Dental cleaning and gum disease treatment
When tartar is not removed in time by a dental hygienist, the gums can become inflamed. This inflammation is caused by bacteria and is called gingivitis. If the inflammation spreads to the jawbone, the gums start to detach from the teeth. The space that forms fills with plaque, causing the inflammation to worsen over time. At this stage, we call the gum disease periodontitis.
Sometimes inflamed gums can cause bleeding, bad breath, or a bad taste in the mouth but often you may not notice anything at all, as gum inflammation rarely causes pain. This is why it’s so important to have regular dental check-ups.
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What is tartar?
Tartar is a yellowish or dark layer that forms on the teeth and consists of hardened dental plaque. It can form at the gum line or even under the gums, often causing inflammation.
How does tartar form?
Tartar develops in places that are hard to reach when brushing — for example, just below the gumline or between and behind the teeth. Plaque first forms in these areas, and over time it calcifies and hardens into tartar.
How can i remove tartar?
It is essential to have tartar removed, as it can damage the gums and cause inflammation. Tartar cannot be brushed away and must be removed professionally. Our dental hygienist uses special instruments, such as a scaler or an ultrasonic device, to loosen and remove the tartar effectively.
How can I prevent tartar?
Prevention is always better than treatment. Brush twice a day, preferably with an electric toothbrush, and clean between your teeth with interdental brushes, floss, or toothpicks. Even with good oral hygiene, tartar can still form, so it’s wise to visit your dental hygienist regularly.
Gum inflammation: gingivitis and periodontitis
If tartar is not removed, gum inflammation (gingivitis) can progress to periodontitis, where the gums detach from the teeth and plaque accumulates under the gumline. This creates a deeper infection that can damage the bone that supports your teeth.
Symptoms can include bleeding gums, bad breath, and a bad taste in the mouth but many people experience no pain, making regular check-ups crucial to catch it early.
Receding gums
Another common problem is receding gums, which can result from brushing too hard or from wearing braces. When the gums recede too far, the roots of the teeth can become exposed, leading to sensitivity to hot, cold, or brushing. This can cause discomfort and affect the appearance of your smile.
Fortunately, there is a solution. During a gum graft procedure, we take a small piece of tissue from another area of your mouth and use it to cover the exposed roots, reducing sensitivity and improving the appearance.
How often should I visit the dental hygienist?
If tartar spreads deeper under the gums, it becomes increasingly difficult to remove and can lead to bone loss, which is irreversible. This can even cause problems if you ever need dental implants. To prevent these issues, we recommend visiting the dental hygienist at least once a year.
Haven’t been for a while? Don’t wait and book your appointment now and keep your gums healthy!
Schedule a dental cleaning in Utrecht
Fill in the appointment form below, and we will contact you as soon as possible. For questions, you can reach us during opening hours at 030-303 1218.
