Many dental problems start with plaque buildup on teeth, leading to issues like tooth decay and gum disease. Plaque is a colorless film of bacteria that causes plaque and tartar, which can damage your teeth and gums. If left on the teeth, it hardens and turns into tartar, also called dental calculus. Tartar can build up on your teeth, making your teeth feel rough when you run your tongue over them. It’s crucial to remove plaque regularly before it hardens into tartar that can’t be removed by brushing or flossing alone. In this blog post, we will discuss the symptoms and dangers of severe plaque buildup and how to remove tartar from your teeth.
What is a Dental Plaque?
Dental plaque is a sticky, colorless film of bacteria that forms on your teeth every day. It consists of food particles, saliva, and bacteria. These bacteria produce acids that can damage your teeth and lead to cavities. Plaque can also cause gum disease by irritating your gums, making them red, swollen, and prone to bleeding. It is important to brush twice a day and floss once a day to help remove plaque from your teeth. Plaque can be easily managed with good oral hygiene practices, so take care of your teeth consistently.
If plaque is not removed, it will harden into tartar, also known as dental calculus. Tartar forms when plaque is left on the teeth and hardens, becoming much harder to remove. Tartar is a yellow or brown deposit that builds up on the teeth and can only be removed by a dental professional. The severe buildup of plaque and tartar can lead to significant oral health problems.
Tooth Decay & Gum Disease
The bacteria in plaque produce acids that erode tooth enamel, leading to tooth decay. Additionally, plaque buildup can also irritate the gums, causing them to become red, swollen, and prone to bleeding, a condition known as gingivitis.
If plaque is left untreated, it hardens into tartar, which can’t be removed by brushing or flossing alone. Tartar can break down gum tissue, leading to periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease.
Symptoms of Severe Dental Plaque on Teeth
If you have severe plaque and tartar buildup on your teeth, you may notice some of the following signs and symptoms:
- Yellow or Brown Teeth: The teeth are discolored, appearing yellow or brown due to plaque and tartar.
- Red, Swollen Gums: Gums are red, swollen, and irritated.
- Gum Bleeding: Gums bleed when brushing your teeth or using dental floss.
- Toothache: Persistent pain or discomfort in the teeth.
- Persistent Bad Breath: Bad breath that doesn’t go away even after brushing your teeth.
- Teeth Sensitivity: Increased sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks.
- Gum Pockets: Spaces forming between your teeth and gums, also known as gum pockets.
- Receding Gums: Gums are pulling back, making your teeth appear longer than usual.
- Loose Teeth: Teeth becoming loose can lead to severe tooth loss.
If you notice any of these signs or early gingivitis symptoms, it’s important to see your dentist or dental hygienist. They can examine your teeth and remove the plaque and tartar. A dental professional will also check for any other dental problems, such as cavities or gum disease.
What Causes Severe Plaque and Tartar Buildup on Teeth?
Poor oral hygiene is the primary cause of severe plaque and tartar buildup on teeth. If you don’t brush and floss your teeth regularly, food particles and plaque will continue to build up and harden into brown tartar on your teeth. Everyone has dental plaque to some degree, but some people are more prone to severe plaque buildup than others. Several factors can contribute to this increased risk:
- Smoking or Using Tobacco Products: Tobacco use significantly increases the risk of hardened plaque buildup on teeth.
- Dry Mouth Condition: Saliva helps wash away food debris and bacteria. A dry mouth means there’s less saliva to perform this crucial function, leading to more plaque on your teeth.
- Diet High in Sugar and Carbohydrates: Consuming foods like candy, cookies, cake, and bread can increase plaque buildup. The bacteria in plaque feed on sugars and starches, producing acids that cause tooth decay and gum disease.
- Certain Medications: Medications for depression, anxiety, pain, allergies, and colds can cause dry mouth as a side effect, reducing saliva flow and increasing the risk of plaque buildup.
When to See a Dentist?
It’s important to see a dentist or dental hygienist regularly to maintain healthy teeth and gums. If you notice symptoms like persistent bad breath, bleeding gums, tooth sensitivity, black triangles between teeth, or visible tartar buildup, it’s time to schedule a dental checkup. The American Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist for routine dental cleanings and examinations at least twice a year. Regular dental checkups allow your dentist or hygienist to identify and treat problems before they become severe.
During a dental checkup, your dentist will examine your teeth and gums for any signs of plaque buildup and tartar. They will use special tools to check for hardened plaque and evaluate the health of your gums. If plaque and tartar are present, a dental hygienist can remove them through professional cleaning. This cleaning is essential because routine brushing and flossing can’t remove hardened plaque and tartar.
Ignoring severe plaque and tartar buildup can lead to serious oral health problems. Plaque can lead to gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease that can cause tooth loss and damage the bone supporting your teeth. Additionally, there is a link between gum disease and other health problems. Gum disease has been associated with heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory issues.
How to Get Rid of Plaque from Your Teeth?
Treatments depend on the severity of the plaque and tartar buildup on your teeth. Dental plaque can often be removed with professional teeth cleaning and good oral hygiene practices at home. However, if the plaque and tartar are severe, you may need more extensive treatment. Here are some treatment options for removing plaque and tartar:
- Professional Teeth Cleaning: Routine cleaning by your dentist or dental hygienist typically involves using an ultrasonic scaler to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth. This is usually recommended every six months to maintain healthy teeth and gums. This method ensures your teeth are without hard buildup and plaque.
To Remove Tartar from Teeth
- Scaling and Root Planing: For more severe cases, scaling and root planing, also known as deep cleaning, might be necessary. This procedure removes plaque and tartar from below the gum line and smooths the exposed root surfaces to prevent further buildup. It is often recommended if you have periodontitis, an advanced stage of gum disease.
- Gum Flap Surgery: In severe cases, gum flap surgery, also known as pocket reduction surgery, may be required. This involves raising a section of gum tissue to expose the roots for more effective scaling and root planing. After the procedure, the gum tissue is sutured back in place.
In addition to these treatments, your dentist will address any complications caused by plaque and tartar buildup, such as tooth decay and gum disease. Treatment options for these issues may include tooth fillings, root canal treatment, or gum surgery in the case of advanced gum disease.
How to Prevent Tartar and Plaque Buildup?
To effectively get rid of plaque from your teeth and prevent its return, it’s essential to follow a consistent oral hygiene routine at home:
- Brush Twice a Day: Make sure to brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. This helps remove food particles and plaque that accumulate on your teeth throughout the day.
- Floss Once a Day: Daily flossing is crucial to remove plaque from areas between your teeth that your toothbrush can’t reach. This helps prevent plaque buildup and tartar formation.
- Use an Antibacterial Mouthwash: Rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash can help reduce plaque and gingivitis by killing bacteria that cause plaque.
- Regular Dental Checkups and Cleanings: It’s essential to have regular dental checkups and professional cleanings, as recommended by the American Dental Association. Routine dental cleanings help remove plaque and tartar that you can’t eliminate at home. Your dentist or hygienist can remove hardened plaque, ensuring your teeth stay healthy.
- Healthy Diet: Eating a balanced diet low in sugar and carbohydrates can help prevent plaque buildup. Sugary and starchy foods contribute to plaque formation, so reducing their intake can be beneficial.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps keep your mouth clean by washing away food particles and bacteria. This is particularly important if you have a dry mouth, as saliva helps neutralize acids produced by bacteria and wash away food particles and plaque.
- Talk to Your Dentist: If you’re concerned about plaque buildup on your teeth, talk to your dentist. They can provide personalized advice and recommend specific treatments or products to help manage and prevent plaque and tartar buildup.
Conclusion: Severe Dental Plaque on Teeth
Dental plaque is a sticky film that forms on your teeth daily. Although it is colorless, it harbors bacteria that produce acids, leading to tooth decay and gum disease. When plaque is not removed through regular brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar, which can only be removed by a dentist or dental hygienist. Severe plaque and tartar buildup on teeth can cause gum inflammation, tooth decay, and even tooth loss.
A dental hygienist removes hardened plaque during regular dental cleanings, which are essential for maintaining oral health. In more severe cases, your dentist may recommend procedures, such as scaling and root planing or gum surgery to effectively remove tartar and treat any associated gum disease.
Preventing dental plaque and tartar buildup requires a consistent and thorough oral hygiene routine. Brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day to clean between teeth. Using an antibacterial mouthwash can also aid in rinsing away food particles and reducing bacteria.
Additionally, regular dental checkups and cleaning, as recommended by the American Dental Association, play a significant role in keeping your teeth and gums healthy. By maintaining these habits, you can help get rid of plaque and prevent it from hardening into tartar.
