Is it Possible To Remove Tartar At Home

Teeth Talk Girl
20 Sept 202205:58
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThe video script emphasizes the importance of daily plaque removal at home through proper brushing and flossing, highlighting the difference between plaque and tartar. It explains that while plaque can be safely managed at home, tartar, which forms from unattended plaque, requires professional dental cleaning. The script, narrated by a dental hygienist, debunks the idea of using at-home dental scalers, stressing that only dental professionals should perform tartar removal to prevent gum disease and other complications.

Takeaways
  • 🚫 You cannot safely remove tartar at home; professional dental cleaning is necessary.
  • 🦷 Plaque is the white or yellow sticky substance on teeth that can be removed with daily brushing and flossing.
  • 💡 Some people may require additional tools like water flossers or interdental brushes due to faster plaque buildup.
  • 🔗 Whitney, a dental hygienist, provides video resources on effective plaque removal and flossing techniques.
  • 🕒 Plaque can turn into tartar, a hardened substance, if not removed within 24 to 72 hours.
  • 🗿 Tartar formation leads to gingivitis and gum disease, which can result in bone and tooth loss.
  • 👩‍⚕️ Only dental professionals with proper training and medical-grade tools can safely remove tartar using dental scalers.
  • 🦷👀 Dentists and dental hygienists can identify and treat early signs of dental issues during professional cleanings.
  • 🏥 Regular dental check-ups are essential for maintaining oral health and preventing dental problems.
  • 💸 In the long term, preventing dental issues through proper dental hygiene can save money and reduce the need for dental procedures.
Q & A
  • What is the main difference between plaque and tartar?

    -Plaque is a white or yellowish sticky substance that can be removed at home through daily brushing and flossing, while tartar is a hardened form of plaque that requires professional dental cleaning to be safely removed.

  • Why is it important to remove plaque regularly?

    -Regular plaque removal is crucial to prevent it from hardening into tartar, which can lead to gingivitis, gum disease, bone loss, and tooth loss.

  • What can be used in addition to traditional flossing for plaque removal?

    -Water flossers and interdental brushes can be used as alternatives to traditional flossing to help remove plaque more effectively, especially for those who build up plaque quickly.

  • Why is it not recommended to attempt to remove tartar at home?

    -Removing tartar at home is not recommended because it requires specialized dental tools and professional training to do so without causing damage to the gums or further spreading of bacteria.

  • What are the potential risks of using a dental scaler without proper training?

    -Using a dental scaler without proper training can lead to missed areas under the gums, which can cause quicker accumulation of gingivitis-causing bacteria, or it can result in pushing tartar further under the gums, leading to gum infection.

  • How often should one visit a dentist for professional cleanings?

    -The frequency of professional dental cleanings depends on individual needs, but regular check-ups help prevent gum disease, tooth decay, and other dental issues.

  • What services might dental schools or dental hygiene schools offer to the public?

    -Dental schools or dental hygiene schools often offer discounted or even free dental cleanings as part of their educational programs, providing an affordable option for routine dental care.

  • What is the primary goal of a professional dental cleaning?

    -The primary goal of a professional dental cleaning is to prevent further dental issues by safely removing plaque and tartar, reducing the risk of gingivitis and gum disease.

  • How can one find low-cost dental clinics?

    -One can find low-cost dental clinics by searching for them in their local area or by visiting websites like t-tackle.com, which provides a list of such clinics.

  • What are some tips for maintaining dental hygiene at home?

    -Maintaining dental hygiene at home involves daily brushing with proper technique, flossing, and using tools like water flossers or interdental brushes. It's also important to address plaque buildup promptly to prevent it from turning into tartar.

  • What is the role of dental professionals in dental prevention?

    -Dental professionals play a critical role in dental prevention by providing routine cleanings, examining every tooth surface, identifying suspicious areas early, and helping to reverse small dental issues before they worsen.

Outlines
00:00
🦷 Understanding Plaque and Tartar: Home Care and Professional Cleaning

This paragraph discusses the differences between plaque and tartar, emphasizing that while plaque can be safely removed at home through regular brushing and flossing, tartar cannot. The speaker, a dental hygienist named Whitney, explains that plaque left on teeth for 24 to 72 hours can harden into tartar, leading to gingivitis and gum disease. She advises daily plaque removal to prevent tartar formation and suggests seeking professional dental cleanings to safely remove any existing tartar. Whitney also addresses the inadvisability of using at-home dental scalers due to the risk of damaging gums and the importance of professional training in scaling techniques.

05:00
💡 Seeking Affordable Dental Care for Regular Cleanings

In this paragraph, the speaker highlights the importance of regular dental check-ups for maintaining oral health and preventing dental issues. She dispels the notion that dental professionals want more business and explains that the goal is to prevent problems, which can save the patient money in the long run. Whitney recommends those unable to afford regular dental care to look for dental or dental hygiene schools offering discounted or free cleanings. She also provides resources on her website for low-cost dental clinics and encourages viewers to visit her website and follow her on social media for more dental health information.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Tartar
Tartar, also known as calculus, is a hardened form of plaque that has been left on the teeth for an extended period, typically beyond 24 to 72 hours. It is very hard, like a rock, and can cause gum disease and tooth loss if not properly managed. In the video, it is emphasized that tartar cannot be safely removed at home and requires professional dental tools and expertise to be effectively managed.
💡Plaque
Plaque is a sticky, sometimes yellow substance that forms on teeth and can be removed through daily brushing and flossing. It is the precursor to tartar and, if left untreated, can harden into tartar. The video highlights the importance of proper plaque removal at home to prevent the formation of tartar and the associated dental issues.
💡Dental Hygienist
A dental hygienist is a professional who specializes in the prevention of oral diseases and the maintenance of oral health. In the video, the speaker identifies herself as a dental hygienist and provides authoritative advice on plaque and tartar removal, emphasizing the importance of professional dental cleanings.
💡Professional Cleanings
Professional cleanings refer to the dental check-ups and cleaning procedures performed by dental professionals, which are essential for the removal of tartar and the maintenance of good oral health. The video stresses that while plaque can be managed at home, tartar requires professional cleanings to be safely removed and to prevent gum disease.
💡Dental Scalers
Dental scalers are specialized tools used by dental professionals to remove tartar from teeth. They are not recommended for home use due to the risk of causing damage to the teeth or gums if used improperly. The video advises against purchasing and using dental scalers at home without the proper training and expertise.
💡Gingivitis
Gingivitis is an early form of gum disease characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums. It is often the result of plaque and tartar buildup that is left untreated. The video explains that regular plaque removal at home and professional dental cleanings can prevent the development of gingivitis and more severe gum diseases.
💡Tooth Loss
Tooth loss can occur as a result of severe gum disease, which is often caused by the buildup of plaque and tartar. The video emphasizes the importance of proper dental care to prevent the progression of gum disease and the potential loss of teeth.
💡Flossing
Flossing is the practice of cleaning the spaces between teeth by using a thin thread or tape. It is an essential part of maintaining oral hygiene and preventing plaque buildup. The video discusses the importance of daily flossing as a means to remove plaque and prevent the formation of tartar.
💡Toothbrush
A toothbrush is a tool with bristles used to clean teeth by removing plaque and food debris. The video mentions the use of both manual and electric toothbrushes as part of a daily oral care routine to effectively remove plaque and maintain dental health.
💡Oral Health
Oral health refers to the overall condition of the mouth, including the health of teeth, gums, and other tissues. The video focuses on the importance of good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing and flossing, to prevent dental diseases and maintain good oral health.
💡Prevention
Prevention in the context of the video refers to the proactive measures taken to avoid the development of dental diseases, such as gingivitis and gum disease. It emphasizes the role of regular plaque removal and professional dental cleanings in preventing these conditions and maintaining long-term oral health.
Highlights

Tartar cannot be safely removed from your teeth at home.

Plaque can be safely removed at home with proper brushing and flossing.

Plaque is the white or yellowish sticky substance on teeth that can be removed with daily care.

Tartar forms when plaque is not efficiently removed within 24 to 72 hours.

Tartar is hard like a rock and leads to gingivitis and gum disease if not removed.

Proper dental cleanings are essential to prevent gum disease and tooth loss.

Dental scalers are the only tools that can remove tartar and should only be used by dental professionals.

Improper use of dental scalers can cause gum infection or worsen gingivitis.

Professional dental cleanings aim to prevent dental issues and maintain oral health.

Regular dental check-ups can identify and address small dental problems before they worsen.

Maintaining healthy teeth through prevention can save money and reduce the need for dental procedures.

Dental hygienists are trained to clean teeth safely and identify suspicious areas in the mouth.

People prone to plaque buildup can benefit from additional tools like water flossers and interdental brushes.

It's recommended to visit a dentist for professional cleanings even if you maintain good home care routines.

For those unable to afford regular dental care, seeking services from dental schools or low-cost clinics is advised.

The goal of dental hygiene is prevention, and professional cleanings play a crucial role in this process.

Home care and professional dental cleanings together contribute to reducing the risk of gingivitis and gum disease.

Transcripts
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