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Dental Tartar and How It Can Affect Your Oral Health

Dec 17, 2024
2 min read

Do you know what dental tartar is? Discover how it affects your oral health and how to remove it for good

Dr. Sabrinsky Flores posing in her dental office.
Dr. Sabrinsky Flores, dentist in the Dominican Republic

Dental tartar, although common, is one of the most underestimated oral problems. If not treated in time, it can cause serious conditions such as gingivitis, bad breath, and even tooth loss. As an oral health specialist in the Dominican Republic, in this article I explain what tartar is, how to prevent it, and the best solutions for removing it.








What Is Dental Tartar?

Dental tartar, also known as dental calculus, is a hardened buildup of bacterial plaque on the teeth. This layer forms when plaque is not removed through proper oral hygiene and mineralizes over time because of saliva.


How Does Tartar Form?

  1. Lack of Oral Hygiene: Not brushing or flossing regularly.

  2. A High-Sugar Diet: Sugary foods and drinks accelerate plaque buildup.

  3. Smoking and Drinking Coffee or Tea: These habits stain teeth and facilitate tartar formation.

  4. Saliva and Minerals: Saliva itself contains minerals that harden plaque.


How Does Tartar Affect Your Oral Health?

  • A Cause of Gingivitis and Periodontitis: Tartar irritates and inflames the gums, which can progress to a more serious infection.

  • Persistent Bad Breath: Bacteria trapped in tartar emit unpleasant odors.

  • Tooth Loss: Chronic inflammation weakens the bone supporting the teeth.

  • Tooth Stains: Yellowish or brown tartar affects the appearance of your smile.


Effective Treatments for Removing Dental Tartar

As the best dentist in Santo Domingo, we perform the following procedures at my dental clinic:

  1. Professional Dental Cleaning (Prophylaxis): We use specialized instruments to remove tartar without damaging the enamel.

  2. Dental Ultrasound: Ultrasonic technology helps remove tartar. It may cause sensitivity or discomfort, and the professional adapts the technique and comfort measures to each case.

  3. Scaling and Root Planing: If tartar has spread beneath the gums, a deeper treatment is necessary.


How Can You Prevent Dental Tartar?

  • Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.

  • Use dental floss daily to remove plaque between teeth.

  • Visit the dentist every 6 months for professional cleanings.

  • Reduce your consumption of sugar, coffee, and tobacco.

  • Drink plenty of water to keep your mouth clean.

The Importance of Regular Dental Checkups

At Sabrinsky Flores Dental Room, we are committed to your oral health. Regular cleanings not only remove accumulated tartar but also prevent bigger problems such as tooth loss.


If you are looking for the best dentist in the Dominican Republic or the best dentist in Dominican Republic, our clinic combines experience, advanced technology, and compassionate, personalized care.


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Educational notice: this content offers general information and does not replace an individual dental evaluation. Diagnosis and treatment must be determined after a professional assessment.

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