Black tartar on teeth is more than simple stains. It’s a significant oral health issue that can lead to complications like gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath.
Understanding Black Tartar on Teeth
Black tartar, also known as dental calculus, forms when plaque on your teeth hardens and mineralizes. Tartar buildup forms when dental plaque is left untreated, and it can turn black due to staining from smoking, certain foods and drinks, or the presence of iron in saliva.
Unlike regular dental plaque, which can be removed with the appropriate hygiene techniques, tartar is strongly attached to your teeth surface, requiring the attention of a dental professional.
Causes of Black Tartar on Teeth
The main cause of black tartar is inadequate oral hygiene. When you don’t brush your teeth and floss regularly, plaque builds up along the gum line. Over time, this plaque hardens into tartar.
Other lifestyle factors like smoking, drinking coffee or red wine, and consuming sugary foods can contribute to plaque formation and staining, inducing the tartar to turn black.
Effects of Black Tartar on Oral Health
When left untreated, tartar can lead to severe oral health issues. Dental calculus accumulating under your gum line can cause inflammation, irritation, and bleeding, eventually leading to gingivitis and more serious gum diseases like periodontitis.
Additionally, tartar on your teeth can trap bacteria, increasing the risk of tooth decay and bad breath.
Prevention of Black Tartar Buildup
The best way to prevent tartar buildup is through consistent and correct oral hygiene practices. Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and use dental floss or a water flosser to remove plaque between your teeth and along your gum line.
Remember, a good oral hygiene routine can prevent plaque and tartar from hardening on your teeth.
Regular dental visits are crucial in preventing black tartar. Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar that may have been missed during your hygiene home routine.
With a short visit, your dentist can eliminate dental tartar and address any additional oral issues. Scheduling a dental check-up every six months will help keep tartar in check.
Certain foods can contribute to plaque and tartar formation. You can reduce the risk of tartar buildup by limiting your intake of sugary and acidic foods, such as candy and soda.
You can also drink plenty of water throughout the day and chew sugar-free gum to help wash away food particles and bacteria, preventing plaque from forming. Also, eating crunchy fruits and vegetables, like apples and carrots, is a great way to help clean your teeth naturally.
Removing Black Tartar on Teeth
Once tartar buildup occurs, only a dentist can remove it through professional cleaning.
Dental professionals use specialized tools and equipment to perform a scaling procedure, employing vibration to break down and remove tartar from above and below your gum line.
Your dentist typically performs scaling and root planing during your check-ups to keep your teeth and soft tissues plaque and tartar-free.
- At-home Remedies for Black Tartar Removal: While professional treatment is indispensable to remove tartar, you can prevent further buildup by maintaining good oral hygiene at home. Products like tartar control toothpaste can help prevent plaque from hardening.
- Over-the-counter Products for Black Tartar Removal: There are several over-the-counter products designed to prevent tartar buildup, including tartar control toothpaste, flossers, mouthwash, and interdental brushes. These products can help prevent plaque from hardening but cannot remove black tartar that has already formed. Regular use of these products, along with a proper oral hygiene routine, can help you avoid future tartar issues.
Maintaining Oral Health After Black Tartar Removal
After your professional dental cleaning, you should maintain follow-up care to prevent tartar return. Schedule regular cleanings with your dentist and continue to brush and floss daily.
Preventing Black Tartar Buildup in the Future: Preventing tartar on your teeth requires dedication to your oral hygiene routine. In addition to brushing and flossing, a water flosser can help remove plaque from hard-to-reach areas between your teeth.
Also, quitting smoking and reducing your consumption of staining foods and beverages will help keep your teeth looking healthy and prevent tartar from turning black.
Importance of Regular Oral Hygiene Practices: Consistency is essential when it comes to oral health. Brush your teeth twice a day, floss, and use mouthwash to remove plaque and keep your gums healthy. Without the appropriate care, it is just a matter of time for plaque to harden and lead to gum disease and cavities.
FAQs
Q. How can I tell if I have black tartar on my teeth?
Black tartar is usually a noticeable dark stain on teeth, often near the gum line. If you notice black spots or hardened deposits on your teeth that don’t come off with brushing, it’s likely tartar.
Q. Can black tartar cause bad breath?
Yes. Tartar can harbor bacteria that contribute to bad breath, gum disease, and other oral health problems.
Q. Is it possible to remove black tartar at home?
Unfortunately, no. While maintaining good oral hygiene can prevent plaque buildup, tartar must be removed by a dental professional with specialized equipment.
Conclusion
Black tartar on teeth is a considerable oral health issue that you should not ignore. Regular dental check-ups, professional cleanings, and a consistent oral hygiene routine are crucial in preventing tartar buildup.
You can protect your teeth and gums from long-term damage by taking the necessary steps to prevent and treat black tartar, improving your appearance, and ensuring a healthy smile.
Finally, remember to brush your teeth twice a day, floss regularly, and schedule appointments with your dentist to keep your teeth and gum health in excellent shape.
