Hi Brusher,
Here you will find all the answers to frequently asked questions about tartar formation. Dr. Gambino, dental hygienist, gives tips for dental hygiene at home. If there are still open questions send us a message via email or Instagram.
dr gambino dental hygienist tips promis
WHAT IS TARTAR AND HOW DOES IT FORM?
Tartar is nothing more than mineralized bacterial plaque (organized multi-species microorganisms that colonize tooth surfaces). The amount of tartar that is formed varies depending on several factors, such as age (as years increase, the amount of tartar increases), sex (males are more predisposed), race, tooth location, and, of course, poor oral hygiene. Tartar formation occurs as a result of the deposition on the tooth surface of organic bacterial and inorganic matrix (such as mineral salts present in saliva), which if not removed daily tend to harden and only with a professional hygiene session can they be removed.
HOW CAN I RECOGNIZE TARTAR?
Generally we can find it on the lower incisors and upper molars. It has a yellow color that turns orange depending on how "old" it is (in patients smokers it tends to brown/black). There are commercially available plaque detectors and tartar that, in liquid or candy form, stain the bacteria making the patient see the amount and location sharply. Once stained just take your toothbrush and brush your teeth properly, you will see that the color from the surface of the teeth will pass directly onto the bristles.
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WHAT ARE THE CAUSES/BENEFITS OF TARTAR?
Tartar formations have no benefits to our oral health; on the contrary, they provide the ideal environment for bacterial development. In fact, due to its organic component, it manages to adhere to all surfaces of the oral cavity (teeth, implants, crowns, bridges, fillings, dentures) and due to its porosity creates niches where bacteria proliferate undisturbed by secreting inflammatory substances harmful to the health of oral tissues.
WHY AND HOW MANY TIMES A YEAR SHOULD IT BE REMOVED?
Removing tartar is the basis of preventing bacterium-dependent diseases that we can find in the oral cavity. Since it is a structure capable of harboring microorganisms the less there is, the less the latter can organize and give us problems (cavities, abscesses, gingivitis, periodontitis, etc.).
Generally, a professional oral hygiene should bedone every 6 months. This timeline may vary depending on several factors (patient's manual dexterity, genetic predisposition, motor handicap, presence of dentures, etc.) and can be reduced from a minimum of 45days to a maximum of 12months. It will be up to the practitioner himself to assess, on a case-by-case basis, the most appropriate timing for the next recall.
HOW DOES THIS USUALLY WORK?
On average, an oral hygiene session takes 45-60minutes. There are steps to follow in order for a truly professional job to be done that is beneficial to the patient's health.
After the compilation and study of the medical history form a thorough inspection of the oral cavity should be performed so as to assess any past or ongoing problems (and if so refer from the most suitable dentist for a diagnostic examination) and understand the patient's hygiene shortcomings so as to instruct and correct them as best as possible.
Once the patient has understood any corrections to be implemented we must go physically to remove plaque, tartar and extrinsic stains from the surfaces of the teeth or prostheses by using manual or mechanical instruments that can clean, polish and disinfect oral structures with their movements. The hygiene session is never painful! It can be slightly uncomfortable when there are abundant plaque accumulations caused by oral hygiene appointments too far apart or to poor home hygiene manual dexterity of the patient himself. In this case, however, we can benefit by using specific mouthwashes, local anesthetics or some nitrous oxide....ZERO FEAR OF THE DENTIST!
**Find out here how to book oral hygiene from Dr. Gambino**
WHAT HAPPENS IF TARTAR IS NOT REMOVED?
When for a long time we do not do professional hygiene or remove plaque daily with a toothbrush, an increase in the number and change in the "quality" of bacteria in the mouth occurs. These are detected by our immune system and the defense mechanism of inflammation is activated which, if not timely treated, can result in gingivitis and if it persists over time becomes periodontitis.
HOW CAN TARTAR BE PREVENTED?
The only way to prevent tartar formation is proper oral hygiene by removing bacterial plaque daily. Cleansing of oral surfaces should take place about 15minutes after the end of each meal (so as to give time for saliva to reestablish the correct pH of the mouth).
After applying a small amount of toothpaste on the bristles of our toothbrush (about the size of a grain of rice) and with light pressure make rolling movements starting from the gum towards the center of the mouth for about 2-3 minutes in order to be able to touch all surfaces of the tooth (both buccal and oral). Very important is the use of dental floss, which is used to remove food debris and plaque deposited between the teeth, to be flossed always but with special dedication at night before going to bed.
However, it must be said that despite our skill and dedication, we may always find small accumulations of tartar localized for example at crowded teeth or on very posterior teeth (such as wisdom teeth). We should by no means be discouraged, but simply pay more attention to the small spaces!
A SUGGESTION FOR THE RIGHT TOOTHBRUSH?
Manual or electric toothbrush? Soft, medium or hard bristles? There is no such thing as the perfect toothbrush, there is the best toothbrush for us.
During a professional hygiene session after assessing the patient's handedness and type of dental anatomy, a more precise answer to these questions can be given.
Normally, I recommend the use of toothbrushes with soft and very dense, without rubber inserts and with anatomical handles to get a firm and precise grip. The friction of the bristles on the tooth determines the removal of plaque, which is why toothbrushes with many bristles are the best. Very important, however, is not to exert excessive force, which would cause premature enamel wear and gum recession.
Generally, if you use the same toothbrush daily, you should go to replace it every 3 months maximum; therefore, I recommend eco-friendly toothbrushes. Finding one that encompasses all the features I wanted was not easy; they always had something that didn't fit, until I tried the Promis line, and I'm not just talking about toothbrushes but also toothpastes and periodontal gels.
The head of a promis toothbrush is very small (about 1cm) and allows it to touch the entire tooth, even the most hidden surfaces! It contains 6750 soft, dense, thick bristles, properly attached to a handle made of bioplastic molded to have an anatomical grip that fits the person's hand. The toothpastes and periodontal gels are naturally based contain 6 different herbs (Eucalyptus, rosemary, bergamot, tea tree, mint and neem) enclosed within a tube made of sugarcane so as to dispose of it in the most environmentally friendly way possible.