Unpleasant smell from the mouth, tooth decay, gingivitis, periodontitis are just some of the consequences of inadequate oral hygiene and failure to remove plaque. We explain the consequences of not removing tartar and why choosing the right toothpaste and toothbrush matters …
From plaque to stone
Tartar is a mineralized plaque that builds up and hardens if it is removed irregularly. How does it come about? The biofilm in the mouth is called bacterial plaque. The plaque is formed by the layered growth of microorganisms organized in a microcolon. Immediately after brushing the teeth, the first components of saliva attach to their surface, forming the so-called acquired pellicle. Some strains of bacteria that inhabit the oral cavity attach to it. For the first two days after formation, the plaque appears as a soft deposit that can be easily removed with a toothbrush. However, over time, the deposit hardens, mineralizes and transforms into tartar, which can only be removed in a dentist’s office, during sandblasting or scaling with ultrasound.
The places most exposed to the appearance of tartar are the interdental spaces and the gingival areas, most often on the lingual side of the dental arch. The risk factors that contribute to the deposition of plaque and the formation of tartar include drinking a lot of coffee, alcohol and smoking. People with dentures or wearing orthodontic appliances are also at risk. In their case, brushing teeth is more difficult, due to the formation of hard-to-clean corners and crevices. It is worth remembering that although plaque forms faster with age, we are all exposed to the formation of tartar: both children and adults.
Not only caries …
The presence of tartar has many negative consequences. These are the most common of them:
- Caries
The bacteria that multiply in the plaque secrete acids that erode the enamel and attack the dentin, which in turn leads to the most common dental disease, i.e. caries. Symptoms include tenderness, sensitivity and pain in a damaged tooth. If, with advanced caries, we delay the visit to the dentist, we may spread bacteria throughout the body, which may result in, among others, glomerulonephritis, myocarditis, or rheumatic disease.
- Hypersensitivity
Tartar can cause gums to recede and expose the necks of the teeth. The nerve endings in them cause painful tooth sensitivity. As a result, the teeth react badly to hot or cold drinks or sweet foods.
- Gingivitis
The presence of tartar significantly increases the risk of gingivitis, i.e. inflammation of the periodontal tissue. Usually, its first symptom is bleeding gums. In acute inflammation, the gums become red, painful and tender to touch, and it becomes difficult to chew on food. This may be accompanied by the appearance of tooth abscesses and an unpleasant odor from the mouth. Fortunately, the effects of treated gingivitis are reversible.
- Periodontitis
Gingivitis often causes inflammation of the tissues called periodontitis. Periodontitis, commonly known as periodontitis, is a disease in the course of which the tissues surrounding the tooth are destroyed, i.e. the periodontium, bones and gums. It is estimated that gum problems concern about 70% of Poles. [and]
If left untreated, the disease leads to what we fear the most – tooth loss.
- Halitosis
Bad smell from the mouth causes discomfort in relationships with others, it is a source of shame and embarrassment. Although halitosis can have various causes, it is most often caused by poor oral hygiene (brushing too rarely and shortly, not replacing the toothbrush) and build-up of tartar.
An irreplaceable duo
The best way to avoid tartar is to brush your teeth regularly. We should brush our teeth at least twice a day, and preferably after each meal for at least 2-3 minutes, using the correct brushing technique. An important element of everyday oral hygiene is cleaning of hard-to-reach places, which requires the use of specialized products. In order to effectively clean the interdental spaces, it is recommended to use interdental brushes and dental floss. The mouthwash will reach places that are inaccessible to them.
It is also worth remembering that the choice of oral hygiene products is important. A brush with crossed bristles (set at different angles) will help us remove more plaque. A good example is the ELGYDIUM Anti-Plaque toothbrush with thin, rounded bristles, perfectly cleaning the surface of the teeth, interdental areas and the gum line. Patented “X” filament technology provides greater plaque removal compared to other toothbrushes.
The ELGYDIUM Anti-Plaque line also includes ELGYDIUM Anti-Plaque toothpaste, which provides even better results in the fight against tartar. It contains chlorhexidine, which has a cleansing effect and fights plaque. In turn, the calcium carbonate contained in ELGYDIUM Anti-Plaque toothpaste mineralizes, thoroughly polishes the enamel and restores the pH balance in the oral cavity. Our teeth become clean, smooth and shiny, the best proof of which is a positive “tongue test”. This is confirmed by clinical studies proving that daily tooth brushing with ELGYDIUM Anti-Plaque toothpaste reduces plaque by 93%. in just 3 weeks of regular use. [ii]
The use of ELGYDIUM Anti-Plaque toothpaste is recommended not only in the states of excessive tartar build-up, but can also be used by people struggling with irritation and redness of the gums or periodontitis. In special cases, it is worth consulting a dentist or pharmacist who will help you choose the right oral hygiene kit. In case of gum problems, they may recommend the use of Elgydium Clinic Perioblock Pro toothpaste, which helps to reduce bleeding from the gums, and Elgydium toothpaste for irritated gums.
Elgydium products can be purchased in stationary and online pharmacies, as well as in selected dental offices.
Let us remember that prevention is better than cure. Therefore, we should remember about regular check-ups in dentist’s offices and to include appropriate toothpaste in our daily hygiene.
PFM/194/2021