Hello Steemians!!!
Have you Ever wondered, Why do we brush and floss our teeth regularly. What does the brush removes so that our teeth are cleaned off? Why does not the yellow lining of my teeth comes off despite regular brushing?
We all know that our mouth is always inhabiting bacteria despite how clean you keep it. These bacterias grow and act on the food that is present in the mouth after eating and breakdown it into slimy substance which along with proteins and bacteria forms biofilm and adheres to the teeth. This slimy layer on teeth is called Dental Plaque. The plaque when present for longer time without disturbed(cleaned) hardens by adsorbing Calcium and forms yellow linings on the teeth called as Tartar or Dental Calculus.
Tartar may be present below the gum line(smaller damage) or above the gum line(more damage). The Tartar is hard and yellowish in colour when above the gumline while bluish black when below the gumline.
The Tartar generally is accumulated on the inner side of lower teeth, however, it can be present on amy tooth and any surface of tooth in persons with very poor oral hygiene.
The amount of tartar present in the mouth divided as:
- Mild (covering just the gum line)
- Moderate (covers less than half of tooth surface)
- Severe (covers most of the tooth surface)
Problems Associated with Tartar
The Tartar inhabits the bacteria which causes disease to the gums and tooth. The diseased gums are called as Gingivitis. The condition is seen as red and swollen gums, and bleeding on biting or brushing. These bacteria if not kept in check may accentuate the damage of the tooth to its bone and other Supporting tissues causing Tooth loss.
The big damaging characteristic of tartar is that the person doesn't feel like any loosening or disease of teeth untill they are lost Bcoz they are held firmly by the tartar to it place.
Tartar when left as such in contact with teeth and gums causing the disease and bacteria to spread to the deeper tissues and destroys their integrity. This leads to the formation of Pockets. They advance to the Periodontitis which causes the Bone loss around the tooth. Periodontitis is an established and irreversible disease of the tooth.
Tartar may also cause the loosening and spacing of teeth which fall out ultimately when left untreated for many years.
Prevention
- Brush and floss regularly to remove the dental plaque. Brushing and flossing removes the slimy layer on the teeth which is the precursor of tartar formation.
- Brush with the toothpaste containing flouride and Triclosan.
- Swish after every meal to provisionally clean the mouth.
- Avoid regular use of Sticky and Sugary foods.
- Strictly visit your dentist after every 6 months in order to keep a healthy oral health.
Once the Tartar is formed, it is only removed by the dental professional. So Give your dentist a visit to help you clean and maintain the whitish pearls in your mouth.
