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Dental health should not be taken lightly. Various disorders or diseases can easily occur in our mouths. Cleaning tartar is a problem with teeth that cannot be easily resolved.
But if you feel you are diligently brushing your teeth, why do plaque and tartar still appear? Because cleaning tartar will not be lost if only by brushing your teeth. It takes action by a dentist or doctor to clean tartar.
What is tartar?
Bacteria found in the mouth process food debris on the teeth, then become a sticky layer that is present on our teeth, called plaque. When this plaque builds up and is not cleaned regularly and thoroughly, plaque will harden into tartar.
Usually tartar forms at the bottom and top of the gum line. Generally, tartar is black and very difficult to remove.
When should we clean tartar
To find out the right time to clean tartar, of course you consult a dentist. Because as previously discussed, tartar cannot be cleaned simply by brushing, mouthwash or flossing alone.
The method commonly recommended by doctors is scaling. In general, you will be advised to do this procedure every six months.
However, the schedule for scaling or tartar cleaning also depends on the conditions of each individual. Some of the medical conditions that require scaling more frequently are:
- Have or are at risk for gum disease
- Having dry mouth due to age or medications
- People with disabilities can thoroughly clean their teeth
- Those who have limitations in understanding or fulfilling the obligation to maintain oral health
The dangers of maintaining tartar
If you do not clean the tartar immediately, there will be irritation and swelling of the gums which can lead to gum disease. In its early stages, gum disease is still not difficult to cure and is known as gingivitis. Symptoms of gingivitis include:
- Red and swollen gums
- Gums that bleed easily when brushing or flossing
- Gums become softer
When you haven't cleaned your tartar yet, gingivitis gets worse and will be difficult to cure. This chronic stage is called periodontitis. The symptoms experienced are the same as in the early stages. Plus, you will also experience other symptoms, namely:
- Pain when chewing
- Tooth loss
- The gums move away from the teeth
- Pus came out between the teeth
Bacteria from periodontitis can enter the bloodstream in the body which then increases the threat or risk of developing heart and lung disease. This is the reason why oral and dental health are so important and should not be taken lightly.
Brushing your teeth at least twice a day regularly every day can prevent the occurrence of a series of diseases that have been described above. If you think you have tartar and there is a lot of plaque on your teeth, immediately perform cleaning measures by visiting a dentist.
