Hello Brusher,
here you will find all the answers to the most frequently asked questions about tartar formation. Dr. Gambino, dental hygienist, gives advice for dental hygiene at home. If you still have any unanswered questions, send us a message by email or on Instagram.
dott gambino dental hygienist advice promis
WHAT IS TARTAR AND HOW DOES IT FORM?
Tartar is nothing more than Mineralized Plaque (multi-species microorganisms organized to colonize the surfaces of the teeth). The amount of tartar that forms varies depending on several factors, such as age (the amount of tartar increases with age), sex (males are more predisposed), race, dental location, and, of course, poor oral hygiene. The formation of tartar occurs following the deposition on the dental surface of organic and inorganic bacterial matrix (such as mineral salts present in saliva), which, if not removed daily, tend to harden and can only be eliminated with a professional cleaning session.
HOW CAN I RECOGNIZE TARTAR?
Generally, it can be found on the lower incisors and the upper molars. has a yellow color which turns orange depending on how "old" it is (in patients brown/black smoker curtains ). There are some available on the market Plaque detectors and tartar which, in the form of liquids or candies, colors the bacteria so that the patient can clearly see their quantity and location. Once colored, simply take the toothbrush and brush your teeth properly; you will see that the color from the surface of the teeth will transfer directly onto the bristles.
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WHAT ARE THE CAUSES/BENEFITS OF TARTAR?
Tartar formations they have no benefits for our oral health, in fact, they constitute the ideal environment for bacterial growth. Indeed, thanks to its organic component, it can adhere to all surfaces of the oral cavity (teeth, implants, crowns, bridges, fillings, dentures) and due to its porosity, it 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 fundamental for preventing bacteria-dependent diseases that can be found in the oral cavity. Since it is a structure capable of hosting microorganisms, the less there is, the less these microorganisms can organize and cause us problems. (cavities, abscesses, gingivitis, periodontitis, etc.).
Generally, professional oral hygiene should be done every 6 months. This timing may vary depending on several factors (patient's manual skills, genetic predisposition, motor disabilities, presence of prostheses, etc.) and can range from a minimum of 45 days to a maximum of 12 months. The professional will assess, case by case, the most appropriate timing for the next follow-up.
HOW DOES IT USUALLY WORK?
On average, an oral hygiene session lasts between 45-60 minutes. There are steps to follow to ensure the work is truly professional and beneficial to the patient's health.
After the compilation and study of the medical history form A thorough inspection of the oral cavity must be performed in order to assess any past or current issues (and if necessary, refer for a diagnostic visit to the most appropriate dentist) and understand the patient's hygiene gaps in order to instruct and correct them effectively.
Once the patient has understood any corrections to be made, we must proceed physically at remove Plaque, tartar and extrinsic stains from the surfaces of the teeth or prostheses using manual or mechanical tools that, with their movements, manage to clean, polish, and disinfect the oral structures. The hygiene session is never painful! can be slightly bothersome when there are abundant accumulations of Plaque caused by oral hygiene appointments that are too far apart or by the patient's own poor at-home hygiene technique. In this case, we can still benefit by using specific mouthwashes, local anesthetics or nitrous oxide…. ZERO FEAR OF THE DENTIST!
**Discover here how to book oral hygiene with Dr. Gambino**
WHAT HAPPENS IF TARTAR IS NOT REMOVED?
When we go a long time without a professional cleaning or do not remove Plaque daily with a toothbrush, the number and "quality" of bacteria in the mouth increase and change. These are detected by our immune system, which triggers the defense mechanism of inflammation. If not treated promptly, this can lead to Gingivitis, and if it persists over time, it becomes periodontitis.
HOW CAN TARTAR BE PREVENTED?
The only way to preventing the formation of tartar is proper oral hygiene by removing bacterial Plaque daily . The cleaning of the oral surfaces should take place about 15 minutes after the end of each meal (to allow time for saliva to restore the correct pH of the mouth).
After applying a small amount of toothpaste to the bristles of our toothbrush (about the size of a grain of rice) and using light pressure, perform rolling movements starting from the gum towards the center of the mouth for about 2-3 minutes to ensure you reach all surfaces of the tooth (both vestibular and oral). The use of dental floss is also very important, as it helps remove food residues and Plaque deposited between the teeth; it should always be used, but with particular care in the evening before going to bed.
must be said, however, that despite our skill and dedication, we may still find small accumulations of tartar, for example in areas with crowded teeth or on very back teeth (such as wisdom teeth). We should not be discouraged at all, but simply pay more attention to the small spaces!
A TIP FOR THE RIGHT TOOTHBRUSH?
Manual or electric toothbrush? Soft, medium, or hard bristles? There is no perfect toothbrush, existsthe most suitable toothbrush for us.
During a professional hygiene session, after assessing the patient's manual dexterity and the type of dental anatomy, it is possible to provide a more precise answer to these questions.
Normally, I recommend the use of soft-bristle toothbrushes and very thick, without rubber inserts and with ergonomic handles for a firm and precise grip. The friction of the bristles on the tooth removes the Plaque, which is why toothbrushes with many bristles are the best. However, it is very important not to apply excessive force, as this would cause premature enamel wear and gum recession.
Generally, if the same toothbrush is used daily, it should be replaced replace it every maximum of 3 months; for this reason I recommend eco-friendly toothbrushes. Finding one that included all the features I wanted was not easy; there was always something that wasn't right, until I tried the promis line—and I'm not just talking about toothbrushes, but also toothpastes and parodontal gel.
The head of one promis toothbrush is very small (about 1cm) and allows you to reach the entire tooth, even the most hidden surfaces! It contains 6,750 soft, dense, and thick bristles, properly fixed to a handle made of bioplastic, shaped to have an anatomical grip that fits the user's hand. The toothpastes and gel for periodontal care are naturally based and contain 6 different herbs (Eucalyptus, rosemary, bergamot, tea tree, mint, and neem) enclosed in a tube made from sugar cane, so that everything can be disposed of in the most ecological way possible.