Dental Assistant

The Dangers of Tartar Buildup: An Overview for Students in Dental Assistant School

September 28, 2018

There are many risks that can result from poor dental hygiene. Aside from plaques and cavities, the most common buildup that tends to occur in the mouth is tartar.

Although some individuals may be unaware of what tartar is or does, dental teams work on removing this buildup in order to diminish a client’s chances of acquiring gum disease or other dental problems that tartar can cause in the long run.

If you’re looking to start a career as a dental assistant and want to learn more about tartar and how it affects oral hygiene, consider these key pieces of information.

What Exactly Is Tartar?

Tartar is a mineral that tends to build up on teeth, usually at the gum line, as a result of poor dental hygiene habits. It has a rough characteristic and tends to harden the more it is left on the tooth’s surface. In contrast to plaque, which may be difficult to see, tartar is visible with a yellowish or brownish appearance and can be seen in a majority of the population. Smokers are more susceptible to tartar as well as people with dry mouth and those who have had orthodontic work.

Tartar can be easily noticed at the neck area of the tooth

Students enrolled in intra oral dental assistant training recognize some of the difficulties tartar can produce. If it has begun to build up on teeth over an extensive period, it can make brushing and flossing difficult, which in turn can make it tougher to remove and will require certain dental tools to get the job done. If individuals choose not to remove tartar, it will cause serious gum and tooth problems the longer it is left untreated.

What Are the Dangers of Tartar Buildup?

In the presence of tartar, dental plaque and other bacteria have a better surface area on which to form and ultimately grow. This bacterium can begin to cause cavities that can penetrate the tooth, causing decay. It can also irritate the gums, cause them to recede, and lead to gum disease.

If the gum disease has become severe, pocket-like shapes can begin to form in between the gum line and the tooth and will cause an increase in bacteria production. As a result, this bacterium can damage the bones and tissues that are responsible for holding teeth in place. This type of gum disease is known as periodontitis.

 

How a Dental Assistant School Recommends Tartar Control

Individuals who practice daily dental hygiene have fewer instances of tartar buildup. Graduates from a dental assistant school advise clients to brush at least twice a day to remove and reduce plaque that causes tartar. Brushing every surface of the tooth is crucial for eliminating any food residue lodged between crevices.

womens teeth being cleaned

Regular visits to the dentist decreases the amount of tartar buildup over time

Flossing is an important step to implement in a dental hygiene regimen as well since it clears any buildup of grime or food between the gaps of teeth. Also, routine check-ups at a dentist’s office allow them to use special tools to remove any unseen or missed tartar to prevent it from hardening and causing problems further down the road.

Are you ready to attend dental assistant college in Ontario?

Contact Medix College for more information about our programs.

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