Giant tartar refers to large buildups of plaque and calculus (hardened tartar) on teeth, usually resulting from poor oral hygiene over time. Tartar forms when plaque—a sticky film of bacteria—hardens on the teeth, and it cannot be removed by regular brushing. If left untreated, tartar can lead to gum disease, tooth decay, and other dental problems. Here’s how giant tartar forms, how it can be managed, and the treatment options.
How Does Giant Tartar Form?
- Plaque Buildup: Plaque is a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth. It consists of bacteria and food particles. If not removed through regular brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into tartar.
- Tartar Formation: Plaque can harden into tartar in 24 to 72 hours if left undisturbed. Over time, if tartar isn’t cleaned off, it builds up and forms giant deposits, often along the gumline or between the teeth.
- Factors Leading to Giant Tartar:
- Poor Oral Hygiene: Inadequate brushing and flossing habits lead to plaque buildup.
- Diet: A diet high in sugary foods and beverages can contribute to plaque buildup.
- Tobacco Use: Smoking or chewing tobacco can accelerate tartar buildup.
- Not Visiting the Dentist Regularly: Tartar needs to be professionally removed by a dentist or hygienist.
Symptoms of Giant Tartar
- Yellow or Brown Discoloration: The tartar may appear yellow or brown, especially near the gumline.
- Bad Breath: Foul-smelling breath, or halitosis, can result from the bacteria trapped in tartar.
- Swollen or Bleeding Gums: In severe cases, tartar can irritate the gums, causing them to swell, bleed, or feel tender.
- Tooth Sensitivity: Large tartar deposits may cause discomfort when consuming hot, cold, or sweet foods.
- Gum Recession: Over time, tartar can contribute to gum disease, causing gums to recede, exposing the tooth roots.
How to Remove Giant Tartar
1. Professional Dental Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing)
The most effective way to remove giant tartar is through professional dental cleaning, which can only be done by a dentist or dental hygienist. The process includes:
- Scaling: A dentist uses special instruments to scrape off tartar from above and below the gumline.
- Root Planing: For severe tartar buildup, the dentist may smooth the surfaces of the roots of your teeth to remove bacteria and promote healthy gum attachment.
Time Frame: The dentist may need multiple visits to remove large tartar deposits, especially if gum disease is present.
Source:
- American Dental Association (ADA): “Tartar and plaque buildup can only be professionally removed through scaling and root planing” (ADA).
2. At-Home Prevention and Management
While professional cleaning is essential to remove giant tartar, you can take steps at home to prevent further buildup:
- Brush Twice Daily: Use a fluoride toothpaste and a toothbrush with soft bristles. Be sure to brush your teeth for 2 minutes.
- Floss Daily: Flossing helps remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth, where tartar can build up.
- Use an Antibacterial Mouthwash: Mouthwashes that contain antibacterial agents help kill bacteria and reduce plaque buildup.
- Dietary Adjustments: Reduce sugary and acidic foods that contribute to plaque formation. Drink plenty of water and eat a balanced diet.
- Electric Toothbrushes: These may be more effective than manual brushing in reducing plaque buildup.
Source:
- WebMD: “Good oral hygiene is the best defense against plaque and tartar buildup” (WebMD).
Additional Treatment Options
If you have giant tartar buildup that causes gum disease or tooth decay, your dentist may recommend:
- Antibiotics: If there’s an infection in the gums, the dentist might prescribe antibiotics or antimicrobial mouthwash to help treat the infection.
- Laser Treatment: In some cases, laser technology can be used to remove tartar and treat infected gums.
Source:
- Mayo Clinic: “Treatment for gum disease, such as antibiotics or laser therapy, may be recommended if tartar buildup leads to further complications” (Mayo Clinic).
When to See a Dentist
You should see a dentist if:
- You notice hard yellow or brown deposits on your teeth.
- Your gums are swollen, bleeding, or you experience pain in the gum area.
- You have persistent bad breath.
- Your teeth become sensitive to temperature or sweet foods.
Regular dental checkups, at least twice a year, are essential for preventing giant tartar and maintaining good oral health.
Conclusion
Giant tartar is a serious dental issue caused by inadequate oral hygiene. It can lead to gum disease, tooth decay, and other oral health problems. The best way to remove large tartar deposits is through professional cleaning performed by a dentist or dental hygienist. In addition to that, maintaining good oral hygiene at home is key to preventing future buildup and ensuring the health of your teeth and gums.
1. Professional Cleaning by a Dentist
A. Scaling and Root Planing
The most effective and professional way to treat giant tartar buildup is through a dental procedure called scaling and root planing. These are performed by a dentist or dental hygienist.
- Scaling: The dentist uses special instruments (manual or ultrasonic) to remove tartar from above and below the gumline. Scaling is essential for removing hard tartar deposits.
- Root Planing: If tartar has accumulated beneath the gumline, the dentist smooths the surfaces of the tooth roots. This helps remove bacteria and promotes healthy gum attachment, preventing further gum disease or decay.
Duration: The procedure may take 30-60 minutes depending on the amount of tartar buildup. More severe cases might require multiple visits.
Benefits:
- Removes hardened tartar
- Treats gum disease
- Prevents tooth decay and gum infection
Source:
- Mayo Clinic: “Scaling and root planing is a key treatment for large tartar buildup and gum disease” (Mayo Clinic).
2. At-Home Solutions for Prevention
While professional cleaning is necessary to remove giant tartar, maintaining good oral hygiene at home can help prevent future tartar buildup.
A. Brushing Your Teeth
- Brush Twice a Day: Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste using a soft-bristled toothbrush for 2 minutes each time.
- Use a Proper Technique: Angle your toothbrush at 45 degrees to the gum line to ensure thorough cleaning of your teeth and gums.
B. Flossing
- Floss Daily: Flossing removes plaque and food particles between the teeth, which prevents tartar buildup in areas that your toothbrush can’t reach.
C. Mouthwash
- Use an Antibacterial Mouthwash: Mouthwashes with antibacterial properties (e.g., containing chlorhexidine or cetylpyridinium chloride) help reduce bacteria and plaque formation.
D. Diet
- Reduce Sugary Foods: Sugary and acidic foods can increase plaque buildup. Opt for a balanced diet, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Drink Water: Water helps wash away food particles and bacteria, reducing plaque buildup.
E. Electric Toothbrush
- Use an Electric Toothbrush: Research shows that electric toothbrushes are more effective in reducing plaque and tartar compared to manual brushing. They help with proper technique and offer better coverage.
Source:
- WebMD: “Maintaining a thorough daily oral care routine is essential to prevent plaque buildup” (WebMD)
3. Regular Dental Checkups
Routine visits to the dentist are essential for tartar prevention. Dentists can identify early signs of tartar buildup and help keep your teeth clean.
- Frequency of Visits: Dentists recommend that you visit for a professional cleaning at least once every 6 months. If you have a history of tartar buildup or gum disease, more frequent visits may be necessary.
Benefits of Regular Checkups:
- Detects tartar buildup early
- Prevents gum disease and tooth decay
- Provides tailored advice for better home care
Source:
- American Dental Association (ADA): “Regular professional cleanings are crucial in preventing tartar buildup and ensuring healthy teeth and gums” (ADA)
4. Antibacterial Treatments for Gum Disease
If tartar buildup leads to gum disease or inflammation, your dentist may prescribe additional treatments to help reduce infection and promote healing.
A. Topical Antibiotics
- Chlorhexidine: A prescription mouth rinse containing chlorhexidine can help reduce bacteria and prevent further tartar buildup, especially if you have gum disease.
B. Systemic Antibiotics
- For severe cases of gum disease or infected tartar, your dentist may prescribe oral antibiotics (e.g., doxycycline or amoxicillin) to reduce inflammation and bacteria.
C. Antimicrobial Mouthwash
- Over-the-counter antimicrobial mouthwashes, like Listerine or Scope, can help kill bacteria in the mouth and reduce plaque buildup.
Source:
- Mayo Clinic: “Antibiotic treatments can be used for infections caused by tartar and gum disease” (Mayo Clinic)
5. Laser Therapy
In some cases, your dentist may recommend laser treatment as an alternative to traditional scaling and root planing. Laser therapy can be used to:
- Remove tartar from the surface of the teeth and beneath the gums.
- Reduce inflammation and bacteria in the gums.
- Promote healing and gum reattachment.
Laser therapy is less invasive than traditional methods and may reduce discomfort and recovery time.
Source:
- Healthline: “Laser treatments can be used to treat tartar buildup and gum disease with reduced recovery times” (Healthline)
6. How to Handle Severe Tartar Buildup
For individuals with severe tartar buildup that has led to extensive gum disease or tooth decay, more aggressive treatment may be necessary:
A. Surgery: In rare cases, surgical intervention may be required to correct severe gum recession or bone loss caused by untreated tartar buildup. Gum grafting or bone grafting can help restore the gums and supporting structures around the teeth.
B. Tooth Extraction: If tartar buildup has caused significant damage to a tooth or if there is severe gum infection, extraction may be necessary.
Source:
- American Academy of Periodontology: “Severe cases of gum disease due to tartar may require surgery or tooth extraction” (AAP)
Prevention Tips for Future Tartar Control
- Brush Twice Daily: Ensure proper brushing with fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss Every Day: Don’t neglect the areas between your teeth where tartar is likely to form.
- Use an Antibacterial Mouthwash: Helps prevent plaque and tartar buildup.
- Limit Sugary Foods: Reducing sugar intake minimizes plaque buildup, preventing tartar.
- Visit the Dentist Regularly: Professional cleanings every 6 months will prevent tartar accumulation and promote good oral health.
Conclusion
Giant tartar buildup can cause serious dental issues like gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath. The best way to manage giant tartar is through professional cleaning, regular dental visits, and at-home oral hygiene practices. If gum disease or infection is present, your dentist may recommend treatments such as antibiotics or laser therapy to reduce bacteria and promote healing. By following good oral hygiene practices and scheduling regular checkups, you can effectively prevent tartar from building up again.