Many people believe that tartar is merely an aesthetic problem that discolours teeth, when in fact it can cause numerous complications and health issues. Therefore, regular tartar removal can be considered an essential part of basic hygiene.

Why? Because tartar can be a source of chronic inflammation in the short term, which can later lead to severe periodontal disease and even unpleasant tooth loss, and can even have a negative impact on the entire body.

Dozens of modern studies have highlighted that oral health – which begins with tartar removal – can be linked to inflammatory diseases, cardiovascular problems, diabetes, and even complications during pregnancy.

In this article, we will highlight why regular tartar removal is important, how we perform it in our practice, and what we can do as patients to prevent it.

Mi az a fogkő?
Tartar is actually hardened plaque on the teeth, which most often deposits above the gum line, but in more severe cases can also appear in the subgingival region.

As plaque formation is observable in all people, if left unremoved it can harden into tartar and negatively affect oral hygiene.

It is important to know that unlike plaque, tartar can no longer be removed by simple brushing or flossing; it always requires removal by a dentist, and more often by a qualified dental hygienist.

Tartar mostly contains dead bacteria that have mineralised, meaning they have petrified through the incorporation of minerals from saliva. Tartar is most often made up of calcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, and magnesium phosphate.

The symptoms of tartar
Tartar is easy to detect even at a very early stage. Most often, the following symptoms can indicate the presence of deposits:

Yellow, brown, or black spots, or a hard, crusty coating on the teeth.
Bad breath (due to bacteria build-up or inflammation caused by them).
Mild, recurrent or persistent gingivitis (due to irritation from dental plaque and inflammatory bacteria).
Diagnosis of tartar
For an experienced dentist, the identification and diagnosis of tartar are routine. A general dental examination is sufficient to determine tartar build-up.

However, it should be noted that a physical examination alone is not always sufficient. If the dentist believes that tooth decay or gum disease is caused by tartar under the gum rather than on the surface, the following may also be necessary:

Dental or panoramic X-rays can be taken, which help to reveal pockets and even indicate potential bone loss.
In addition, measuring the pockets can be important, as pockets that are too deep require extra disinfection and treatment, as well as removal of tartar from under the gums.
What is professional dental hygiene treatment? Why do you need it?
Professional dental hygiene treatment is essentially one of the most basic dental treatments we should have every year. During eating and chewing, plaque builds up on the teeth, forming plaque, and this plaque is adhered to by minerals from saliva, which solidify.

This solid material gets stuck in the interdental spaces, under the gums and in hard-to-clean places, and cannot be removed with a toothbrush, except by a professional dental hygienist. Calculus can be black or yellowish brown in colour and is most often found in the interdental spaces, on the inner surface of the tooth and under the gums. Unfortunately, it not only forms on our own natural teeth, but also on dentures, restorations, crowns and bridges.

A common misconception is that plaque should not be removed because „it at least holds the teeth together”; however, if plaque is not removed, the gums will increasingly recede and shrink.

How often do I need a dental scaling?
The composition of the saliva in the mouth and the deposits in the interdental spaces justify dental hygiene treatment (ultrasonic scaling, pearl sandblasting, polishing), the frequency of which is determined by the dental hygienist.

Normally required every six months, at NaturaDent Laser Dentistry we perform ultrasonic scaling at the dental hygienist: we use an ultrasonic depurator to pulverise and remove your tartar without damaging the tooth enamel, using a vibrating motion. The depurator does not damage the tooth enamel, after which the pearly sand is blown out. These steps help remove food and bacteria residues stuck on and between teeth, and help get rid of yellowish stains.

At the end of the treatment, the surface of the teeth is polished to a completely smooth finish: using a paste and special brushes or rubber brushes, the surface is polished smooth to reduce the chance of plaque re-sticking. This not only makes the surface of the teeth smoother, but also makes them look whiter by removing discoloured stains.

At the end of the treatment, our dental hygienists will teach you how to maintain proper oral hygiene, the technique of tooth cleaning, and will also show you the recommended small tools for this (e.g. interdental brushes, dental floss). This is a thorough treatment that takes approximately 1 hour.

The importance of regular dental hygiene treatments

Why is dental hygiene treatment necessary?
Although oral care at home helps to keep our teeth clean, even with regular brushing and flossing, we often fail to remove plaque properly, which can easily lead to tartar build-up. Tooth tartar can only be removed with the help of professional instruments, so it is essential to have the help of our expert colleagues. If tartar is not removed, it can exacerbate the problem and even lead to more serious dental diseases such as gingivitis, gingival recession, gingival atrophy and tooth sensitivity.

In addition, tartar can not only cause functional problems in the mouth, but it can also affect the aesthetics and appearance of our smile. The vast majority of dental problems can be prevented with regular dental check-ups and dental hygiene cleaning.

Prevent problems from arising, take action with a dental hygiene treatment, and you'll benefit not only your teeth but also your wallet.

Risk factors for tartar formation
Proper dental hygiene is very important, but it is also worth being aware of the risk factors that can predispose you to tartar build-up, so you can do a lot to prevent it:

Inadequate oral hygiene, which can be prevented by brushing at least twice a day, flossing and brushing with a toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
Inappropriate dietary habits, such as consuming too many sugary or acidic foods and drinks, can also contribute to the formation of tartar.
Smoking and the use of tobacco products, as well as certain alcoholic beverages – such as red wine –, coffee and tea, all increase the risk of tartar formation.
Lack of orthodontic treatment and resulting dental abnormalities, such as congestion, can make it difficult to brush properly and remove plaque, which can also predispose to tartar build-up.
Certain diseases, such as dry mouth, create a condition in the oral cavity that makes it easier for tartar to build up on teeth.
How often should I have my dental hygiene treatment?
Generally speaking, in most adults, tartar can form within a few months, which is why we recommend dental hygiene treatments every six months for our patients. In many cases, if someone smokes, drinks coffee or tea a lot, for example, it can accelerate tartar formation, so it is advisable to visit our practice more often. Of course, our colleagues will help you determine when it is worth returning to our dental practice during your dental check-up and dental hygiene treatment.

Fogkövesedés, fogínygyulladás, fogágybetegség, fogszuvasodás.
As a result of tartar build-up and improper oral hygiene, numerous dental problems can arise. The most common dental issues that can occur as a consequence of tartar are tooth decay, bleeding gums, periodontal disease, or even bad breath. Nobody wants these, as these problems can further deteriorate the condition of our teeth, and more severe complications can even develop.

So, the right decision?
Regular professional dental hygiene treatment will prevent the root cause of all dental problems. Take good care of your teeth, prevent problems, make an appointment now and choose our professional dental hygiene treatment by our experienced colleagues.

The procedure for removing tartar
Tartar removal is in every case a multi-stage process, the most important stages of which are the following:

Health check
The condition assessment is very important for the dentist to be able to assess the state of the patient's teeth. Only with this knowledge can the treatment plan be drawn up, as part of which the teeth to be treated will be identified.

Ultrasonic tartar removal
The next step is the actual scaling. Ultrasonic treatment offers the best and most effective alternative for this. It should be noted, however, that not all tooth surfaces can be reached with an ultrasonic scaler, and therefore the treatment often needs to be supplemented with other instruments.

This is particularly important in cases where tartar needs to be removed from under the gums.

Fogpolírozás
However, ultrasonic plaque removal is by no means the last step of the treatment. Following this, the tooth surface can often remain rough, which can be completely removed by polishing. For this, the dental practice uses a special polishing brush and paste.

Dental hygiene advice
If tartar has accumulated, the patient is presumably prone to it or may not have paid enough attention to oral hygiene. For this reason, dental hygiene counselling is essential following the procedure.

With the help of the consultation, the patient can gain practical and theoretical knowledge that will allow them to slow down or completely prevent the reoccurrence of tartar.

Aftercare following tartar removal
Following tartar removal, it is very important to adhere to some basic rules to aid healing, regeneration, and prevent potential discomfort.

The following advice is recommended to follow after a tartar removal:

After tartar removal, you should avoid any hard, sticky or acidic foods for at least 3-4 days, as they can damage the gums and slow down healing.
It is also recommended to use a special mouthwash for several days to promote rapid regeneration.
It is also advisable to avoid cigarettes and alcohol for at least a week, as these can release harmful substances into the teeth, which can cause inflammation.
After removing tartar, it is advisable to brush your teeth with a special, soft toothbrush for a few days, which will not irritate your gums.
Do our teeth feel rough on the surface after tartar removal? Or do we find that our tooth gaps have widened after the procedure? This is all completely normal and does not require a dental check-up.

Gum inflammation after tartar removal
It is common to develop gingivitis in the affected area after tartar removal. Apart from the fact that this is not an isolated case, there is no need to rush to the dentist immediately, as it is possible to reduce the inflammation at home using the following methods:

Saltwater gargle: Salt has disinfectant properties and is therefore beneficial for inflamed gums. Simply dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a glass of lukewarm water and gargle with it two to three times a day. Of course, mouthwashes and rinses specifically developed for this purpose can also be safely used at such times.
Proper oral hygiene: Satisfactory oral hygiene is very important to alleviate the symptoms of gingivitis. Brush your teeth at least twice daily, use dental floss, interdental brushes and a soft-bristled toothbrush during these times.
Watch what you eat: if you want to reduce gingivitis after tartar removal, avoid eating foods that are too hot, too cold, or too spicy or acidic.
Painkiller: If the gingivitis is very painful, use over-the-counter painkillers that also help treat the inflammation.
If the above methods do not help to relieve the symptoms of gingivitis after tartar removal within three to four days, or if the symptoms become more severe, you should consult your dentist.

Prevention of tartar formation
Although tartar build-up can be prevented in theory, in practice very few people manage to prevent deposits in the long term. But the following useful tips can help:

Correct tooth brushing, and its technique, is of paramount importance. If you are unsure in this area, do not hesitate to ask for the advice of our qualified dental hygienists!
Brushing your teeth is not just about the right technique, but also about how often you brush. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, and preferably after every meal.
Using a toothbrush of appropriate quality, and replacing it regularly – at least quarterly – is also essential for achieving proper oral hygiene.
Preferably choose a toothpaste that is antibacterial and rich in herbs.
Regular cleaning of the interdental space is also very important, for which you should buy dental floss or a special toothbrush.
Regular use of mouthwash and a water flosser can also be beneficial for prevention.
Types of dental calculus
Dental calculus can be classified in various ways according to its place of formation, and its location always determines the treatment. We can distinguish between the following types of dental calculus:

Supragingival tartar: This type of tartar always appears in a visible location, on the surface of the teeth, above the gumline. It is mostly yellowish or brownish in colour, easily identifiable, and can be simply treated with ultrasonic tartar removal.

Subgingival calculus: Calculus deposits that appear below the gum line are categorised as such when the deposits are located at the junction of the tooth and gum, or often even deeper. It is particularly dangerous, can even cause periodontal disease, and its removal requires greater attention and specialised instruments.

In addition to the two types of tartar, a third type is often highlighted: tartar associated with dental prostheses, which usually occurs around bridges, crowns, and implants.

Although it fits into both of the above categories, it is actually not truly associated with either, because in these places tartar is often extremely difficult to access, so treatment is always personalised, with particularly fine instruments and great care.

Knowledge of the types of tartar is also of paramount importance for patients, as it allows them to recognise visible deposits in time and seek dental assistance for their removal before they recede under the gums and cause more serious problems.

The health-promoting role of tartar removal
When it comes to tartar removal, it is very important that it is not only aesthetically important, but also plays a prominent role in maintaining health.

In recent years, several studies have been published suggesting that regular dental hygiene treatments help prevent the development of conditions such as gingivitis or periodontal disease.

For example, research conducted on a large sample found that individuals who underwent a professional dental tartar removal at least twice a year had up to a 40% lower chance of developing periodontal disease compared to those who hadn't visited a dentist for years.

Even more interesting is that clinical trials have shown that the presence of tartar is proven to promote the development of inflammatory conditions – and not just in the gums.

The associated inflammation may be linked to the development of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and may also increase the risk of premature birth in pregnant women.

Therefore, it can be stated that tartar removal is not only very important aesthetically or for oral hygiene, but also has a positive effect on the health of the entire body.

Frequently asked questions
Hogyan tudom megállapítani, hogy fogköves a fogam?
Since tartar is essentially calcified plaque, it can initially be detected without a dental examination by feeling that your teeth, when run over with your tongue, are not smooth but have a rough surface in places.

Later, tartar will not only be felt but also visible, as the deposits will discolour, taking on yellowish, greyish, or brownish hues.

How can I remove tartar at home?
Contrary to popular belief, tartar removal is not a home remedy. It can only be done professionally and thoroughly by a dentist or dental hygienist. Most of the home practices are ineffective or even damage the enamel.

Bleeding gums can be caused by:
Bleeding gums always occur due to inflammation, which can also be caused by inadequate oral hygiene and tartar. This is precisely why tartar is removed, because bacteria settle on the deposits, which can lead to continuous gum inflammation.

After the removal of tartar, one of the consequences of the procedure can be gingivitis, or the resulting bleeding gums, but with sufficient care, this will disappear on its own within a few days.

Of course, bleeding gums can also be caused by non-dental diseases, such as hormonal changes, leukaemia, blood clotting problems or even severe vitamin C deficiency.

Is tartar removal painful?
Normally, the removal of tartar is a painless procedure with minimal or no discomfort. The treatment can be performed with a pain-relieving gel that numbs the gums locally, so that even the slightest discomfort can be eliminated.

If tartar removal is painful, local anaesthesia can be administered, which will completely prevent discomfort.

Can discoloured teeth also be treated by removing tartar?
As dental calculus typically causes unsightly discolouration, its removal also eliminates tooth discolouration, but not in all cases. Tooth whitening is required to mitigate discolouration associated with tooth death or harmful habits.

How often is tartar removal necessary?
Ideally, it is recommended to have the surface of your teeth cleaned of tartar at least every six months, but if you are more prone to buildup, it may be necessary more often.

How long does dental scaling take?
It depends on the patient and is also determined by the extent and location of the deposits. Mild cases can often be removed in 30-40 minutes, but more severe cases can take up to 60 minutes.

Mi történik, ha nem foglalkozunk a fogkő eltávolításával?
Even with proper oral hygiene, persistently deposited tartar can cause gum inflammation, periodontal disease, tooth decay, tooth loosening, and tooth loss.

Can dental floss and mouthwash prevent tartar buildup?
They can help slow down the process and reduce the chance of it forming, but on their own they are not sufficient to prevent tartar buildup, as it can still appear to a greater or lesser extent even with regular brushing.

However, for proper oral hygiene, it is important to use these tools!

Does smoking increase the tendency to develop tartar?
Yes, the consumption of all tobacco products releases excess harmful substances into the oral cavity, which also contributes to the formation of plaque.

Can tartar removal be performed on pregnant women?
Of course, in fact, it is highly recommended, because hormonal changes have an inherent negative impact on oral health, so any aggravating factors should be ruled out.

Can children develop tartar?
Tartar buildup is less common in younger children but becomes more frequent during adolescence. The deposits can be removed using the same methods as for adults.

How quickly does tartar reappear after removal?
It varies, depending on lifestyle, diet and oral care habits, but it is not uncommon for someone to start developing it again after just a few weeks.

A polírozás fontos a fogkő eltávolítása után, mert eltávolítja az apró horpadásokat és egyenetlenségeket a fogak felületéről, amelyeket a fogkő eltávolítás okozhatott. Ezek a horpadások megkönnyítik a baktériumok és az új fogkő lerakódását. A sima, polírozott felület ellenállóbb a lepedék megtapadásával szemben, így segít megőrizni a fogak tisztaságát és egészségét.
Because the surface of the tooth can be made much smoother by polishing, it will be more difficult for plaque to reattach to it.

Can plaque damage the bridge or the crown?
Definitely, as deposits can appear under the denture, which can contribute to the development of caries or associated gingivitis.

Is it true that tartar develops more frequently with braces?
Because it is very difficult to maintain good oral hygiene with traditional braces, it is common for tartar to form during treatment. However, this process can be prevented by using Invisalign braces.

Can tartar removal damage tooth enamel?
A professionally performed scaling removal with the correct technique should not have any negative effects on the tooth enamel.

Plaque or tartar – what's the difference?
Plaque on teeth is different from tartar in that the former can be easily removed by proper brushing, while tartar cannot be removed at home.