Do you have black deposits on teeth that do not go away with brushing and flossing? Then, you likely have black tartar, also known as calculus. If left untreated, black tartar on teeth harbours bacteria, makes teeth and gum cleaning difficult, and invites gum disease and other oral health issues. Fortunately, a dentist can remove black tartar and help revive your dental health.
Find out what is black tartar, what causes it, and how it affects your oral health. Read on to understand how a dental professional removes tartar and what you can do to prevent tartar build-up in the future for a brighter smile!
What is Black Tartar On Teeth?
Tartar, also called calculus, is a hardened accumulation of dental plaque. Plaque is a soft, colourless, sticky film of food particles and bacteria that builds up around the gum line. Dental plaque forms when oral bacteria combine with the sugar and carbohydrates from foods and produce acids.Plaque that is not cleaned by regular brushing and flossing can quickly harden and turn into tartar, which requires professional cleaning with a dentist. Stains can cause tartar to turn black.
What Causes Black Tartar On Teeth?
Poor oral hygiene is often the underlying cause of tartar build-up. Uncleaned plaque buildup hardens to tartar in no time. Tartar, if left untreated, can absorb stains and turn black. Black stains on tartar often result from:
Dietary and other habits: Regular consumption of dark beverages such as red wine, starchy and pigmented foods, and use of tobacco products can cause black stains on tartar
Bleeding gums: As tartar accumulates along the gum line, the gums may swell and bleed. This blood can stain the tartar and turn it black.
What Complications Can Arise?
While you may notice discolouration due to black plaque on teeth or black tartar, the implications of leaving it untreated can go much deeper. Timely diagnosis and removal of black tartar helps avoid various complications, including the following:
Gum disease: Plaque and tartar buildup irritates the gums, causing inflammation and bleeding. This is the early stage of gum disease, called gingivitis. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease that damages the tissues and bones that support your teeth. Periodontitis can cause teeth to loosen or even fall out.
Bad breath: Black tartar harbors bacteria that produce foul-smelling odours. This can contribute to chronic bad breath, also known as halitosis.
Tooth decay: The bacteria in tartar produce acids that can erode tooth enamel, leading to cavities.
How To Remove Black Tartar From Your Teeth?
It is always recommended that you consult a dentist to remove tartar buildup from your teeth. Your dentist may perform a procedure called scaling and root planing. In scaling, tartar is removed from your teeth and gums using tools such as a manual scraper or an ultrasonic scaler. Following this, in root planing, the teeth roots are smoothed to ensure your gums reattach after the procedure.
Depending on your unique oral conditions, this procedure may take one or more sessions to remove all the tartar effectively. You may be tempted to try home remedies or remove the tartar yourself, but this can be unsafe and invite other serious implications. When it comes to safe and effective tartar removal, it is best to leave the job to dental professionals.
How To Prevent Tartar on Your Teeth?
Practising good oral hygiene is the best way to prevent the formation of black tartar on teeth. Ideally, you may include the following care tips in your oral care regimen:
Brushing: Brushing for two minutes twice daily is ideal. You may use a tartar control toothpaste designed to effectively remove plaque from teeth. Formulated with Dual Zinc and Arginine, Colgate Total Advanced Health can be a good pick. It fights germs on the teeth, gums, cheeks, and tongue for 12 hours. It prevents dental problems such as plaque and tartar build-up, cavities, and bad breath.
