Maintaining good oral health is essential not only for your smile but also for your overall health.
One of the most common, yet overlooked, issues is the presence of hard plaque called calculus on teeth, which results from plaque buildup.
This hardened form of dental plaque can lead to significant oral health issues such as gum disease, tooth decay, and even systemic health problems.
Understanding the formation, risks, and treatment of hard plaque can empower you to take better care of your teeth and gums and go about removing plaque effectively.
Understanding hard plaque: what is it?
Definition of hard plaque
Hard plaque, or dental calculus, forms when regular plaque isn’t removed from the teeth.
Plaque is a sticky film filled with plaque bacteria that forms when leftover food particles, particularly sugary or starchy foods, combine with saliva in your mouth and is not cleaned properly as a result of poor oral hygiene practices.
If you don’t remove plaque properly, it begins to harden, leading to the formation of tartar, also called dental calculus. Regular dental hygiene practices, such as brushing and flossing, are essential to prevent plaque buildup.
How does hard plaque form?
When plaque is left on the tooth enamel for too long, it combines with minerals in saliva like calcium phosphate and magnesium phosphate, becoming a hardened deposit known as tartar.
This hardened plaque is much more difficult to remove than soft plaque and contributes to many oral health problems.
The areas around the gum line and between teeth are especially prone to developing tartar buildup, as they are harder to reach during brushing and flossing.
Spotting the early signs of plaque on teeth
Detecting plaque early is crucial for maintaining good oral health and preventing more severe dental issues. Plaque is a colourless, sticky film that forms on your teeth, making it challenging to spot with the naked eye. However, there are several signs and symptoms that can help you identify its presence.
The difference between plaque and tartar
Soft plaque vs. hard plaque
While both soft plaque and hard plaque can damage your teeth, they differ in how they form and how they are removed.
Soft tooth plaque is removed by regular brushing and flossing, whereas only a dentist can remove tartar.
You can prevent plaque if you practice good oral hygiene, but once it hardens into tartar, only a dental professional can remove it.
Why tartar is more harmful
Unlike soft plaque, which can be easily removed with a fluoride toothpaste, hard plaque or tartar is tough and adheres firmly to your teeth.
Tartar is dangerous because it provides a rough surface where plaque bacteria can thrive, making it easier for plaque to re-form.
It increases your risk of gingivitis or gum disease, which can escalate to periodontal disease if left untreated. Tartar also stains your teeth and contributes to bad breath, making it an aesthetic and health concern.
Health risks of hard plaque build-up
Gum disease and inflammation
One of the earliest signs of plaque build-up is swollen gums or bleeding gums during brushing or flossing. The American Dental Association recommends regular brushing and flossing to prevent these early signs of gum disease.
These are the early signs of gingivitis, the mildest form of gum disease.
If tartar is not removed, it can cause inflammation that leads to gum recession, exposing more of your teeth and making them vulnerable to decay.
Over time, untreated gum disease can progress to periodontal disease, causing damage to the bone that supports your teeth and leading to tooth loss.
Tooth decay and cavities
Tooth decay occurs when acids produced by bacteria in tartar erode the tooth’s surface. Hardened plaque near the gum line can also contribute to cavities by breaking down the tooth enamel.
When enamel weakens, it leads to small holes or cavities that, if untreated, may require fillings, root canals, or even tooth extraction.
Regular plaque removal and efforts to prevent plaque buildup and tartar build-up through professional cleanings are essential steps in maintaining your teeth.
Ignoring hardened plaque for too long can have repercussions that go beyond oral discomfort. Receding gums, bad breath, and eventual tooth loss can result from untreated plaque.
In some cases, untreated periodontal disease can even lead to bone deterioration in the jaw. Tartar build-up is not just a cosmetic or superficial issue; it threatens the foundation of your dental health.
If you smoke, chew tobacco, or frequently consume certain foods like sugary drinks, you are more likely to develop these issues.
How hard plaque and tartar affects your general health
Connection to heart disease
The relationship between gum disease and heart disease is becoming more widely recognised.
Chronic gum inflammation caused by plaque and tartar can allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream, potentially leading to cardiovascular issues such as atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and increasing the risk of heart attacks.
Regular visits to the dentist and professional cleanings can help manage this risk.
Risk of diabetes and respiratory issues
People with diabetes are particularly at risk when it comes to oral health.
High blood sugar levels can make it easier for tartar to form, increasing the risk of gum disease.
Conversely, gum disease can make it harder to control blood sugar levels.
Additionally, the bacteria from your mouth can travel to your lungs, causing respiratory infections or exacerbating existing conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Prevention tips: how to keep hard plaque at bay
Effective daily oral hygiene practices
To prevent tartar build-up, it’s crucial to brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
Using dental floss daily is also essential to remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth.
An electric toothbrush can provide more effective cleaning than a manual one, especially in areas where dental plaque is likely to build up.
Brushing and flossing regularly helps to kill bacteria and prevent tartar from forming, but visiting your dentist regularly for a professional cleaning is just as important.
The role of diet in preventing plaque formation
Diet plays a critical role in oral health.
Avoiding sugary foods and starchy foods reduces the amount of food debris that can contribute to dental plaque formation.
Eating crunchy fruits and vegetables, which act as natural scrubbers for your tooth enamel, and drinking plenty of water helps to rinse away food particles and keep your mouth clean.
Some foods, such as cheese, have antimicrobial properties and can help to neutralise the harmful acids produced by plaque bacteria.
Treatment options for hard plaque and tartar
Professional cleaning
Once plaque has hardened into tartar, it becomes impossible to remove it at home using regular brushing techniques.
Tartar removal requires a visit to a dental professional for a thorough cleaning. Your dentist or dental hygienist will use specialised tools to remove tartar from teeth, ensuring that your mouth is free from this hardened substance.
In addition to brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day, it’s recommended to have your teeth professionally cleaned at least twice a year to prevent plaque build-up and tartar buildup.
At-home remedies and products to use
While home remedies aren’t a full-on tartar removal solution, they can help manage plaque levels.
Baking soda is often recommended as it can help in removing plaque and killing bacteria due to its mild abrasiveness.
Some mouthwashes also have antimicrobial properties that fight plaque bacteria and help to prevent tartar build-up. However, none of these remedies can substitute for a professional cleaning at your dentist’s office.
Long-term care for good oral hygiene
Maintaining regular visits to the dentist is crucial for long-term oral health.
Regular check-ups and cleanings will not only help you catch any signs of developing tartar early, but they also allow your dentist to identify other oral health concerns, such as cavities, receding gums, or early signs of gum disease.
Dental professionals can offer targeted advice and treatments to help you manage plaque and tartar more effectively, ensuring that your teeth and gums stay healthy as you age.
Make dental plaque and tartar a thing of the past!
Hard plaque and tartar are more than just cosmetic concerns. They pose significant risks to your oral health and overall well-being. Gum disease, tooth decay, and even systemic health problems like heart disease and diabetes can all be linked to tartar build-up.
By practising good oral hygiene, including using fluoride toothpaste when you brush your teeth, flossing, and professional cleanings, you can effectively remove plaque from teeth and prevent it from hardening into tartar.
At Direct Dental Balham, we have a team of skilled professionals who can help you achieve a healthy, bright smile. With our advanced techniques to remove plaque and tartar, routine cleanings, and comprehensive dental services, you can trust them to keep your teeth and gums in top condition. Visit our Balham dentist’s office for personalised, high-quality care and take the next step in safeguarding your oral health.
