Tartar is a hard deposit on the teeth created by the mineralization of plaque that is deposited on the teeth over time. The basis for the formation of tartar is dental plaque that adheres to the tooth surfaces and can only be removed by mechanical cleaning or brushing. When plaque remains on the teeth for a long time, under the influence of minerals from saliva, tartar forms on the teeth. Plaque is more abundant if you eat mushy, soft and sticky food rich in carbohydrates (sweets, white bread, pastries, candied fruit). Calculus is a deposit that, in addition to being a mechanical nuisance, also causes inflammation of the gums (gingivitis and periodontitis) due to the accumulation of bacteria. Bacteria are present in large numbers on the surface of tartar, where they form plaque in the same way as on teeth. Also, the rough surface of the calculus favors faster accumulation of plaque after it is mechanically removed by brushing.

So, although tartar itself is not inhabited by bacteria, it still plays a significant role in the development of gingivitis and periodontitis because it forms fertile ground for the accumulation and development of dental plaque. In addition, it makes it difficult to remove plaque because it forms uneven surfaces that are inaccessible to brushing. In addition to oral hygiene, an important factor in the formation of tartar is the patient’s saliva (affects the mineralization-hardening of tartar), orthodontic anomalies (crowded teeth that cannot be thoroughly washed), standing fillings (which favor the accumulation of plaque), incorrectly made prosthetic works, etc. Most stones can be found near the excretory ducts of the salivary glands. It is believed that in people whose saliva contains high concentrations of calcium, phosphorus and other minerals, tartar is formed more intensively, and that tartar does not form until the age of nine.

The usual places of large accumulation are the lingual surfaces of the lower incisors (on the inside) and the outer surfaces of the upper molars. There is no fixed rule as to how quickly the stone returns: some patients come for treatment every month, while others return every six months or even a year. Removing tartar using an ultrasound machine in the dental office is the most effective and painless procedure. Sonic devices are still widely used, while the so-called manual removal is no longer practiced. Removing stones at home is ineffective and even dangerous because patients can easily injure themselves. In addition to the removal of tartar, it is mandatory to polish the teeth afterwards so that their surface is smooth and thus less susceptible to tartar formation. under control and influence its speed of creation. In this way, we will most effectively prevent the onset of periodontal disease and preserve a bright smile.