Summary
Supragingival tartar is not only an aesthetic concern, it can also pose a problem to the health of your mouth. Understanding this phenomenon is essential to keeping your gums and teeth in good condition . Let's explore the subject in this article to help you understand everything about supragingival tartar, how to remove it and, above all, how to avoid it . And as always, please remember that this content is not a substitute for professional medical advice. 👨💼
What is supragingival tartar?
Definition
Supragingival tartar is a calcification of dental plaque . It forms when dental plaque , this film of bacteria present on our teeth, hardens. In contact with mineral-rich saliva, this plaque turns into tartar , a solid substance that accumulates mainly above the gum line. This calcified deposit is not only unsightly, but also harmful to the health of your gums and teeth.
Causes of its appearance
Tartar develops when plaque, a sticky substance made up of bacteria and food residue, is not properly removed through brushing. Over time, it mineralizes under the effect of mineral salts present in saliva.
Supragingival tartar develops mainly due to questionable oral hygiene . Irregular or poorly done toothbrushing promotes the accumulation and calcification of plaque . Also, external factors such as smoking, a diet rich in sugars and starches, or even a genetic predisposition can accelerate the process.
What is the difference with subgingival tartar?
As its term suggests, subgingival tartar prefers to hide below the gum line , where it is less visible to the naked eye and often escapes rapid inspection. Its discretion makes it more difficult to dislodge since it nestles in deep periodontal pockets , these narrow and difficult to access spaces between the teeth and gums. And as it accumulates, this tartar can cause more serious infections such as periodontitis .
We also recommend reading this study which explores the correlation between the presence of dental plaque , gingival inflammation and the formation of supragingival tartar.
How to remove supragingival tartar?
Supragingival tartar, once established, often requires the help of a professional such as a dentist to be removed safely and effectively. Here is what is possible to do.
Professional care at the dentist
Dental scaling
Scaling is a fairly routine procedure to perform at your dentist's office. The goal is to remove tartar that has built up above and below the gum line . Using special instruments, such as ultrasonic scalers or manual curettes, the professional carefully removes the tartar. This method is very effective in restoring health to your gums, as well as in preventing the progression of gum disease .
Root planing
Root planing is often carried out in addition to scaling, especially when tartar has spread below the gum line . This technique smoothes the roots of the teeth, helping to prevent future plaque and tartar buildup . It also encourages the gums to reattach to the teeth, which reduces the risk of periodontal disease returning.
Home methods to limit tartar
Although removing tartar is a task reserved for professionals, there are tips you can apply at home to reduce its formation:
Regular and effective brushing
Brushing your teeth remains key to the overall health of your mouth. It is therefore crucial to brush at least twice a day , with a soft brush and fluoride toothpaste. Gestures are also important since care must be taken to clean all dental surfaces, including along the gums. This is the only way to remove plaque before it turns into tartar.
Dental floss
After brushing, clean with dental floss . Using it every day is essential to remove plaque between your teeth, where toothbrushes don't always reach . In addition to helping prevent tartar, flossing is very useful against cavities and gum disease.
Antibacterial mouthwashes
To complete the routine, there's nothing like an antibacterial mouthwash ! It helps reduce the number of bacteria in the mouth, logically reducing the formation of plaque.
Our tips for preventing the appearance of supragingival tartar
Avoiding supragingival tartar and its minor inconveniences is important! Here are some practical tips to help you maintain a healthy mouth.
Regular oral hygiene
Brush your teeth twice a day : although it is not always easy to do so after each meal, the priority is to brush after breakfast and before going to bed.
Don't forget the difficult areas : the rear parts of the mouth and the molars. An electric toothbrush remains the best option to reach these areas more effectively.
Healthy eating
Reduce sugars : Bacteria in the mouth use sugar as an energy source, converting it into enamel-damaging acid. It also promotes the formation of dental plaque. We therefore greatly limit candy, sodas and processed foods containing added sugars.
Consume foods rich in fiber : we necessarily think of fresh fruits and vegetables, which help clean teeth and gums. Chewing these foods stimulates saliva production, which is naturally beneficial for neutralizing bacteria and purifying the mouth.
Regular hydration : drinking plenty of water helps flush out food residue and bacteria. It also helps maintain sufficient saliva levels, which is essential for defending teeth against plaque formation.
Regular visits to the dentist
Don't forget to make regular appointments with your dentist! Ideally, visit twice a year for a professional cleaning and dental check-up . Beyond providing regular care to your mouth, these visits allow you to identify and treat minor dental problems before they become more serious.
Frequently asked questions about supragingival calculus
How do I know if I have supragingival tartar?
Supragingival tartar often looks like a small, hard, yellowish or brownish layer just above the gum line. It can give a slightly rough feeling to the teeth and is especially noticeable around the molars and at the junction between the teeth and gums. So you can often feel it with your tongue or see it with your eye by its color.
How to remove subgingival tartar?
Only a dental professional can remove it effectively. The dentist can perform scaling and root planing using very specific tools.
Does subgingival scaling hurt?
This can be a little uncomfortable, especially if the area is already tender or inflamed. But dentists usually use local anesthesia to minimize pain. After treatment, you may experience some mild sensitivity, but this can be easily relieved with pain relievers recommended by your dentist.
Why do some people make a lot of tartar?
Tartar formation can actually vary from person to person and depends on several factors. This can be due to genetic factors, dental hygiene, diet, or even certain medications.
Conclusion
Taking care of your teeth every day is essential to prevent tartar from accumulating. By optimal daily cleaning and regular visits to your dentist, you minimize this risk. The latter, thanks to his expertise and the equipment at his disposal, can provide you with effective scaling, and therefore avoid more serious dental diseases such as gingivitis or periodontitis.
Taking care of your teeth and gums means taking care of your overall health. So, do it! 😊
