What is Dental Tartar?
Dental tartar (tartar) is the hardening of bacterial plaque with minerals in saliva. It cannot be removed by brushing and can only be eliminated through professional dental cleaning. When accumulated, it paves the way for gum inflammation, bleeding, and eventually periodontal disease.
How Often Should It Be Done?
The general recommendation is to have professional cleaning every 6 months. However, some conditions require more frequent cleaning:
- Smokers: every 3-4 months
- Diabetes patients: every 3-4 months
- Those undergoing orthodontic treatment: every 3-4 months
- Those with a history of periodontal disease: every 3 months
How Is the Procedure Performed?
Dental tartar is broken down and removed with ultrasonic devices. Then, surface stains are cleaned with an air-flow device. Finally, the tooth surfaces are smoothed with polishing. The entire procedure takes approximately 30-45 minutes and is painless.
Does Dental Tartar Cleaning Damage Teeth?
No. Professional cleaning does not harm the tooth enamel. The slight sensitivity felt after the procedure is temporary and decreases within 1-2 days.