Tartar buildup is hard and attaches to your teeth when plaque is not washed away. You cannot remove tartar yourself at home with a regular toothbrush, unlike soft plaque. In order to clean and treat your smile, make sure to visit a dentist in Chestermere for professional help. This procedure helps your gums stay strong and your teeth bright by removing the crust that forms along your gum line.
What Exactly is Tartar?
When you eat, bacteria in your mouth mix with food to create a sticky film called plaque. If you don’t brush and floss it away, it reacts with minerals in your spit and turns into a rock-hard substance called tartar. Finding a dentist near you is important because tartar gives bacteria a place to hide. This can lead to cavities and gum disease if it is not cleared away by a professional every six months.
The most common way to fix this is through a process known as teeth scaling and polishing. During this visit, a trained professional uses special tools to gently scrape the hard tartar off the surface of your teeth. This is much safer than trying to do it yourself, as dental tools are designed to protect your enamel while removing the buildup.
How the Cleaning Process Works
| Step | What Happens | Why It Matters |
| Physical Exam | The professional looks at your teeth and gums. | To find any areas that need extra attention. |
| Scaling | Hard tartar is removed using special tools. | Stops bacteria from irritating your gums. |
| Polishing | A gritty paste is used to scrub the teeth. | Removes surface stains and makes teeth smooth. |
| Flossing | Professional flossing between every tooth. | Cleans out any leftover bits of debris. |
The Tools Used to Remove Tartar
When you go for a teeth cleaning near you, the professional might use two different types of tools. The first is a hand scaler, which is a small metal hook used to manually flick away the tartar. The second is an ultrasonic scaler. This modern tool uses tiny vibrations and a cool mist of water to shake the tartar loose. It is very fast and makes the cleaning process feel much easier for the patient.
The dentists make sure your mouth feels fresh and healthy after every visit. Once the scaling is done, the polishing step begins. A high-powered electric brush and a special toothpaste are used to buff your teeth. This makes the surface so smooth that it is harder for new plaque to stick to it in the future.
Why You Can’t Do It at Home
It can be tempting to buy dental tools online, but trying to remove tartar yourself is risky. Your tooth enamel is strong, but it can be scratched or chipped if you use too much pressure. Also, a professional can see into the dark corners and behind your back teeth where tartar loves to hide. They also check for signs of gum disease, which is something you cannot do in your bathroom mirror.
Keeping Your Smile Bright After Your Visit
After your teeth are clean, the best thing you can do is keep up with a good routine. Brushing twice a day and flossing daily will keep plaque from turning back into tartar. While you will always need a professional cleaning to get the hard stuff off, a good home routine makes your dental visits much faster and more comfortable.
A Healthier Smile Starts Here
At East Chestermere Dental, we are committed to helping our neighbours maintain beautiful and healthy smiles. Our team uses a gentle touch and the latest technology to ensure your cleaning is a positive experience. We believe that preventative care is the best way to avoid pain and expensive repairs later on. If you are ready for a fresh, clean feeling, we invite you to visit us and see how our dedicated team can support your oral health goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it painful to remove tartar?
Most people find it very comfortable. You might feel a little bit of pressure or a tickling sensation from the vibrations, but it should not be painful. If your gums are sensitive, your provider can be extra gentle.
How often should I have tartar removed?
Most dentists recommend a professional cleaning every six months. This keeps the buildup from getting too thick and prevents it from causing gum problems.
Why does my mouth feel “different” after a cleaning?
When tartar is removed, you can finally feel the actual shape of your teeth and the gaps between them. Your tongue might notice these new smooth surfaces, which are a sign of a very clean mouth!
Can tartar cause bad breath?
Yes. Tartar is full of bacteria that release smelly gases. Removing the tartar is one of the best ways to keep your breath smelling fresh and clean.