Dental tartar under the gums: what is its impact on our teeth?

Unveiling the Invisible Enemy: Dental Tartar Under the Gums

As I set out to write this piece, I found myself with an overwhelming urge to grab a toothbrush and thoroughly scrub. Now, don't get concerned! But the world of dental tartar under the gums is a lot more complex and impactful than most of us realize, I assure you. This isn't just a matter of looking good for the photos or avoiding the scornful look of your hygienist. This unseen menace has a more significant impact on our dental health than we give it credit. But before we set out on this exciting dental journey, let me remind you, I'm not a dental professional. I've just learnt a lot over the years, both through reading and personal experience, about the fascinating subject of dental hygiene!

Character Unveiled: Meet Dental Tartar

Let me introduce you to Dental Tartar, the less popular sibling of Plaque. It's like plaque's ugli scented candle you got from Aunt Edna last Christmas. Tartar, also known as calculus, forms when dental plaque hardens. Plaque is soft and sticky, and if you brushed and flossed appropriately, could easily be removed. Tartar, on the other hand, is like the guest who's overstayed their welcome and refuses to leave. The nature of tartar's formation means it could easily occur under the gumline, invisible to the naked eye, but equally as destructive. Unfortunately, brushing and flossing alone won't dislodge this stubborn intruder.

The Effects of a Sneaky Tartar Invasion

Tartar isn't just a nuisance; it's a dental villain complete with its fancy costume, wanting to show up like an unwelcome party crasher on opening night. It creates an ideal environment for plaque, its evil sidekick, to thrive. This duo can spell disaster for your oral health, and the effects aren't restricted to just your teeth. The gums, the bone supporting your teeth, and even your overall health can be negatively impacted. It's like an uninvited house party taking place inside your mouth, and believe me, the aftermath ain't pretty!

The Role of Tartar in Gum Disease

Tartar is like a bad penny; it keeps coming back, and it brings a wealth of problems with it. It's a hotbed for bacterial growth, which means a lot of harmful bacteria get to party in your mouth, and you definitely don't want that. Serious gum diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis could result, causing gum inflammation, gums pulling away from the teeth, and even affecting the bone that holds your teeth in place. It's like an episode of a soap opera in your mouth. And trust me, "As the World Tartars" is not a show anyone wants to tune into.

A Bigger Picture – The Bodywide Impact

Like every well-drafted villain, tartar's impact doesn't stop at the local stage. Its effects can transcend the confines of your mouth. Studies link serious gum diseases to conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory diseases. Yes, you heard it right. When we say oral hygiene, we aren't just talking about a pretty smile, folks. We're talking about the well-being of our whole body. The connector between a pretty smile and a healthy heart is intriguing, right? Who knew dental plaque could be related to heart plaque! Maybe a dental visit isn't just for the fear of toothache anymore, but to maintain a healthy overall lifestyle.

A Picture's Worth a Thousand Words: The Tartar Specifics

By now, I think we're all onboard the tartar-detesting train. But before we journey further, let's dig a bit deeper and understand why exactly tartar's no good. In our villain analogy, consider bacteria the army, tartar the fortress, and your teeth the battlefield. The rough surface of tartar provides a safe haven for bacteria to grow, which produce harmful acids. These acids attack your teeth and gums, causing tooth decay and gum disease. And with tartar being snugly located under the gumline, regular cleaning methods fall short of showing it the exit door. It's like trying to protect your castle with no weapons. So, the daunting task of tackling tartar becomes a priority for your mouth.

You VS Tartar: The Battle for Dental Health

Now, let's talk fighting back. Attending a regular dentist appointment to get your teeth cleaned professionally is akin to having a superhero swoop in and save the day. It's the only effective way known to remove tartar. That means those twice-a-year dental visits we like to grumble about are more than worth it! Continual brushing and flossing can keep tartar's sidekick, plaque, at bay. So don't slack off on your twice daily brushing, folks. It might just be the sidekick that prevents a villainous invasion!

Anticipating the Trickster: Identifying Tartar Early

Fighting any enemy is more manageable when you know who or what you're up against. So how do you know if tartar is starting to build up in your gums? Well, my friends, there are warning signs and symptoms to keep an eye out for. Things like bad breath, inflamed or bleeding gums are just two indicators in the game of Clue: Tartar Edition. If you notice any of these or other symptoms, it's time to call in the big-league, get onto your dentist immediately, and rack some serious tartar-eradicating points. After all, the health of your mouth and the integrity of your smile depend on it.

Before we wrap up this enlightening journey into the world of tartar under the gums, let me share a slice-of-life story that ties back to this topic. Around five years back, I noticed my gums were bleeding more than usual. At first, I passed it off, owing it to my overzealous toothbrushing or flossing habits. But then, the frequency increased alongside the pain and sensitivity. With trepidation, I went in for a dental check-up, only to find out tartar build-up under my gums was at play. Then ensued a series of sittings, involving scaling, root planing, and an intensified home-care regime. If only I could've identified what was happening earlier, I could've gotten off the tartar bandwagon sooner!

In all fairness, it took me quite a while to understand the impact of dental tartar under the gums. But true to the saying, better late than never. The lesson of being proactive about dental care and being in tune with what's happening inside the mouth is an important one. So, while we cannot completely sidestep the possibility of tartar, being well-informed, watchful, and diligent can surely make a difference. And remember, the battle against tartar is a continuous one; so keep those toothbrushes and floss at the ready!