Despite regular brushing, hard buildup can form on the teeth; this buildup is called tartar and can only be removed with professional teeth cleaning. Tartar both leads to an aesthetically unpleasant appearance and can set the stage for more serious problems by threatening gum health. Tartar removal, that is scaling, is an important application in protecting oral and dental health. However, there are many questions and concerns about this procedure; in particular, whether the procedure harms the teeth is frequently wondered. In this comprehensive article we take a detailed look at what tartar is, how it forms, how tartar removal is done, aftercare and frequently asked questions.
What is tartar?
Tartar is a firmly adhered buildup that forms when plaque accumulating on the tooth surface hardens over time. Plaque is a sticky, continuously forming layer containing the bacteria in the mouth; when not cleaned with regular and correct oral care, it accumulates on the tooth surface and at the gum margin. Over time, uncleaned plaque mineralizes and hardens, turning into tartar. Once tartar has formed, it cannot be cleaned by brushing; it can only be removed by the dentist with professional methods. Tartar is commonly seen at the gum margin and between the teeth, and its rough surface facilitates more plaque accumulation. For this reason, removing tartar regularly is important for protecting oral and dental health. Tartar is a buildup that needs to be addressed in terms of both aesthetics and health.
How does tartar form?
The formation of tartar is a process that begins with plaque buildup. Plaque, which continuously forms in the mouth, continues to accumulate on the tooth surface and especially at the gum margin when not cleaned with regular and correct oral care. Over time, this plaque interacts with the minerals in saliva and hardens, turning into tartar. The rate of tartar formation varies from person to person; tartar can form faster in some people. Inadequate brushing, not using dental floss and irregular oral care are the main factors that facilitate tartar formation. In addition, the hard-to-reach areas of the teeth are more prone to plaque buildup and therefore tartar formation. The basis of reducing tartar formation is keeping plaque buildup under control with regular and correct oral care. This is the most effective way to fight tartar.
What is dental scaling?
Tartar removal, medically called scaling, is the procedure of the dentist cleaning the tartar accumulated on the teeth and at the gum margin with special instruments. This procedure allows the removal of hard buildup that cannot be cleaned with brushing and flossing. Scaling plays an important role in protecting oral and dental health; it helps prevent the gum problems that tartar can cause. During the procedure, tartar is removed without damaging the teeth and the tooth surfaces are cleaned. Scaling is a professional complement to routine oral care; it removes buildup that home care cannot reach. How often tartar removal should be done is determined by the dentist according to the person’s oral health and the rate of tartar formation. Scaling is an important application for a healthy mouth.
Why should tartar be removed?
Removing tartar is not only an aesthetic requirement but also important for protecting oral and dental health. When tartar accumulates at the gum margin, it constantly irritates the gum and sets the stage for inflammation; this situation is one of the main causes of bleeding gums and gum disease. In addition, the rough surface of tartar facilitates more plaque and bacteria accumulation, contributing to the problem growing. When tartar progresses, it can lead to more serious conditions such as gum recession and the supporting tissues being affected. Removing tartar regularly helps prevent these problems. Tartar removal can also contribute to reducing bad breath. For this reason, it is important not to neglect tartar and to have regular professional cleaning.
Tartar and gum disease
Tartar plays an important role in the development of gum disease. Tartar accumulating at the gum margin constantly irritates the gum, leading to inflammation (gingivitis); this inflammation, when untreated, can progress and turn into a more serious condition that affects the supporting tissues and bone surrounding the tooth. The presence of tartar directly threatens gum health and is one of the most common causes of bleeding gums. For this reason, removing tartar regularly is of great importance in protecting gum health. You can review our gum diseases article, where we cover the subject in more detail. Removing tartar early makes an important contribution to preventing gum problems and protecting gum health. Regular check-ups are decisive in this.
Tartar and bad breath
Bad breath is a situation that can be related to tartar buildup. Tartar and the plaque accumulating on it create a suitable environment for bacteria to multiply; this can lead to an unpleasant odor in the mouth. In addition, the gum inflammation caused by tartar can also contribute to bad breath. For this reason, in people who experience constant bad breath, assessing tartar and gum health is important. Removing tartar professionally and maintaining regular oral care can help reduce bad breath. Flossing is especially important in cleaning areas that can cause odor, such as between the teeth. When bad breath and tartar are assessed together, determining an appropriate solution becomes easier. If bad breath continues, seeing a dentist is the most correct approach.
How is scaling done?
Tartar removal is a procedure performed by the dentist using special instruments. During the procedure, the tartar accumulated on the teeth and at the gum margin is removed without damaging the teeth. Ultrasonic instruments are usually used in the scaling procedure; these instruments separate the tartar from the tooth with the help of vibration. After the procedure, the tooth surfaces are cleaned and polished when necessary. Scaling can be completed in one or more sessions according to the state of oral health. The procedure is a safe application when done by experienced hands and does not damage the natural structure of the teeth. How scaling will be done and how many sessions will be needed is determined by the dentist according to the amount of tartar and the state of oral health. You can consult your dentist about what you wonder about the procedure.
Is scaling painful?
Whether tartar removal is painful is one of the things frequently wondered about. The scaling procedure is usually painless; however, a mild discomfort can be felt during the procedure depending on the amount of tartar, the state of gum health and the person’s sensitivity. Especially in people who have gum inflammation or a lot of tartar buildup, a little more sensitivity can be seen during the procedure. The discomfort experienced during the procedure is usually temporary and at a manageable level. If you have concerns about sensitivity, you can share this with your dentist before the procedure; your dentist can determine an appropriate approach for you. Instead of avoiding tartar removal, talking to your dentist about possible discomfort is a more correct approach. Regular cleaning makes the procedure more comfortable over time as tartar decreases.
Does scaling harm the teeth?
One of the most common concerns about tartar removal is whether the procedure harms the teeth. Scaling done correctly and by experienced hands does not damage the natural structure of the teeth. The procedure removes the tartar on the tooth; it does not wear away the tooth itself. Some people may feel a gap between the teeth after the procedure; however, this results from the opening of the area covered by the tartar and does not mean that the tooth is damaged. On the contrary, removing tartar helps protect gum health. The common belief that scaling harms the teeth is not correct. The safety of the procedure depends on it being done by an experienced dentist with appropriate techniques. Avoiding tartar removal actually poses a greater risk in terms of gum health. For this reason, regular scaling is recommended.
Sensitivity after scaling
A temporary sensitivity can be seen in some people after tartar removal. This situation can be more pronounced especially in cases where tartar has accumulated for a long time and covered the gum margin. When tartar is removed, the previously covered tooth surfaces are exposed, and these areas can temporarily become sensitive to stimuli such as hot, cold or sweet. This sensitivity is usually temporary and decreases over time. Following your dentist’s recommendations can be helpful to reduce sensitivity after scaling; your dentist can recommend appropriate approaches when necessary. If sensitivity continues for a long time or becomes bothersome, it is recommended that you consult your dentist. Maintaining regular oral care after the procedure helps both manage sensitivity and slow the reformation of tartar.
Care after scaling
Paying attention to oral care after tartar removal is important for protecting the result of the procedure and slowing the reformation of tartar. After the procedure, regular and correct brushing and daily flossing should continue; because if plaque buildup is not kept under control, tartar can reform over time. Your dentist can make specific recommendations about oral care after scaling. In cases where sensitivity is seen, it is helpful to act in line with your dentist’s recommendations. Regular dental check-ups and periodic professional cleaning ensure that tartar buildup is kept under control. Good oral care after scaling contributes to both reducing tartar and protecting general oral health. You can determine your care routine together with your dentist.
How often should scaling be done?
How often tartar removal should be done varies from person to person and depends on many factors. The rate of tartar formation, oral care habits, gum health and general oral health status are the main factors that determine the frequency of cleaning. While more frequent cleaning may be needed in some people because tartar forms faster, longer intervals may be sufficient in some people. The appropriate frequency of tartar removal for you is determined by the dentist by assessing your oral health. Regular dental check-ups allow both the tartar situation to be followed and cleaning to be done at the appropriate time. Having tartar removal done at regular intervals is important for protecting gum health and preventing possible problems. It is best to follow your dentist’s recommendations for the appropriate frequency.
How is tartar formation reduced?
Although it is not always possible to completely prevent tartar formation, there are effective steps to reduce the rate of formation. Because plaque buildup is the basis of tartar formation, plaque control is the most important approach. Brushing with the correct technique at least twice a day and using dental floss daily slows tartar formation by reducing plaque buildup. Care should be taken to regularly clean all surfaces of the teeth and especially the gum margin. Regular dental check-ups and periodic professional cleaning also help keep tartar buildup under control. The World Health Organization also emphasizes that oral and dental health is an inseparable part of general health. Regular oral care is the most effective way to reduce tartar formation.
Correct brushing and flossing
Correct brushing and flossing are of fundamental importance in reducing tartar formation and protecting oral health. Teeth should be brushed with a suitable toothbrush, with gentle and regular movements, at least twice a day. During brushing, care should be taken to clean all surfaces of the teeth and the gum margin; because plaque accumulates most in these areas. Because a toothbrush cannot reach the areas between the teeth, daily flossing is also important. The areas between the teeth are prone to plaque and therefore tartar formation. Using floss regularly and correctly reduces plaque buildup in these areas. For more information about correct brushing and flossing, you can review our daily dental care article.
Nutrition and tartar
Dietary habits are one of the factors that can affect oral health and indirectly tartar formation. Frequent consumption of sugary and processed foods can set the stage for tartar formation by increasing plaque buildup. Eating a balanced and healthy diet contributes to protecting oral health. In addition, adequate water consumption helps keep the mouth moist and supports oral health. Consuming sugary foods together with meals and less frequently is safer for the teeth. For more information about the role of nutrition in dental health, you can review our nutrition for dental health article. Healthy dietary habits, together with regular oral care, contribute to reducing tartar formation and protecting oral health. A balanced diet is an important part of a healthy smile.
Does scaling whiten the teeth?
Whether tartar removal whitens the teeth is a frequently confused subject. Scaling removes the tartar and superficial buildup on the teeth; thus the teeth can look cleaner and sometimes brighter. However, scaling is not a whitening procedure; it does not change the natural color of the tooth. When tartar and superficial stains are cleaned, the real natural color of the teeth is revealed; for this reason, some people may think their teeth look whiter. However, different applications such as whitening are needed to lighten the color of the tooth. It is important to know that scaling and whitening are different procedures. If you are not satisfied with the color of your teeth, you can consult your dentist for appropriate aesthetic solutions. Scaling is a procedure aimed at protecting oral health; aesthetic whitening is a separate application.
When should you see a dentist?
If you notice yellow or brown hard buildup on your teeth, if you have bleeding, redness or sensitivity in your gums or if you experience constant bad breath, it is recommended that you see a dentist. These symptoms can be a sign of tartar buildup and gum problems. In addition, if you have not had professional teeth cleaning for a long time, it will be helpful to go to the dentist for a check-up. Because tartar can only be removed with professional cleaning, regular dental check-ups are important in this respect. Early assessment helps prevent the gum problems that tartar can cause. When you have any doubt about tartar and your oral health, do not hesitate to consult your dentist. Regular check-ups are the most effective way both to follow tartar and to protect general oral health.
Common misconceptions about tartar removal
One of the most common misconceptions about tartar removal is that scaling harms the teeth and wears them away; in reality, the procedure done correctly does not damage the natural structure of the tooth. Another misconception is that tartar can be cleaned with brushing; in reality, tartar can only be removed with professional cleaning. In addition, it is thought that tartar removal whitens the teeth; in reality, scaling is not a whitening procedure, it only cleans buildup. The belief that tartar removal thins the teeth or opens gaps between them is also wrong; the gap felt results from the removal of tartar. The most reliable way to reach accurate information is to consult a dentist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does tartar removal harm the teeth?
No. Scaling done correctly and by experienced hands does not damage the natural structure of the tooth; it only removes the tartar on it.
Can tartar be cleaned by brushing?
No. Because tartar is a hardened buildup, it cannot be cleaned by brushing; it can only be removed by the dentist with professional methods.
Is tartar removal painful?
The procedure is usually painless. A mild discomfort can be felt depending on the amount of tartar and gum condition; this is usually temporary.
How often should scaling be done?
The frequency varies from person to person; it depends on the rate of tartar formation and oral health. The appropriate frequency is determined by the dentist.
Does tartar removal whiten the teeth?
Scaling is not a whitening procedure. It reveals the natural color of the tooth by cleaning superficial buildup; whitening is needed to lighten the color.
I feel a gap in my teeth after scaling, is it normal?
Yes. When the area covered by tartar is opened, a temporary feeling of a gap can occur; this does not mean the tooth is damaged.
For tartar removal or an assessment related to your oral health, you can book an appointment at Beyaz Köşe Oral and Dental Health Clinic.