Why does tartar form on teeth?
There is always a certain amount of bacteria present in the oral cavity. This is fine. Moreover, bacteria help in digestion by starting the process of decomposition of food already during chewing.
Bacteria are found on the surface of all oral tissues, including teeth. The latter are protected from the harmful effects of microorganisms by enamel. Bacteria cannot penetrate through it.
But, nevertheless, nothing prevents bacteria from accumulating on the surface of the enamel. This biofilm is easily removed with everyday hygiene - brushing, flossing and irrigating. But in some cases - for example, due to untimely removal - the plaque begins to thicken. The reasons for this are:
- Excessive consumption of sweet foods, sugar, foods high in carbohydrates. All this creates a breeding ground for microorganisms;
- Use of low-quality hygiene products, untimely cleaning;
- Smoking. Tobacco smoke destroys the structure of the enamel, forming roughness, cavities and cavities on its surface;
- Irregularity of the dentition, malocclusion;
- Diseases of the digestive system, hereditary predisposition.
Bacterial plaque is easily removed. However, at some point it begins to petrify – that is, to become denser and acquire a mineral structure. And turns into tartar.
Tartar can no longer be removed with everyday hygiene products. It cannot be brushed or flossed off, and even a waterpik cannot destroy it. At the same time, bacteria in this colony continue to destroy both the tooth and the soft tissue located next to it. As a result, itching, swelling, bleeding begins, and increased sensitivity appears.
What is knee arthrosis?
Knee arthrosis (gonarthrosis, osteoarthrosis) is a progressive disease with destruction of cartilage, pathological changes in the ligaments and peri-cartilaginous bones, and thickening of the joint capsule. The elasticity of cartilage tissue decreases, smooth gliding is disrupted, and bones rub against each other when moving. The joints are destroyed slowly, discomfort is replaced by painful sensations when walking and bending the knees. Acute pain in arthrosis occurs at an advanced stage, when osteophytes (bone growths) formed on the articular surface block movement.
Is it possible to remove tartar at home?
On the Internet and in printed publications you can find many recipes for removing stones yourself at home. This includes a mixture of black radish with lemon juice, decoctions of walnut bark, and other incredibly practical remedies that can be found in any garden.
But the problem is that they practically don't work. Decoctions of herbs and plants can have a positive effect on the soft tissues of the oral cavity, yes. But they won’t be able to cope with mineral deposits. Daily brushing will help remove bacterial biofilm, but not tartar. Attempts to soften mineral plaque with acid, as was done 25-50 years ago, will also not lead to anything good and can cause pain in already inflamed gum tissues and increase the sensitivity of the enamel.
Mineral tartar, unfortunately, cannot be completely removed at home. Not strawberry paste, not a mixture of black radish with lemon, not walnut bark decoctions, not soda, not a swab with hydrogen peroxide. Not a single one, even the most advertised brush or paste, can destroy mineral structures. But scratching, erasing healthy enamel or causing its increased sensitivity is quite possible.
The only effective and safe way to remove mineral plaque (tartar) from the surface of the enamel is to consult a dentist.
Treatment of various types of periostitis
Treatment of serous periostitis
Serous periostitis can occur due to jaw trauma. No special therapy is required to treat serous periostitis. At this stage, it is possible to clean the dental canal and create the opportunity for the independent release of fluid (exudate) during inflammation.
Treatment of acute purulent periostitis
In the case of acute purulent periostitis, the dentist cuts the gum, removes the pus and drains the suppuration. When draining, the tip of a rubber strip (drainage) is inserted into the cavity at the incision site. Drainage prevents the wound from healing too quickly and allows fluid to drain out. It is advisable to remove a diseased tooth, the source of infection of acute periostitis, if:
- severely damaged crown;
- obstruction of root canals;
- lost functionality;
- ineffectiveness of the non-surgical method;
- mobility.
In other cases, it is recommended to eliminate the relevant causes of infection (for example, inflammation of the tonsils and throat), as well as restore the immune system. The most effective approach to the treatment of acute purulent periostitis is complex therapy, combining surgery, drug therapy and physical therapy.
Treatment of diffuse periostitis
Diffuse periostitis is characterized by widespread infection, not limited to a local focus. This is a severe type of disease. As a rule, the patient needs the help of maxillofacial surgeons. In stationary conditions, an operation is performed to remove part of the periosteum or bone. Treatment of diffuse periostitis is complemented by drug therapy and detoxification.
Treatment of chronic periostitis
Chronic periostitis is a sluggish infection typical of patients with impaired immunity. If disease is present, the inflamed area is cleaned and physical therapy is prescribed to reduce symptoms and eliminate infection. In particularly difficult cases, the treatment of chronic periostitis may require serious surgical intervention to completely remove diseased tissue. In addition, with this form of flux, it is important to carry out therapy with vitamins and means to strengthen the immune system. An integrated approach stimulates an increase in the body's immunity.
Professional tartar removal
The most modern, effective and gentle way to remove tartar is ultrasonic cleaning. It is carried out in dental clinics. Hygienists or periodontists specialize in such procedures.
Before performing ultrasonic dental tartar removal, the doctor, guided by the main medical principle “Do no harm!”, assesses the condition of the patient’s oral cavity. Determines whether there are any contraindications. Selects a suitable nozzle for the ultrasonic cleaning device.
During ultrasonic exposure, the structure of the mineral plaque is destroyed. And in most cases this happens from within. Tartar simply falls off the surface of the enamel, falls out of periodontal pockets and interdental spaces.
After this, the enamel is polished. This is necessary in order to prevent the appearance of plaque for a long time. The result is not only noticeable - it is literally tangible. You can run your tongue over the surface of the enamel - it will be clean, smooth and tactilely pleasant.
If tartar has penetrated deep into periodontal pockets or has damaged the integrity of the enamel, causing increased sensitivity, the dentist can also use local anesthesia. This is necessary to make the procedure comfortable and painless for the patient.
Risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing gonarthrosis:
Insufficient water intake.
There are no blood vessels in cartilage tissue; the substances necessary for nutrition come from the synovial fluid. With insufficient water, the volume of the synovium decreases. The cartilage loses its elasticity, cracks, friction in the joint capsule increases, pain and a characteristic crunch occur. To support cartilage tissue and mitigate the course of the disease, drink at least 2 liters of water per day.
Intense physical activity.
To maintain freedom of movement, after 40 years you need to unload your joints. Wear shoes with shock-absorbing soles, alternate long static loads with rest while sitting or walking, and for heavy loads, wear a knee brace.
Low physical activity.
Cartilage tissue receives less oxygen and nutrients, muscles lose strength. They help relieve pain from arthrosis of the knees, stimulate the supply of nutrients to the periarticular tissues: swimming, hiking, skiing, Nordic walking, cycling.
Overweight.
Excess kilograms increase the likelihood of arthrosis 4 times; meniscus tears and microtraumas of cartilage occur more often. They will slow down the rate of destructive processes and help you lose weight: limited salt intake, vegetables and herbs, jellied dishes, fermented milk products, low-fat cheeses, lean meat.
Symptoms of gonarthrosis
The severity and duration of symptoms, external changes in the knee joint, and what kind of pain occurs with arthrosis depend on the stage of the destructive process.
Stage I.
The changes in the cartilage are minor, the surface becomes dry, and microtraumas appear. Osteophytes (bone growths) are visible on an x-ray. Pain occurs after physical activity, when climbing stairs, and the knee ache in damp weather. The kneecap is not deformed, morning stiffness goes away after a few movements.
Stage II.
The cartilaginous layer becomes thinner and disappears in some areas. The synovial membrane becomes inflamed. An X-ray examination reveals multiple osteophytes, narrowing of the joint space, and compaction of bone tissue. Worries about swelling and deformation of the knee, excruciating pain when bending and moving, severe aching when the weather changes, after hypothermia. There is stiffness, crunching and clicking in the joints. At the second stage of arthrosis, aching pain at night leads to insomnia, pain does not go away at rest.
In the photo (stages 1-4). The last image shows the destruction of bone tissue.
Stage III.
The cartilage is destroyed almost completely, the knee increases in size, the gait becomes unstable, and lameness appears. The crunching in your knees can be heard even by those around you. It is difficult to walk short distances, climb stairs without using a cane, or get on a bus. The radiograph shows destroyed menisci and ligaments, extensive ossification, and deformed articulating surfaces. The cutting pain bothers me when moving and at rest, and intensifies after walking 500 meters. The ability for self-care decreases.
IV stage
.
In the absence of adequate treatment or non-compliance with recommendations, the cartilage is completely destroyed, and the bones of the knee grow together. Motor ability is lost and disability occurs.
How to avoid tartar formation
Tartar prevention is a simple and affordable procedure. It will help protect not only from mineral plaque, but also from other dental diseases. To avoid the appearance of tartar, you must:
- Brush your teeth regularly. Twice a day, morning and evening, 2-3 minutes. You shouldn’t lean on the toothbrush so as not to scratch the enamel, but you shouldn’t move it like a feather either. Select the optimal pressing force;
- Use a variety of oral hygiene products. Flosses will help remove mineral plaque from the interdental spaces, irrigators - from periodontal (gum) pockets, rinses - get rid of harmful microorganisms;
- Use quality home hygiene products. Don’t skimp on toothpaste—dentist services can still cost more than the 50-100 rubles you managed to save;
- Eat 4-6 times a day, but little by little. You should not snack every few tens of minutes, especially snacks like chips, cookies or candy;
- Make it a habit to rinse your mouth with water after every meal. This will help wash away microorganisms, bacterial plaque and food particles;
- Eat more solid, healthy foods. For example, snack on carrots and apples. But you should refuse soft and high-calorie foods (cookies, cakes, etc.);
- Visit your dentist regularly.
These tips will help protect not only from tartar, but also from other dental problems. They will also have a positive effect on the gastrointestinal tract. This means that the rest of the body will say “Thank you.”
Our dental center will not only help you deal with tartar through professional cleaning using modern equipment, but will also teach you proper daily oral hygiene. The procedure will take about an hour, will be painless and calm, and immediately after its completion you will be able to delight those around you with your beautiful, confident and snow-white smile!
Advantages of visiting Dr. Martin dentistry
The network of dental clinics "Doctor Martin" was awarded the honorary title of dentistry with European quality of treatment. Despite this, the pricing policy is loyal, the cost of the services provided is affordable, discounts and special offers are regularly held (more details on the price list can be found on the website). Every patient is guaranteed free consultations.
To make an appointment with a specialist, you can contact the administrator at the numbers provided or leave a request on the website. At the initial appointment, the doctor will collect an anamnesis, conduct an examination,, if necessary, prescribe a diagnosis and tell you how to save a loose tooth in a particular case. Thanks to the extensive experience and highly qualified specialists, it is possible to cope with even advanced clinical situations. Don't delay, make an appointment right now!
