Do you see black material on your teeth that you can’t get rid of? It could be a sign of tartar buildup, which can be quite concerning, especially if you haven’t noticed it before. Unfortunately, tartar on teeth is generally a byproduct of poor oral hygiene. Therefore, neglecting oral hygiene can result in significant tartar buildup, and it’s important to understand why you can get black tartar on your teeth.
This post will discuss how tartar develops and how to remove it. We’ll also talk about how to prevent tartar from developing on your teeth.
Black Tartar On Teeth: Where Did It Come From?
Tartar, also known as dental calculus, is the result of dental plaque sticking to the surfaces of teeth.
Dental plaque is a naturally occurring substance. It contains saliva, food particles, and bacteria, which form a sticky film that gets on every surface in your mouth, particularly the teeth. These bacteria naturally live inside your mouth, forming part of its natural environment.
Every time you brush, though, you disrupt the plaque and clean it away, preventing it from accumulating on your teeth. But if you neglect to brush your teeth, this plaque hardens and mineralizes over, forming tartar. It collects above and below the gum line and can seriously impact your oral hygiene and gum health.
How Does Tartar Affect My Teeth?
Tartar is rough, hard, and porous. This means that it interferes with brushing and flossing and can also become stained from certain foods. Coffee, tea, chocolate, and wine can all stain the tartar, giving it a darkened or even black color. This is especially true if you’ve had tartar for a long period.
Normally, dental calculus is off-white or cream to yellow, but staining makes it immediately noticeable.
Tartar is dangerous because it can promote bacteria infiltrating the gums and soft tissues of the mouth, leading to gum disease and even infection. This can damage not only soft tissues but also your teeth and the bones in your jaw.
How To Remove Black Tartar On Teeth
Trying to remove tartar through brushing or other means is no use: once tartar has built up on your teeth, it’s incredibly difficult to remove without using specialized tools.
Fortunately, however, a dentist has the tools to remove tartar both above and below the gumline. They can perform procedures including tooth debridement, root planing, and scaling. These procedures involve thoroughly cleaning and removing plaque with ultrasonic or precision manual instruments.
Conclusion: The Best Way To Treat Black Tartar On Teeth
You can prevent tartar formation on your teeth by brushing and flossing thoroughly for two minutes a day, avoiding sugary foods, and maintaining good oral hygiene overall. Not allowing tartar to even form on your teeth is important for maintaining healthy gums and teeth.
But of course, if you have black tartar on your teeth and would like to get it removed, a dentist can treat it for you. A qualified dentist has the specialized tools to thoroughly clean and disinfect your teeth, removing tartar completely.
This post is brought to you by Dr. Vesna Arezina, DDS, your best family dentist in Houston, TX. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Arezina prides herself on providing exceptional service, performing general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry procedures. The clinic also provides emergency dental care and is bilingual to serve all members of our community with comfort and care. We’ll be happy to see you! For any questions or to schedule an appointment, please call us at (281) 469-7469.