Can tartar be cleaned by yourself at home

Formation of tartar will make teeth look unclean. This dental hygiene problem can make us insecure, and lazy to smile broadly or laugh out loud. Tartar (calculus) with dental plaque is not the same. Dental plaque, or better known as jigong, is a thin, sticky, and colorless layer that forms on the surface of a tooth. While tartar is hardened dental plaque because the teeth are not cleaned properly. Tartar that is not cleaned can make dental plaque more easily attached, formed more quickly, and become a "home" for harmful bacteria. Dental plaque can be cleaned by yourself at home by brushing your teeth and cleaning between your teeth. However, does that also apply to tartar?

What happens if tartar is not cleaned?

Before answering the questions above, it helps you know the risks that can occur if tartar has never been cleaned, namely:

Gum inflammation or gingivitis

Inflammation of the gums is often characterized by symptoms in the form of swollen gums and bleed easily. Gum inflammation is only an initial impact. This condition can develop into more severe gum disease.

Periodontitis

Periodontitis is inflammation of the gums that spreads to the bones and other supporting tissues of the teeth. This condition can lead to tooth loss. In addition to health problems in the oral cavity, bacteria in tartar are also at risk of causing heart disease.

How to clean tartar

Back to the original question, can tartar be cleaned at home? Unlike dental plaque, tartar cleaning needs to be done in the clinic by a dentist. This action is called dental scaling. There are two types of techniques in dental scaling, namely manually or using an ultrasonic machine. Each technique has advantages and disadvantages in removing tartar. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of each technique:

Manual technique

Manual instrument techniques are more able to reach the teeth under the gums, but cleaning tartar using this technique is more time consuming.

Ultrasonic technique

Scaling the teeth is done by utilizing high speed vibrations. The time needed to clean tartar using an ultrasonic machine is indeed shorter, but this method can make the surface of the teeth become rough. Tartar needs to be cleaned by dental scaling by a dentist, to prevent gum disease and periodontitis. But keep in mind, even though tartar can be cleaned, it doesn't mean you don't need to keep your teeth and oral cavity clean. Keep your teeth and mouth clean by brushing your teeth twice a day in the morning and evening before going to bed, cleaning between your teeth with dental floss (flossing) before brushing your teeth, drinking enough water, reducing eating sweet foods, and not smoking. Do not forget to control dental health regularly, which is 6-12 months to the dentist.