Tartar and Tooth Loss
- No matter how great your oral hygiene routine is, bacteria will always be in your mouth.
- Over time, they mix with the proteins and food you’ve ingested to form a sticky film called plaque.
- This gunk coats your teeth, gets under your gum line, and sticks to fillings or other dental work.
The dangerous bacteria in the plaque ruin your enamel and leave your teeth exposed to damage. Tartar can also be an aesthetic problem. Because tartar is more porous, it absorbs stains quickly. So, if you are a coffee or tea drinker or smoke, it is essential to prevent tartar buildup.
How does tartar lead to tooth loss?
Tartar can also lead to more severe diseases, such as gum disease. This occurs at the point where pockets form between the gums and teeth and get infected by bacteria.Gingivitis, the mildest and most common form of the disease, occurs when gums become red, swollen, and start to bleed easily.
- There is usually little or no discomfort at this stage.
- However, many people don’t realise that your gums provide a protective barrier between the bone and the plaque bacteria in your mouth.
- Therefore, when your gums become infected, you are at a higher risk of causing damage to your bone and the surrounding tissue that provides the support structure of your teeth.
- Eventually, if left untreated, this leads to tooth loss.
What can you do to prevent this from happening?
- Brush regularly, twice a day, for two minutes. A 30-second scrub won’t remove plaque or prevent tartar. Use a brush with soft bristles that is small enough to fit into your mouth and will reach the hard-to-reach surfaces behind your teeth and on your rear molars.
- Choose tartar-control toothpaste with fluoride. Fluoride will help repair enamel damage. Some products have a substance called triclosan that fights the bacteria in plaque.
- Make sure to floss! No matter how good you are with a toothbrush, dental floss is the only way to remove plaque between your teeth and keep tartar out of these hard-to-reach areas.
- Rinse daily. Use an antiseptic mouthwash daily to help kill bacteria that cause plaque.
- Watch your diet. The bacteria in your mouth thrive on sugary and starchy foods. When they’re exposed to those foods, they release harmful acids. Try to eat a healthy diet and limit the amount of sugary foods you eat. Every time you eat, you also feed the bacteria in your mouth. You don’t have to give up sweets altogether; just be mindful of how often you indulge. It also helps to brush and drink plenty of water during and after meals.
- Don’t smoke. Studies show that people who smoke cigarettes or use other tobacco products are likelier to have tartar.
If you need a dental visit to remove tartar or check for any further damage that can lead to tooth loss, we have a team of professionals at Maida Smiles who will help you achieve your desired oral health. Book a check-up.
