Dental tartar is an accumulation of food debris, bacteria, saliva and dead cells that, when calcified, adheres firmly to the teeth, even accumulating under the gums. This occurs mainly due to inadequate oral hygiene. Dr. Susant Aguirre, a dentist at the Plaza Lima Sur Medical Center and the main branch of Clinica Ricardo Palma, warns that tartar can cause diseases such as gingivitis (inflammation of the gums), periodontitis (bone loss and subsequent tooth loss), cavities, bad breath, increased tooth sensitivity, among other dental conditions.

Tips to avoid tartar:

• Visit the dentist every 6 months. If you wear dentures, have orthodontics or dental crowding, visits should be more frequent.
• Brush your teeth at least 3 times a day, making sure to use proper technique.
• Use dental floss or interproximal brushes once a day before brushing. It is also recommended to use mouthwash 1 or 2 times a day after brushing.
• Change your toothbrush every 3 months, because if it is deteriorated it cannot fulfill its function.
• Do not smoke.
• Avoid eating foods rich in sugars and starches.

How to remove tartar?

Tartar cannot be removed by brushing alone, so it is necessary to visit a dentist for professional cleaning. The most common methods to remove tartar are:

• Scaling: This is the best known procedure and is performed with ultrasound equipment that emits ultrasonic vibrations to dislodge tartar.
• Scaling and root planing: This is a manual procedure using scalers or curettes, especially when calculus is located under the gums.
• Dental prophylaxis: Consists of the final polishing after the removal of tartar and plaque.

Remember:

• If you notice that you have tartar, yellow or brown stains on your teeth, visit your dentist to have it removed, as it can damage the dental and supporting structures. In the early stages, this calculus may go unnoticed; however, over time it can increase and cause bleeding and redness of the gums among other conditions.
• After treatment, ask your dentist for recommendations on the best products and cleaning techniques to maintain good oral health in the medium and long term.

Dr. Susant Aguirre
Dentist at the Plaza Lima Sur Medical Center and the main branch of Clinica Ricardo Palma