One of the biggest concerns is that the teeth take on a yellowish colorproduced, in large part, by the appearance of dental tartar. This problem, which is also called dental calculus or dental tartar, is due to the accumulation of a hardened bacterial plaque which, if not treated in time, can lead to complications and affect health. Do you know that diet has an important impact? The dentist, Christina Morenospecialized in the treatment of dental pain and dental and facial aesthetics in Spain, discover 20 minutes the keys and influence of diet on teeth.
What is dental tartar and how is it formed?
As has been mentioned, dental tartar is produced on the teeth when bacterial plaque accumulates. This forms a sticky film on which bacteria, food and saliva impact. Dentist Moreno explains that these pathogens “feed on the remains of food that we consume daily, especially those rich in sugars and starches.” This decomposition is carried out by means of acids that directly attack tooth enamel.
The consequence of this is none other than the beginning of a “demineralization process and therefore the formation of cavities”he adds. The main difference between plaque and tartar is that one is just the predecessor of the other. This means that plaque can be removed by brushing and flossing, but minerals such as calcium and phosphate that come from saliva harden it. If hygiene is not completely correct, the big problem arises: dental tartar.
This is much more difficult to eliminate, since it has created, according to the dentist, “a hard, yellowish or brown substance that adheres tightly to the teeth and below the gum line”. Only a dental professional can remove it with a cleaning using “specialized instruments that allow the tartar to be disintegrated and scraped,” as Moreno explains.
The effect of diet on the appearance of dental tartar
Now that we know that Diet is a key factor in the appearance of dental tartarit’s time to know what impact some foods have on dental health. According to dentist Moreno, “not only the type of food, but also the frequency with which it is consumed, influences dental health.” However, he points out that Products rich in sugars and refined carbohydrates have the greatest impact on the mouthbecause it is “the perfect fuel for them to multiply and produce the acids that erode tooth enamel.”
Therefore, it is important to know the type of food that helps prevent plaque and, in the worst case, dental tartar. The dentist Moreno, therefore, recommends the following foods:
- Crispy fruits and vegetablessuch as apples, carrots and celery. These foods require intense chewing, which stimulates saliva production. Saliva is essential to protect teeth, as it helps neutralize acids produced by bacteria and acts as a natural cleaning agent by removing food debris and bacteria.
- Dairy, such as cheese and yogurt. These products contain high levels of calcium and phosphateswhich help strengthen tooth enamel and balance the pH of the mouth, thus reducing the risk of plaque formation.
- Green tea and black tea. These teas contain polyphenols, which are natural antioxidants that have been shown to have antibacterial properties. They help reduce the amount of bacteria that cause plaque formation in the mouth.
Long-term effects: symptoms first
Beyond the aesthetic problem caused by the appearance of dental tartar, it is also, as already mentioned, an important oral health problem. Not treating or eliminating it properly can have long-term consequences.. The first symptoms, according to dentist Moreno, is the appearance of gingivitis“an inflammation of the gums characterized by redness, swelling, and bleeding during brushing or flossing.” Although this can be treated, ignoring its symptoms could cause periodontitis.
In this case, according to Cristina Moreno, the situation is more complicated, since “it is a much more serious illness “which affects not only the gums, but also the bone that supports the teeth.” This can lead to tooth loss and even bacteria entering the bloodstream which is linked “to systemic health problems, such as heart disease and diabetes,” he adds.
Preventive advice from dentist Moreno
Cristina Moreno says she recommends to her patients that At the first sign of inflammation, go to the dentistry office. Addressing the problem early can prevent a bigger problem. However, there is no greater prevention than good daily oral hygiene practice. The dentist points to 20 minutes than what you recommend to your patients To prevent the appearance of dental plaque and tartar, do the following:
- Brush your teeth at least twice daily with a toothpaste that contains fluoride. It is important to brush all surfaces of your teeth and make sure you brush for at least two minutes.
- Use dental floss daily to remove plaque and food debris between teeth and below the gum line. This area is difficult to reach with a toothbrush, so flossing is crucial.
- Use an antibacterial mouthwash to reduce the amount of bacteria in the mouth and help prevent plaque formation.
- Visit the dentist for a professional cleaning every six months. Regular cleanings are essential to remove the tartar that inevitably forms over time and to detect any signs of periodontal disease or cavities.
References
Plaque and tartar on teeth: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. (s.f.). https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/ency/article/002044.htm