Tooth scale removal
The main way to prevent dental diseases is professional teeth cleaning and tartar removal. Brushing your teeth twice a day at home is also important, but not sufficient to remove tartar, which is often the root cause of certain gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontal disease.
Dental hygiene at home is limited to the removal of bacteria and food residues deposited on the tooth enamel or stuck between the teeth, but it is not possible to remove tartar hidden in hard-to-reach places, on the chewing teeth and under the gums, with a toothbrush. Tartar does not go away on its own. Even though you brush and floss your teeth every day and have good oral care habits, food residue still builds up on your teeth, leading to tartar.
What is tartar?
Tartar is a soft white plaque that forms on and between the visible surfaces of the teeth. Plaque often builds up quickly on the inside of the lower incisors. Plaque is made up of deposits and bacteria. Tartar can be of two types: supragingival and subgingival. Supragingival calculus appears as small white or yellowish deposits that coat the surface of the tooth and surround the gum line. Subgingival plaques are much more dangerous because they form under the gums.
Tartar is usually invisible to the naked eye and is one of the main causes of gum pockets and periodontal problems. Subgingival calculus is often the cause of bad breath.
The color of tartar varies from white to yellow and from brown to black. The brown color of plaque is usually due to the same pigments that can discolor teeth, such as tobacco, coffee or wine. If the tartar is not cleaned, it can turn black after a few years. 90% of caries patients have tartar deposits.
The main cause of tartar formation is poor or inadequate oral hygiene. There are factors that can speed up the process of bacterial plaque mineralization, such as crowded teeth. Those who suffer from this problem find it harder to effectively clean the gaps between adjacent teeth on their own, which can lead to the formation of tartar after a while.
Changes in saliva can affect the process of tartar formation. In fact, saliva performs the first cleaning action in the oral cavity, counteracting the accumulation of bacterial plaque on the teeth. If, for example, certain metabolic diseases reduce the secretion of saliva, and with it the cleaning effect, plaque formation occurs sooner. The pH value and composition of saliva can also promote and accelerate the formation of tartar.
The consequences of the accumulation of plaque and tartar:
What tool do we use to remove tartar?
Our dental hygienist/dentist uses special tools to remove tartar, as toothbrushes or dental floss are not effective enough for this. The ultrasonic depurator does not rotate or move, so it is not dangerous and does not cause pain or discomfort. It simply emits ultrasound along with water. Alternatively, thin and sharp instruments called curettes are often used, and only experienced clinicians can use them to remove tartar from hard-to-reach areas.
Scaler – a steel instrument that usually ends in a hook and is pointed (used only to remove tartar deposits above the gums).
Our clinic's specialists perform the treatment with ultramodern EMS devices, which gently but effectively remove tartar deposits. EMS technology enables precise, painless treatment that quickly and effectively removes tartar and biofilm. Biofilm is a layer of microorganisms that can form on the teeth and gums and can contribute to the development of dental problems. As part of biofilm therapy, tartar removal not only preserves the health of the teeth and gums, but can also slightly lighten the whiteness of the teeth.
A frequent question from patients: how long does the dental hygiene treatment take? The time required to perform the entire treatment varies between 45 and 60 minutes. It is worth having the treatment done every six months. Cleaning is recommended every 3-4 months for those suffering from frequent gum disease and patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. Professional teeth cleaning should be accompanied by a dental check-up at least once a year.
Advantages of professional teeth cleaning:
Tooth sensitivity after tartar removal:
In addition, many patients are interested in the increased sensitivity of the teeth after the procedure. After a professional cleaning, many patients experience increased tooth sensitivity and mobility, this is a completely normal reaction that disappears within a few days. Tooth sensitivity may increase if the patient has severe tartar deposits that were present as a hard crust on the teeth. Or if a lot of time has passed between cleanings. But usually this sensitivity quickly normalizes.
In fact, tartar forms a coating over time that acts as a kind of thermal insulator, making the tooth less sensitive to heat or cold. By removing the accumulated tartar, the patient will feel more thermal stimuli. This will pass quickly. Immediately after cleaning, it is not recommended to eat very cold or hot foods and drinks, as well as foods that can stain the tooth enamel.
Tips for maintaining oral hygiene:
The best way to prevent plaque is to brush and floss frequently. This will help slow down the appearance of tartar.
Avoid foods high in sugar and carbohydrates, as well as foods that are sticky and can easily stick to the surface of your teeth. In addition, frequent snacking also contributes to the accumulation of bacteria in the mouth, which leads to the formation of soft plaque and tartar.
Visit your dentist every six months so that you can detect any oral diseases in time and receive appropriate treatment.
Brushing and flossing: Brush your teeth for at least 3 minutes after eating. Remember to brush your teeth vertically to remove plaque from between your teeth. It is recommended to use fluoride toothpaste to protect the enamel and prevent tooth decay. Be sure to use dental floss after brushing your teeth.
Don't forget to wash your tongue. During the day, a million bacteria accumulate on it, which also affect the health of the oral cavity. Use a special tongue brush twice a day, morning and night.
Regular consumption of fresh vegetables is also an effective way to remove soft plaque from the teeth. Hard vegetables are also good for the gums.
Following these simple rules will help you keep your teeth healthy and avoid serious consequences.
