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Are there many bacteria in tartar?

Joseph Krajekian, DMD
Board Certified Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon
Dr. Krajekian is a board certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. He received his DMD from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in 2002. After obtaining his DMD, Dr. Krajekian went on to obtain his MD from Drexel College of Medicine.

Joseph Krajekian, DMD

Board Certified Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon

Expert Answer

Tartar is also known as hardened plaque. It is composed of organic and inorganic compounds. The organic compounds consist of bacteria and the inorganic compounds consist of various minerals, mostly calcium phosphate crystals. It has been estimated that every gram of tartar has over 200 million bacteria.

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Question

How can I remove tartar on my teeth?

Joseph Krajekian, DMD
Board Certified Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon
Dr. Krajekian is a board certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. He received his DMD from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in 2002. After obtaining his DMD, Dr. Krajekian went on to obtain his MD from Drexel College of Medicine.

Joseph Krajekian, DMD

Board Certified Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon

Expert Answer

The best way to have the plaque removed is by a dental professional, such as a dental hygienist. Some hygienists use an ultrasonic instrument called a Cavitron, others use a dental scaler instrument, and others use a combination of the two. There are also scalers that you can purchase from your local pharmacy to scrape off visible plaque, but if you use the scaler incorrectly then you can cause more damage to your teeth and gums.

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Question

How can I remove black plaque from between my teeth at home?

Cristian Macau, DDS
Doctor of Dental Surgery
Dr. Macau is a Doctor of Dental Surgery based in London, England. Dr. Macau is an oral surgeon, periodontist, and aesthetician at Favero Dental Clinic where he is known for his cosmetic dentistry and facial aesthetics work. He is actively involved in scientific research in the field of dentistry and he received his DDS from Carol Davila University of Medicine in 2015.

Cristian Macau, DDS

Doctor of Dental Surgery

Expert Answer

The best way to do that is by flossing every day before going to bed or anytime you feel uncomfortable - especially after eating meat. Flossing should be completed by a rinse with mouthwash or using the jet from the oral irrigator.

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Question

How do you remove tartar?

Cristian Macau, DDS
Doctor of Dental Surgery
Dr. Macau is a Doctor of Dental Surgery based in London, England. Dr. Macau is an oral surgeon, periodontist, and aesthetician at Favero Dental Clinic where he is known for his cosmetic dentistry and facial aesthetics work. He is actively involved in scientific research in the field of dentistry and he received his DDS from Carol Davila University of Medicine in 2015.

Cristian Macau, DDS

Doctor of Dental Surgery

Expert Answer

Tartar is a hard deposit of mineralized plaque which adheres to any type of tooth surface : enamel, dentin or cement. Your dentist or hygienist are the only persons capable of removing entirely any trace of tartar, leaving a smooth surface after scaling. They will be using an ultrasonic tip which is easy to use and causes no pain for the patient.

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Question

How can I remove tartar from my teeth without going to the dentist?

Tu Anh Vu, DMD
Board Certified Dentist
Dr. Tu Anh Vu is a Board Certified Dentist and Owner of Tu's Dental, her private practice, in Brooklyn, New York. With over six years of clinical experience, Dr. Vu helps adults and kids of all ages get over their anxiety with dental phobia. Dr. Vu has conducted research related to finding the cure for Kaposi Sarcoma cancer and has presented her research at the Hinman Meeting in Memphis. She received her undergraduate degree from Bryn Mawr College and a DMD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine.

Tu Anh Vu, DMD

Board Certified Dentist

Expert Answer

Tartar is especially stubborn to remove on your own. There are a few professional tools you can buy, but these can be potentially damaging if used incorrectly. It's best to let a dental professional clean your teeth and prevent tartar from forming by using proper brushing techniques and practicing good oral hygeine.

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