A healthy smile starts with effective oral care, and an essential part of maintaining a natural radiance is by managing tartar. Tartar, or dental calculus, is the hardened form of plaque that can cause various dental problems, including bad breath, stains and gum disease if left untreated.

Thankfully, modern dental techniques have advanced to address this issue efficiently. In this post, we’ll discuss why it’s important to remove tartar and highlight the methods we use to ensure optimal oral health for all of our patients.

Understanding Plaque and Tartar

Before we discuss our methods of removing tartar, we think it’s important to first mention the different stages of bacterial accumulation and its impact on your teeth and gums. Here’s an overview of plaque and tartar:

What is Plaque?

Plaque is a soft, sticky film that forms on your teeth from biofilm. It’s a build-up of bacteria and food particles that accumulates over time. Plaque comes before tartar and can be controlled with good oral hygiene practices.

Characteristics of Plaque:

Consistency: Plaque is soft and can be removed with daily brushing and flossing. It consists mainly of bacteria, food particles, and saliva.

Issues: If plaque is not removed, it will eventually mineralise into tartar.

What is Tartar?

Tartar, also known as dental calculus, is the hardened form of plaque. When plaque is not removed and remains on the teeth, it mineralises and becomes tartar. Unlike plaque, tartar is hard and firmly attached to the teeth, making it difficult to remove with regular brushing.

Characteristics of Tartar:

Consistency: Hard and mineralised. Tartar is a calcified deposit that can only be removed by a dental professional using specialised equipment.

Issues: It can contribute to gum disease, cavities, and other nasty oral health problems.

How We Remove Tartar

At The Bristol Dental Practice, we use advanced techniques to effectively remove tartar and support our patients in achieving a healthy smile. Our two most effective methods are Airflow and Guided Biofilm Therapy. Here’s how each technique works:

Airflow

Airflow technology takes dental cleaning to a whole new level. It uses a combination of air, water, and fine powder to gently and effectively remove tartar, plaque, and surface stains from your teeth. Here’s why Airflow stands out:

Precision: Airflow can reach into tiny crevices and hard-to-reach areas between your teeth and along the gum line, where traditional tools might struggle.

Gentleness: The technique is gentle and comfortable, making it an excellent option for patients with sensitive teeth.

Efficiency: Airflow removes tartar and stains quickly, reducing the time you spend in the dentist’s chair.

By using Airflow, we can provide a thorough cleaning while ensuring that you feel comfortable and happy during treatment.

Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT)

Guided Biofilm Therapy focuses on the identification and management of biofilm, which is an invisible layer of bacteria that comes before plaque and tartar. Here’s how GBT works:

Detection: We use specialised dyes to highlight biofilm on your teeth. This allows us to see areas that need extra attention, which are often missed during routine brushing.

Customised Cleaning: Based on the biofilm detection, we tailor the airflow cleaning process to target and remove bacteria effectively. This approach ensures that we address all areas of concern.

Education Tool: GBT provides insights into the areas you may be missing when brushing at home. We can offer personalised guidance on how you can improve your brushing technique and overall oral hygiene routine.

GBT not only ensures a thorough cleaning but also empowers you with the knowledge to improve your dental care at home.

To learn more about these methods, check out our blog post on What is Airflow & Guided Biofilm Therapy?

The Benefits of Regular Hygiene Visits

 

Regular visits to our Bristol hygienist are essential for maintaining a healthy smile and preventing future issues like tooth decay and gum disease. We recommend scheduling a hygienist visit twice a year.

We have a hugely experienced team of six dental hygienists and therapists led by our specialist periodontist, Dr Joel Thomas.

Dr Joel Thomas, Specialist Periodontist 

Here are the benefits of professional cleanings:

Reduced Risk of Gum Disease: Removing tartar helps prevent gum inflammation and periodontal disease.

Improved Oral Hygiene: Professional cleaning ensures that even the most stubborn tartar is removed, which can enhance your overall oral hygiene routine.

Enhanced Brushing Techniques: Guided Biofilm Therapy helps identify areas missed during regular brushing and provides tailored advice on how to brush more effectively at home.

A Brighter Smile: Tartar removal and stain elimination contribute to a whiter, more radiant smile.

Why We Love Airflow & GBT

Combining Airflow and Guided Biofilm Therapy is far more effective than traditional cleaning methods, providing a smoother and fresher feel. It’s also gentler, making it suitable for patients with sensitive teeth or dental anxiety. Additionally, stain removal through Airflow and GBT is a cost-effective alternative to professional teeth whitening for maintaining your teeth’s natural brightness.

Final Thoughts

Maintaining a beautiful and healthy smile involves more than just regular brushing and flossing; professional cleanings are also a vital part of a good oral care routine. At our Bristol practice, our hygiene team is dedicated to not only making your teeth sparkle but also safeguarding them against future issues. If it’s been some time since your last hygiene visit, schedule an appointment today and let us help you achieve and maintain a stunning smile.

Reach out to us today at 0117 910 5929 or book a consultation online.