subject: Taking Care Of Your Smile: Using A Dental Scaler To Deal With Plaque And Tartar [print this page] Everyone would love to have a bright smile and a set of flawless white teeth; not all of us get to own a set of white pearly teeth though. One condition that ruins our smiles is the buildup of plaque and tartar on the surface of our teeth and which results in the teeth"s discoloration. Besides their non-aesthetic effects, tartar and plaque can also cause damage to the teeth and the gums.
So, what are plaque and tartar? Many people wrongly assume that plaque is the same thing as tartar, even though they are related. Plaque is a viscous colorless film that sticks to the surface of the teeth and gums. It is made up of invisible bacteria found in the mouth and their byproducts, as well as food particles that remain in the mouth. Plaque forms constantly and actually begins accumulating 4-12 hour after brushing. When plaque is not removed regularly by brushing it sets the stage for the formation of tartar, also called calculus.
Tartar forms when calcium and phosphate molecules combine to form crystals on the teeth. These crystals eventually harden and adhere to the teeth's surface. Tartar begins to form on the edge of the gum line before spreading downwards to the rest of the tooth surface. Additional plaque forms on the tartar because of its rough surface and thus becomes harder to remove.
There are measures you can take to protect your teeth from developing tartar but if you are already afflicted you may need to see a dentist. Tartar removal using a dental scaler is neither a complex procedure nor is it painful (as many people assume dental procedures to be). A dental scaler is a simple handheld device that is available in different sizes and shapes but all of them are fitted with narrow scrapping edges so that they can effectively clean the areas between the teeth. It is also advisable to see the dentist on a regular basis even if you have no noticeable tartar for prophylactic treatment. Again the dentist will use a dental scaler to clean the plaque off your teeth so as to discourage accumulation of calcium and phosphates responsible for formation of tartar.
You can also prevent tartar formation at home; regular brushing is the simplest yet most important weapon against dental diseases. When you brush regularly, if possible after every meal, you prevent the formation of plaque and which is the precursor of tartar. Dentists recommend brushing with toothpastes that contain pyrophosphates. Pyrophosphates such as sodium hexametaphosphate inhibit formation of tartar by adhering to the teeth and forming a protective barrier. A dental scaler can be bought for home use but caution is advised because one can easily damage his/her gums. It is therefore better to leave this procedure to qualified professionals.
