Tartar - how to remove, causes and prevention

Dental calculus is one of the most common pathologies. According to statistics, more than 65% of adults have it. Tartar should not be treated only as an aesthetic defect.

In addition to causing bad breath, tartar is the cause of many dental diseases and promotes infection in the body. Therefore, it is necessary to prevent stone formation, and if it forms, immediate treatment by a dentist.

What is tartar

Tartar is a hard, calcareous deposit on the surface of the tooth that is yellowish to dark brown in color. Initial plaque consists of food debris, dead cells, mucus and microorganisms. The stone is formed when soft plaque accumulates and thickens, and its gradual mineralization with calcium, phosphorus and iron salts. First, it forms in places where plaque accumulates the most: in the gingival zones, in the tooth sockets and in the interdental space. Most often on the inside of the dentition, where there is a hard-to-reach area for brushing teeth and the exit of the salivary gland canals. As the process progresses, it can cover the entire visible surface of the tooth and go under the gums.

Types of plaque

• Soft. Formed on teeth during human life. It is not noticeable on the surface of the enamel and is easily removed from it using hygiene products.
• Solid. Once hardened, it is almost impossible to remove plaque from teeth at home.
• Supragingival stone. Formed from hard plaque. Outwardly it looks like a small dark-colored rim in the cervical area.
• Subgingival stone. It is formed under the gum, so it is not visually noticeable. It can only be detected using a special dental probe or an x-ray. If subgingival stone is not removed in time, gum resection may occur.

How quickly does a stone form?

The rate of stone formation varies from person to person and depends on hygiene skills and factors contributing to stone formation. In the absence of brushing your teeth, within a few hours after eating, a thick film of a huge number of bacteria feasting and multiplying on food debris forms on the surface of the tooth. After a week, the film thickens due to mineralization processes. On average, it takes about 4–6 months to form a dense stone. Therefore, a preventive examination by a dentist is necessary at least once every six months.

Subsequent processing: fluoridation + polishing

A mandatory step after brushing (except for Air-Flow) is teeth polishing. After the procedure, the enamel becomes slightly rough, as microscopic particles of stone and mechanical irregularities remain on it. If the surface of the teeth is not polished, plaque will settle much more intensely than before brushing.

For polishing, use special brushes or a water-air jet with an abrasive mixture.

To reduce tooth sensitivity after the procedure and strengthen the enamel, special compounds with a high content of sodium fluoride are applied to the surface of the teeth. The procedure is not mandatory, but its implementation will help to quickly restore damaged layers.

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Symptoms

Signs of tartar:

• using a mirror you can see dark deposits on the teeth near the gums (mostly on the inside), which do not disappear after hygiene procedures;
• darkening of tooth enamel;
• constant bad breath;
• bleeding gums when brushing teeth;
• increased gum sensitivity;
• deepening and widening of gum pockets, exposure of tooth roots.

Only supragingival plaques can be seen visually; subgingival formations are diagnosed by a doctor.

Preventive measures

Hygienic procedures are required to be carried out 2 times a day. Cleaning is carried out on the inside and outside of the teeth. Additionally, after each meal you need to use dental floss or irrigator. A rinse aid with a disinfectant effect helps reduce the likelihood of deposits forming.

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Why is tooth stone dangerous?

In addition to an aesthetic defect, tartar is a common cause of a repulsive putrid odor from the mouth. In addition, stone formation can provoke the development of severe dental diseases:

• caries;
• gingivitis;
• periodontitis;
• tooth loss.

The presence of stone deposits reduces the local immunity of the oral cavity, which increases the proliferation of bacteria and aggravates the manifestation of their pathogenic properties. The consequence of the activity of bacteria is the destruction of tooth enamel and the development of various inflammatory processes in the oropharynx. Subgingival stones destroy the connection between teeth and bone, causing them to loosen and fall out. With severely advanced processes, it is no longer possible to stop tooth loss.

Symptoms

The main symptoms are associated with the occurrence of an inflammatory process in the gums. It is important to note that deposits do not cause pain, but when a large amount of deposits forms, a traumatic situation arises for the gums.

There are several symptoms by which it is possible to distinguish the appearance of tartar:

• the occurrence of an unpleasant odor as a result of the harmful activity of microorganisms that accumulate on the teeth;
• swelling of the gums. The predominance of a bright red tint, enlarged dental papillae, bleeding when brushing or eating, sometimes painful sensations appear;
• Increased sensitivity appears due to recession of the gums of the teeth. As a result, the roots begin to become exposed and the susceptibility to consuming hot or cold food and drinks increases;
• Due to the dark brown or yellow tint of the deposits, the overall aesthetic appearance of the smile is spoiled. Many people begin to experience complexes or stop smiling.

If such symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek help from a professional dentist.

Causes of tartar

The formation of tartar is a consequence of:

• insufficient or improper oral hygiene;
• disorders of mineral metabolism in the body, which is often associated with the presence of chronic diseases or genetic predisposition.

Factors that contribute to the formation of tartar, subject to insufficient hygiene, include:

• defective position of teeth;
• roughness of the tooth surface, often due to the installation of low-quality filling material or insufficient polishing;
• presence of braces and dentures.
• preference in the diet for soft and carbohydrate foods;
• one-sided chewing;
• smoking;
• alcohol abuse;
• hypersalivation (secretion of large amounts of saliva);
• a general decrease in the body’s immunity and the presence of foci of chronic infection.

Tartar: how to get rid of it at home

Most people understand that the best way to resolve any dental problems is to visit the dentist. However, not everyone likes to contact a specialist, delaying the visit until the last minute in the hope that the problem will somehow resolve itself. This is largely facilitated by advertising offering treatment for all occasions.

So how to remove tartar at home? Unfortunately, no way. Even the most expensive products will not be able to remove thick plaque and stone. However, ultrasonic or electric brushes, as well as special toothpastes, will help get rid of the soft plaque that is just beginning to form.

Smokers' tartar

There are practically no heavy smokers who do not have tartar. Tar from tobacco smoke and soot deposit a yellow coating on tooth enamel. It is easier for food debris to stick to this plaque and for bacteria to multiply comfortably. Gradually, under the influence of both saliva and tobacco smoke, various salts are deposited in plaque and brown tartar is formed. In addition, tobacco smoke contains toxic substances and heavy metals, which trigger the process of detachment of the gingival margin from the teeth. Food is stuffed into the deep gaps and optimal conditions are created for the growth of colonies of pathogenic bacteria. A regular toothbrush does not sweep out pathological contents from such pockets. And bacteria eat away the connective tissue between teeth and bone, exposing their roots. A dangerous inflammatory disease – periodontitis – gradually develops. Tartar deposited under the gum does not give a chance for self-healing, but turns the disease into a chronic form. Combined with the effects of tartar and destruction of the connective tissue that anchors the teeth, the process of development of periodontitis in smokers proceeds 3 times faster than in non-smokers. This leads to rapid tooth loss. According to statistics, 80-year-old smokers have 2.5 times fewer teeth than non-smokers.

Treatment methods

How to treat tartar often depends on the degree of complexity of each clinical case and includes the following procedure:

• complete elimination of deposits during hygiene measures in the dental office;
• if necessary, new fillings are placed;
• orthodontic treatment to eliminate additional areas where tartar constantly appears due to improper alignment of the dentition;
• The treatment procedure and elimination of plaque involves several measures: the removal of tartar from the tooth, the oral cavity is treated with a special antiseptic, and the surface is polished.

In some cases, treatment or removal occurs manually or using a special device (ultrasonic scaler). As for hand tools, these include the following:

• scaler. The instrument needed to remove a supragingival tooth comes in straight and curved shapes;
• an excavator is used for large stones;
• the chisel is used to break out “Bridges” on frontal surfaces;
• A curette is a specific instrument that helps get rid of subgingival stone;
• The rasp helps scrape off surfaces that have not yet hardened.

Dentists most often use ultrasonic scalers to spend a minimum of time cleaning stones during a professional procedure. A distinctive feature is cavitation - the collapse of air bubbles in a liquid accompanied by hydraulic shock. Vibration occurs upon contact with a tooth. In this case, soft tissues are not damaged or injured.

Cleaning with ultrasound in close contact with the enamel; chemical etching of hard dental deposits is first used. The coating consists of alkaline and acidic solutions, which makes it possible to lighten the mass of deposits.

Work with an antiseptic is carried out by irrigation with a solution at a concentration of 0.05 chlorhexidine. Innovative scalers have a built-in supply of chlorhexidine. Universal tools supply water.

At the final stage, the tooth surface is polished, which reduces the likelihood of soft plaque deposits. The process uses rubber cups and brushes with low-abrasive paste.

Prevention of stone deposits

Prevention of any disease is always cheaper than its treatment. This applies not only to the financial component, but also to the temporary and psychological component.

The most important thing in preventing dental diseases is proper oral hygiene.

How to brush your teeth

To prevent the formation of tartar, learn how to brush your teeth correctly:

• Movements when brushing your teeth should be “sweeping”, in the direction from the gums to the edge of the tooth.
• First brush your front teeth, then carefully treat the inner surface of the dentition.
• The chewing surface is cleaned with back-and-forth and circular movements. Don't forget about your wisdom teeth.
• The duration of cleaning should be at least 3 minutes. To do this, it is convenient to have an hourglass in the bathroom or to clean while listening to a certain musical composition.
• Brush your teeth at least twice a day. The first time is after breakfast, the second time after dinner. If you are prone to the formation of stones, brush your teeth additionally after each meal.

Choosing a toothbrush

Not everyone knows how important it is to choose the right brush. Listen to the experts:

• Choose a high-quality, medium-hard toothbrush, preferably with rubber blades, which increase the effectiveness of removing plaque and polishing teeth.
• Soft brushes are only suitable for children or during periods of bleeding and sore gums.
• Hard brushes can be used 1 or 2 times a week. They should not be used in places where the necks of the teeth are exposed, especially if the sawing cleaning is improper. This contributes to the formation of wedge-shaped defects.
• Don't forget to change your brush every month.

Interesting experiment!

American doctors conducted an experiment, the participants of which were divided into 5 groups.

The first group: brushed their teeth with regular brushes and expensive toothpaste for 1 minute.

Second group: brushed their teeth with regular brushes and expensive toothpaste for 5 minutes.

Third group: they brushed their teeth with regular brushes and cheap toothpaste for 5 minutes.

Fourth group: they tried to brush their teeth without a brush, by rubbing expensive toothpaste with their fingers.

Fifth group: brushed their teeth with regular brushes without toothpaste, but for at least 5 minutes.

The experiment lasted a week. Every day after the procedure, the cleanliness of the teeth was measured.

At the end of the week there were the following results (the more stars, the cleaner the teeth):

Group number	Brushes	Paste	Cleaning time	Result
1	Regular	Expensive	1 minutes	Bad result
2	Regular	Expensive	5 minutes	Excellent result
3	Regular	Cheap	5 minutes	Excellent result
4	Without brushes	Expensive	5 minutes	No result
5	Regular	Without paste	5 minutes	Good result

Conclusion: it turned out that when brushing your teeth, the toothbrush and the time spent on the procedure are important. You can brush your teeth even without toothpaste; it will be much more effective than using toothpaste without a brush. And if you clean it correctly, there is almost no difference between expensive or cheap toothpaste.

Other hygiene rules

1. For continuous use, use only therapeutic and prophylactic pastes from well-known companies. For people prone to the formation of stones, it is useful to periodically brush their teeth with abrasive whitening pastes, for example, 2 times a week.
2. After each meal, thoroughly rinse your mouth with special elixirs, and if you don’t have them on hand, you can use plain water.
3. Use floss (special thread) to remove plaque between teeth. Floss is used both after brushing your teeth and without it in the afternoon. However, do not make cutting movements (back and forth), so as not to damage the gums, the movements should be: up and down.
4. After brushing your teeth, use special devices - irrigators, which, under the pressure of a stream of water, will clean all places that are difficult for a brush to reach from bacteria and food, and improve blood circulation in the gums and dental pulp. In addition, you can polish your teeth with a special irrigator attachment, then it will be more difficult for the stone to be deposited on smooth enamel. Today, irrigators are recognized by dentists as one of the most effective ways to prevent tartar.
5. Quit smoking completely. Or, at worst, use electronic cigarettes, the vapor of which does not contain toxic substances and resins involved in the formation of stones.
6. Get a preventive examination from your dentist at least once a year, and more often if indicated.
7. Have your teeth professionally cleaned periodically.

Causes

The reasons for the occurrence of tartar, which cannot be removed at home, are:

1. Insufficient and poor-quality oral hygiene does not ensure sufficient removal of microbes that begin to actively multiply and “freeze”;

Note! This also includes incorrectly selected toothpaste, brush, brushing teeth “in haste,” and the absence of dental floss, brushes, rinsers, or irrigators in rituals.

2. Hard plaque occurs due to excessive consumption of soft foods and fast carbohydrates (flour and confectionery products). They promote abundant salivation, which provides favorable microflora for the proliferation of bacteria;

3. Bad habits - smoking, drinking alcoholic beverages (especially coloring ones, such as red wine), unhealthy diet;

4. Metabolic disorder, which leads to a change in the composition of saliva and an increase in free salt ions.

A combination of one or more reasons influences the success of tartar removal.

Plaque appears on all teeth, but the most common are the lower teeth on the inside. This is due to its proximity to the large salivary glands.

Symptoms of the disease

If a person is not attentive to the hygiene of his teeth, he is unlikely to examine the oral cavity with a flashlight to assess the degree of neglect of the situation.

Therefore, you can determine the presence of a problem not only visually, but also by indirect signs:

• bleeding gums - often completely painless and occurs only when brushing your teeth (naturally, after the impact of a toothbrush on sensitive gums, unpleasant sensations arise);
• bad breath - if there are no problems with the stomach, but the smell is present, it is worth considering that perhaps an impressive amount of stone has accumulated, since the active activity of microorganisms is associated with the release of sulfur compounds;
• swelling and soreness of the gums - a feature of the accumulation of plaque, which will be discussed below, affects the soft tissues, developing inflammatory processes.

Important! It is very important to remove tartar before gum recession begins - a decrease in soft tissue, “lowering” or “raising” of the gums. This leads to exposure of the tooth root and increased sensitivity.

Types of Tartar

Based on their location, there are two types of plaque:

1. Supragingival - visible stone, located above the gum, often found on the lower front teeth on the inside and in the area of ​​the upper molars;
2. Subgingival - as the name suggests, plaque, which is located in the periodontal pocket, in the groove between the tooth and the gum, cannot be seen with the naked eye;
3. Stone bridge - microbes can cover the enamel of several teeth in a row, the most advanced case.

Cleaning tartar will also depend on the method of its attachment to the surface:

• with the inclusion in the process of organic pellicles on “cement” (this is a specific tissue covering the root part of the tooth);
• with the inclusion of organic pellicles on the enamel in the process;
• synthesis on uneven abrasive surfaces, for example, in the early stages of caries disease, or at chipped sites (and also, as mentioned earlier, during the formation of food plaque);
• attachment in the depressions and ridges between teeth on the enamel or tooth root.

Consequences of dental plaque

Dentists know how to remove tartar to avoid damaging your smile.

What complications threaten?

• inflammation of the gums and gingivitis - tartar, especially the subgingival type, has a direct effect on the tissue, promoting softening and redness, then the pocket between the gum and tooth begins to increase, increasing the formation of new bacteria;
• periodontitis - in which bone tissue is also involved, which gradually begins to break down, which ultimately leads to complete loss of teeth.

Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the formation of tartar in a timely manner and contact a dental clinic to remove it.

Tartar removal

There are several ways to get rid of future diseases.

Ultrasound

Ultrasonic tartar removal is the most common and safe method used in dentistry today.

The principle of operation is small, rapid vibration of the tip of the device - the scaler. When it comes into contact with a tooth, it creates enough resonance to destroy hard plaque.

Additionally, the nozzle treats the tooth surface with a chlorhexidine solution or water, thus polishing the surface to prevent the attachment of new plaque.

The advantage is minimal impact on the native enamel.

Air Flow

In fact, the method is based on the destruction of plaque by a thin jet directed under high pressure, consisting of water and air, non-abrasive particles.

If necessary, additional antiseptic substances are used.

Laser

It is rarely used due to the high cost of the equipment, and the principle of operation is the same as that of ultrasound - a directed beam destroys the stone, and air or water “washes” it out of the dental spaces.

Mechanical cleaning

Sometimes a mechanical, that is, manual cleaning method is used using:

• hand scalers - metal sticks with straight and curved attachments;
• excavators - sticks with attachments, similar to spatulas;
• chisels - so called precisely because of their external resemblance to their larger brother;
• curette - thin metal hooks;
• rasps - the ribbed attachment is designed for scraping.

This type of cleaning is quite unpleasant and painful, but it is the most effective, especially with complex deposits.

However, if the doctor is careless, he can irreversibly damage the tooth enamel, so it is important to choose a dental clinic with professionals in the field of hygienic cleaning.

Which method to choose

The cleaning procedure most often includes several stages, which vary depending on the quantity and quality of plaque. But the standard set of actions looks like this:

• Ultrasound;
• Air-flow;
• Polishing with a brush;
• Remineralizing therapy.

Finally, the doctor will polish the surface of the tooth and coat it with fluoride to prolong the effect of the manipulation.

How tartar is removed in a particular case depends on the diagnosis. It is important that the dentist use a microscope to detect the early stages of plaque.

As a rule, even after improving nutrition and oral hygiene, it is necessary to come for a preventive examination, which includes professional cleaning every six months. This will avoid problems with gums, and will also allow timely detection of caries and other disorders.

Ultrasonic toothbrushes

Recently, a new gadget has appeared on the market - an ultrasonic toothbrush. In addition to mechanical cleaning, this brush provides ultrasonic treatment of hard-to-reach areas of the tooth and gums to a depth of up to 4 mm. Ultrasonic waves destroy bacteria and effectively remove pigmentation and deposits when mineralization begins. However, such a brush cannot remove formed tartar; this can only be done by a specialist using professional equipment. In addition, the use of an ultrasonic brush is effective and safe only for people with absolutely healthy teeth.

Dental stone: types and characteristics of deposits

Mineral deposits on tooth enamel are classified depending on what the tartar looks like and in what part of the tooth it is located.

In accordance with the localization of deposits, they are distinguished:

• supragingival deposits;
• subgingival.

The location of the plaque is indicated by its name. Supragingival tartar is easily diagnosed visually without additional examination. What does he look like? – White or yellow tartar that surrounds the base of the tooth along the edge of the gum, has a hard structure or a thick, clay-like consistency. This is a common pathology that affects both adults and children. According to statistics, half of pediatric dentistry patients aged 9 to 15 years have dental deposits above the gums, almost 70% of people under 40 years of age, and the vast majority of patients over 40.

Subgingival tartar is distinguished by its dense structure, the color of the deposits (dark brown or almost black), and the difficulty of diagnosis. Deposits are localized under the gum in periodontal pockets, and the dentist uses a special probe to identify them. The stone is hard and adheres very tightly to the surface of the tooth.

Particularly favorable areas for the formation of tartar are the areas least accessible for quality hygiene:

• between the teeth, near the gingival papillae;
• at the base of the teeth on the inside and outside;
• in periodontal pockets;
• at the implantation site - where the prostheses are attached to the implants;
• in the area of ​​fastening braces;
• on wisdom teeth.

Contraindications to ultrasonic brushes

Due to the presence of ultrasonic microvibration, the use of such brushes is not recommended for persons:

• with veneers, fillings and crowns, as their service life is reduced;
• with areas of loose and porous enamel, due to the fact that the development of the carious process accelerates due to the destruction of defective enamel;
• with gingivitis and periodontitis, due to the increased spread of infection by hematogenous route;
• with periodontal disease, as the process of bone destruction accelerates;
• having precancerous changes and cancer, due to the acceleration of the division of atypical cells.

These significant drawbacks significantly limit the use of ultrasonic brushes, since almost 95% of the adult population have certain problems. It is also not recommended to use any power brushes during pregnancy or for people with pacemakers.

Hardware ultrasonic cleaning.

This is the most popular and effective way to remove mineral deposits. Ultrasonic waves break up tartar and easily remove it from the enamel surface. Moreover, such cleaning has an antiseptic effect and is therefore also indicated for gum inflammation. If the stone formation is very dense, before the cleaning procedure, means are used to soften it, then ultrasonic removal of deposits is carried out. During ultrasonic cleaning in the area of ​​the neck of the lower incisors, when the roots are exposed, there may be mild pain. Then, at the request of the patient, local anesthesia is applied.

Despite the presence of many contraindications for the use of ultrasonic toothbrushes, the use of ultrasonic cleaning when removing stone is necessary. First, the dentist will use visual guidance to avoid areas of thinned, porous enamel. Secondly, one-time professional cleaning does not have as negative an effect on fillings as twice-daily brushing.

Laser cleaning.

The newest non-contact method of removing hard dental deposits is highly effective and absolutely painless. However, the price is much more expensive than ultrasonic. Laser cleaning has the same contraindications as ultrasonic cleaning.

Air-flow

Refers to mechanical methods. A jet of air with a therapeutic abrasive mixture is supplied under pressure, which removes both soft plaque and hard deposits. The gum area may tingle during the procedure. It is less effective than ultrasonic and laser cleaning.

Manual method

Mechanical manual method of beating stones using special tools. Currently, it is outdated due to the painfulness of the procedure, the presence of complications and the emergence of more effective methods. It is used free of charge under the compulsory medical insurance policy in public hospitals or as an additional method of treatment if indicated. Due to the painfulness of the procedure, especially when removing subgingival stones, local anesthesia is performed. It is a relative contraindication for periodontitis due to high trauma.

Teeth stones are of the following types:

Stones on teeth (synonym - hard dental deposits) are usually divided into supragingival and subgingival.

• Supragingival calculus on the teeth (Fig. 1-6) – visible to the naked eye when examining the teeth, because always localized above the gum level. It may be dark or yellowish in color. A stone of such localization is not difficult to remove, which is usually carried out using ultrasound (however, very small dental plaque can also be removed using the Air-flow procedure).
• Subgingival stones on teeth (Fig. 7) are localized below the gum level, and therefore they are not visible during a normal visual examination of the teeth. However, in places where subgingival dental deposits are present, the gums usually have a bluish appearance, they are swollen and bleed easily. Also, sometimes when you press on the gum in these areas, a scanty purulent discharge may be released from under it. In the photo below you can see subgingival tartar, localized in a deep periodontal pocket.

  Please note that the appearance of pink gums in the photo is completely normal. But after the gums peel off, we see a small amount of tartar and a large amount of destroyed bone around it. This picture is quite common for patients with periodontitis. Finding such stones is quite difficult. Firstly, a panoramic photograph of the teeth can help the dentist with this, because it will show the level of bone tissue around the teeth (the presence of such “bone pockets”).

  If there are such pockets in the image, we immediately assume the presence of subgingival tartar in this area. The second method of detecting subgingival dental plaque is associated with the use of dental instruments. For this purpose, an air “gun” is usually used, which every dental unit has. The air flow from it moves the gum away from the root of the tooth, due to which the contents of the periodontal pockets become visible to a certain depth.

After the procedure

At the end of the procedure, regardless of the method of stone removal, the dentist must grind and thoroughly polish the enamel.

Sometimes, at the request of the patient, after cleaning, the teeth are coated with a special protective composition against infection and plaque buildup.

Within 15 days after cleaning:

• Do not use bleaching abrasive pastes;
• the use of toothpastes from the “sensitive” series, based on herbs and with an anti-inflammatory effect, is indicated;
• rinses with astringent and soothing properties are recommended;
• Do not eat spicy foods or dyes;
• categorically give up smoking or at least abstain for this period.

Are there any traditional methods for removing stones?

There are no home methods to remove stones in one procedure, like in clinics. Moreover, with extensive and long-fossilized formations, traditional methods will not help. Grandmother's recipes can only be used when stone formation begins, when the deposits are thick, but still loose and light. In this case, the following will help:

• cleansing teeth with radish pieces;
• It is also useful to eat a salad of grated radish with lemon every day;
• brush your teeth with fresh and already cooled coal ash;
• soften plaque with hydrogen peroxide, then brush your teeth with soda.

It should be noted that the first two methods will definitely not cause harm; they can be safely used, even if they do not help. But the last two options do not have clinical trials and proven effectiveness, and therefore may be unsafe. Therefore, you should not take such dubious and radical measures on your own when dental care is available to everyone.

Home Remedies

Home remedies for plaque removal are rather preventative. In order to maintain dental health, it is necessary to follow the rules of hygiene:

• Brush your teeth twice a day with a toothbrush and suitable toothpaste.
• Use toothpicks and dental floss after meals, as the brush cannot reach hard-to-reach places.
• Use mouthwash regularly.

Small plaque can be removed using pastes containing abrasives or tooth powder. When using them you need to be careful, as you can damage not only the enamel, but also the mucous membrane of the gums. You need to be even more careful if you decide to remove plaque from your teeth with whitening agents - soda, hydrogen peroxide. Their uncontrolled use can cause problems with dental health.

Contraindications

Contraindications for hardware teeth cleaning include:

• wearing dentures and braces;
• the presence of implants in the body, including pacemakers;
• ARVI, active stage of tuberculosis, HIV infection;
• oncological diseases;
• pregnancy (or with the permission of an obstetrician-gynecologist);
• childhood, until all baby teeth are replaced.
• pregnancy.

Pregnancy is a relative contraindication to dental cleaning. Dental procedures can be performed during a satisfactory pregnancy with the permission of an obstetrician-gynecologist. If there is a threat of miscarriage or other serious conditions, it will be recommended to postpone the removal of stone deposits and the beauty of the smile.

How to clean tartar: advantages of the Air Flow method

To remove soft deposits on teeth, modern dentistry uses the Air Flow device.

• cleaning polishing powder;
• air;
• water.

How is tartar removed using this method? Dental plaque is removed under the pressure of a water-air mixture enriched with an abrasive based on calcium or glycine. Air Flow is used in professional dental hygiene for children and pregnant women; it is ideal for cleaning teeth if the patient has braces and orthopedic structures in the oral cavity. Effective when you need to remove tartar between the front teeth and in the far corners of the lateral group of teeth.

The only drawback to removing tartar using this method is the price, which is higher compared to ultrasonic cleaning.