaling is £60 and £120.

Costs vary according to the experience of the dentist, the region where the clinic is located, the technologies applied and the treatment plan to be chosen according to the needs of the patient. Other factors that can affect the price are changing technologies and treatment approaches.

More technologically intensive methods, such as laser-assisted cleaning, will be more expensive than traditional methods. The price may also depend on the patient's dental condition and the level of tartar deposits. Pathological conditions that are more time-consuming to treat can increase treatment costs.

Home Remedies for Effective Removal of Plaque and Tartar

Plaque formation can be prevented with proper oral hygiene, but tartar is somewhat difficult to combat at home. Once plaque hardens, it forms tartar and cannot be removed by ordinary brushing. The dentist does this during office visits with special tools. But yes, you can try a few things at home to control plaque and maintain your oral health.

Baking Soda for Plaque Removal

The use of baking soda for scrubbing remains one of the most popular methods of plaque removal. Baking soda is mildly abrasive. It effectively cleans teeth without damaging the enamel. According to a 2017 study, baking soda toothpaste may be more effective than traditional toothpaste in reducing plaque.

Further studies have confirmed that baking soda toothpaste remains at safe levels of abrasiveness even with baking soda as an ingredient and therefore does not damage tooth enamel when used correctly.

Traditional Oil Method

Using oil is a method that has been around since time immemorial and has been used to get rid of bacteria. It involves rinsing the mouth with edible oil, such as coconut oil, to improve oral health. Although it has helped many people, this procedure is not approved for plaque or tartar removal.

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is useful for improving dental health. It can help reduce the amount of tartar and bacteria in the mouth. Fresh aloe vera gel can be applied to the teeth for some minor benefits, although it tastes a little bitter.

Guava

Guava leaves and fruit are plaque inhibitors. Both are used to reduce inflammation in the gums.

Can Dental Calculus be Removed at Home?

Tooth stone cleaning at home has become a very popular pursuit for many people looking for natural remedies. While baking soda, lemon, salt, vinegar or oils are commonly recommended home remedies, their misuse or overuse can damage tooth enamel.

The methods and substances may work to gently break down tartar, but often cannot completely remove it. Their ability to be too abrasive or corrosive to the teeth will lead to larger, more extensive dental treatments. For safe and effective tartar removal, it is best to consult a dentist.

How to Prevent Plaque and Tartar Formation on Teeth?

Good oral hygiene is one of the ways to prevent plaque and tartar build-up on teeth. Good oral hygiene consists of brushing the teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing once a day. Secondly, replace your toothbrush, as worn bristles will not fulfill their task properly.

Regular dental examinations and professional cleanings play a crucial role in preventing oral health problems. During visits, dentists will thoroughly examine your mouth for signs of tooth decay, gum disease and oral cancer.

They also remove plaque and tartar from the teeth, especially in hard-to-reach areas. Dentists may also use fluoride treatment to strengthen tooth enamel and reduce the risk of cavities.

If the dentist finds any signs of tooth decay or gingivitis, they will focus on symptom management and further prevention. He or she may recommend medicated mouthwash or changes to your oral care routine.

Brush your teeth two to three times a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.

Rinsing the mouth twice a day with antibacterial, alcohol-free mouthwash significantly reduces the bacteria responsible for plaque and tartar formation.

Smoking or otherwise consuming tobacco increases the danger of tartar formation and various other oral complications. Avoid using them.

If you have deep grooves in your molars or premolars, dental fillings can help protect these areas from decay-causing bacteria by closing the gaps.

Fluoride treatments strengthen tooth enamel. They benefit both children and adults by helping to prevent cavities.

Eat a healthy diet, limiting foods containing sugar and starch. These contribute to plaque build-up. A healthy diet is important in maintaining overall oral health.

Drink water throughout the day. Water helps saliva to flow and saliva naturally helps to clean teeth.

What happens if tartar is not removed?

When left untreated, tartar can lead to serious oral health problems. Tartar buildup forms pockets between the gums and teeth, eventually moving towards the roots of the teeth. This requires urgent intervention by periodontists.

Untreated advanced tartar can lead to tooth loss, even if the teeth are healthy. In addition, neglecting scaling can cause gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease.

If tartar is not removed for several years, it develops into severe gum disease that can result in tooth loss. Due to tooth loss, dental implants become necessary to restore functionality and aesthetic appearance.