What is Tartar Cleaning? What can be done to prevent its formation?
Tartar cleaning is the process of removing hardened plaque accumulated on the tooth surface, i.e. dental calculus, performed by dentists with special tools. This process plays an important role in protecting oral health. Thanks to scaling, gums are protected from inflammation, bad breath is reduced and the formation of dental caries can be prevented. At the same time, regular scaling ensures a healthier oral structure in the long term.
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What is Tartar?
Dental calculus is the combination of bacterial plaque accumulated in the mouth with minerals and turns into a hard, yellowish or brownish structure. This hard layer adhering to the tooth surface looks aesthetically bad and can damage the gums. Dental calculus that cannot be removed by normal brushing and flossing requires professional intervention. If not recognized and cleaned in the early period, it may lead to gum recession and tooth loss in the future.
If not recognized and cleaned at an early stage, it may lead to gum recession and tooth loss in the future.
How Does Tartar Form?
Food residues accumulated in the mouth and calcium and phosphate in saliva harden the soft plaque layer on the tooth surface within a few days. During this process, bacteria under the plaque multiply and cause inflammation and bad odor.
Tartar forms more rapidly, especially near the gums and between the teeth. In the absence of regular teeth cleaning, the stone builds up over time and moves towards the gums, triggering gum diseases.
Why is Tartar Removal Important?
Accumulated calculus leads to inflammation, redness and swelling of the gums, which in turn predisposes to periodontal disease. Tartar is also one of the main causes of bad breath and negatively affects social life. Regular cleaning protects tooth and gum health and improves chewing function. It is also known that the wounds and foci of inflammation caused by calculus contribute to systemic diseases (such as heart disease and diabetes).
What Are the Ways to Prevent Tartar Formation?
Regular and Correct Brushing: Brush at least twice a day for at least two minutes with a brush placed at a 45° angle to the gum line.
Use of Dental Floss and Interdental Brush: Use dental floss and/or an interdental brush daily to remove plaque between teeth.
Prefer Fluoride Toothpaste: Choose fluoride toothpastes that strengthen enamel and reduce plaque formation.
Balanced Nutrition: Limit the consumption of sugary, acidic and sticky foods and opt for tooth-friendly foods such as vegetables, fruits and dairy products.
Drink plenty of water: Drink water after a meal to wash away acid and food residues in the mouth; it increases saliva flow and provides natural cleaning.
Regular Dental Checkups: Visit your dentist at least every 6 months for scaling and examination.
Avoid Smoking and Tobacco Products: Tobacco disrupts the pH of the mouth and accelerates tartar accumulation.
Mouthwashes: Provide additional protection with antibacterial mouthwashes or balancing salt water mouthwashes.
How to Remove Tartar?
Your dentist breaks and removes calculus using an ultrasonic device or manual scaling instruments. During the process, water is sprayed to control the temperature and the particles are washed away from the oral cavity. After cleaning, polishing is applied to smooth the tooth surface and make plaque accumulation more difficult. If necessary, the pocket areas under the gums are checked by X-ray and deep cleaning is also performed.
How Long Does Tartar Removal Take?
Professional scaling is usually completed in 20-45 minutes. The procedure time varies depending on the amount of calculus accumulated in the mouth and the condition of the gums. If in-depth scaling is required, the session may be extended or a second appointment may be scheduled. Informing the dentist about your current complaints and oral care history before the appointment will help the process to be efficient.
How Often Should Tartar Cleaning Be Performed?
In general, scaling is recommended every six months, but for some people this may be as short as three months. Patients with receding gums, sensitivity or frequent calculus accumulation should make more frequent appointments. Conditions such as diabetes and pregnancy can also affect gum health and may shorten the interval between visits. Your dentist will assess your oral hygiene habits and determine the best frequency for you.
What Should Be Considered After Scaling?
Gum tenderness and slight bleeding may occur for a few days after cleaning; this is normal and usually resolves within 24-48 hours. Gargling with warm salt water after meals speeds healing and reduces bacterial growth.
Avoiding very hot or very cold foods for the first 24 hours soothes the sensitivity of the gums. Regular brushing and flossing immediately after cleaning prevents the formation of new plaque. If pain or excessive bleeding persists, it is important to contact your dentist.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can take a look at the common questions asked by our patients and contact us for all other questions you are curious about.
Yes, scaling can be performed in children, but this procedure is usually planned by the dentist according to the age and oral health status of the child. Paying attention to oral hygiene at an early age helps prevent tartar formation and future gum diseases.
Scaling removes brown and yellow stains on the teeth, revealing the natural tooth color. However, this procedure is not teeth whitening; it only removes plaque and stones on the surface.
Short-term tooth sensitivity may be experienced after cleaning, this is usually temporary. In individuals with gum recession, sensitivity may be more pronounced, but with proper care, it decreases within a few days.
Home cleanings can slow the formation of tartar, but it is not possible to completely remove tartar. Tartar can only be effectively removed with professional dental equipment.
Scaling is absolutely not harmful when done correctly and by a specialized dentist. On the contrary, regular scaling is very useful in preventing gum diseases.
Scaling is usually a painless procedure. However, individuals with gum sensitivity or advanced tartar accumulation may experience mild discomfort. If necessary, the procedure can be made more comfortable with local anesthesia.
Yes, laser technology can be used for scaling in some cases. Laser cleaning can be less invasive than traditional methods and may shorten the healing time. However, the suitability in each case is determined by the dentist’s assessment.
Scaling removes existing tartar, but does not completely prevent it from re-forming. Regular oral hygiene and periodic check-ups are necessary for a lasting result. The procedure should be repeated at regular intervals, as tartar can form again.
Scaling may also be necessary in children and can usually be performed from the age of 5-6. With the control of the dentist, methods suitable for the oral structure of children are selected. Starting at an early age is of great importance in protecting dental health.
