110 – Will Hardened Plaque Go Away

Will Hardened Plaque Go Away?
Hardened Plaque, known also as dental calculus or commonly as tartar, is the buildup that will occur on your teeth due to lack of brushing. Dental calculus is a condition that affects the oral health of thousands of people every year; it is very common. This condition is harmful not only for the well-being of the oral cavity, but also for the very appearance of the teeth. Once formed, tarter will not go away on its own.
Tartar is a problem that can cause a true “domino effect”. This means that, over time, this inconvenience can compromise not only the teeth themselves, but also all the tissues that protect and support them. Furthermore, once the problem starts, even the general health of the individual can be affected. For these reasons, it is very important to act quickly and positively on this and other situations that may affect our oral health. Understand a little more about dental calculus: what it is, how to treat it and the best prevention methods.
What is dental calculus (or tartar) and how does it form?
Dental calculus (or tartar) is a condition that arises from the formation of a bacterial plate. Over time and without proper hygiene, the plaque’s dental biofilm mineralizes, becomes thicker, changes its composition and takes on a yellowish or even brownish appearance. After this process, the bacterial plate becomes dental calculus, which, if not removed, leads to periodontitis and can trigger other diseases that endanger the patient’s health. For these reasons, once tartar has formed, it is important to get to your dentist for a professional cleaning. Generally, your dentist or dental hygienist will use teeth scraping methods- known also as scaling- to clear your teeth of the tartar buildup.
What is tooth scraping?
Tooth scraping is a dental treatment indicated for the healing of inflammatory and infectious processes of the gums. It is when a dentist or hygienist uses special tools to scrap calcified plaque off your teeth and is a relatively simple procure. Unless you have a particularly bad case, the procedure is done without the use of anesthesia, but does take some time in the dentist’s chair!
In what cases can scraping be indicated?
In situations where the patient suffers from:
* accumulation of tartar;
* accumulation of bacterial plaque;
* dental calculus;
* bleeding gums associated with inflammation of the gums;
* oral infection;
* gum recession;
* risk of tooth loss.
What is the function of scraping teeth?
* removes bacterial plaques and dental calculations;
* reduce the degree of oral infection;
* improve tissue health;
* cure inflammatory and/or infectious processes;
* aid in the disappearance of gingival bleeding;
* prevent diseases that cause tooth loss;
* improve the aesthetics of regions of the mouth with gingival recession.
What precautions should be taken to prevent the problem?
When it comes to oral health, the best way to prevent problems is through proper hygiene of the site. In addition to daily brushing, at least twice a day, flossing is essential, especially with regard to gum health.
Regular visit to the dentist is also important, as the professional can periodically assess the health of the teeth and gums. This allows him to monitor the patient’s oral health and indicate any preventive treatments that help protect and ensure healthy teeth and gums.
What precautions should be taken after the scraping procedure?
The professional responsible for the procedure should indicate to the patient all the necessary post-scraping care. It is important to highlight that the guidelines will vary according to each patient and the degree of their problem. In general, the after care is to maintain oral hygiene, brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing daily. In cases of hypersensitivity, the dentist may indicate the use of a specific toothpaste that will reduce sensitivity.