Dental veneers for children and adults symptoms causes and treatment methods

Dental tartar is a common problem that affects oral health in both children and adults. Whether it appears as a white or yellow layer, tartar buildup can cause bad breath, tooth decay, and gum inflammation. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and types of tartar is the first step toward prevention and treatment. In this article, we will explore all the essential details about dental tartar in children and adults, and how to manage it safely and effectively to maintain a healthy, clean smile.

What Are Dental Tartar (Tartar) and Plaque?

Dental Tartar in Children

What is dental tartar?
Dental tartar in children is a layer of bacteria and food debris, commonly known as plaque. If plaque is not removed through brushing or by a dentist, it hardens into tartar, which can cause serious dental problems.

What causes tartar formation?

Infrequent or irregular brushing.
Excessive sweets and sugary drinks, especially before bedtime.
Dry mouth or problems with saliva production.

How can I tell if my child has tartar?

Yellow or brown layer on the teeth.
Persistent bad breath.
Bleeding or swollen gums.
Tooth sensitivity when eating or drinking.

Is tartar dangerous?
If tartar removal is delayed, it can lead to:

Tooth decay.
Gum inflammation.
Misalignment of permanent teeth in young children.

How to treat it?

Brush teeth twice daily.
Use dental floss when needed.
Reduce sugar and sweets before bedtime.
Visit the dentist to remove hardened tartar or apply fluoride gel.

Dental Tartar in Adults

What is dental tartar?
Dental tartar in adults is plaque buildup that hardens over time into solid tartar, which can appear above or below the gum line.

What causes tartar formation?

Neglecting regular brushing and flossing.
Smoking and frequent consumption of coffee or tea.
Sugary foods and carbonated drinks.
Dry mouth or certain medications.
Not visiting the dentist regularly.

How can I tell if I have tartar?

Yellow or brown layer on the teeth.
Persistent bad breath.
Bleeding or swollen gums.
Tooth sensitivity or feeling a rough layer on the teeth.

Is tartar dangerous for adults?
Yes, tartar buildup in adults can lead to serious long-term problems, including:

Gum inflammation and swelling.
Gum recession and exposed tooth roots.
Tooth decay.
Periodontal disease and, in some cases, tooth loss.

How to treat dental tartar in adults?

Brush and floss teeth daily.
Use an antibacterial mouthwash to reduce tartar buildup.
Remove tartar professionally at the dentist through scaling.
In some cases, use laser treatment for hard-to-reach tartar under the gums.

Do Dental Tartar Come Back After Cleaning?

Yes, tartar can return if daily oral hygiene is not maintained and regular dental visits are skipped. Prevention is better than treatment, so keeping a consistent dental care routine is very important.

Causes of Dental Tartar in Children and Adults

1. Causes of Tartar in Children

Irregular or poor brushing:
Young children may not have a consistent brushing routine, allowing bacteria to accumulate.
Excessive sugar and sweets:
Candy, soda, and sugary drinks increase plaque buildup, which can turn into tartar.
Insufficient water intake:
A dry mouth promotes faster bacterial accumulation.
Prolonged bottle feeding or night-time feeding:
Milk or juice left on teeth before sleep increases tartar formation.
Salivary gland problems:
Low saliva production reduces the natural protection against bacterial buildup.

2. Causes of Tartar in Adults

Neglecting oral hygiene:
Irregular brushing or flossing, or using the wrong toothbrush.
Smoking and chewing tobacco:
Leads to tooth discoloration and formation of hard tartar.
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies:
Lack of calcium and vitamin D affects tooth strength and resistance to bacteria.
High sugar and carbohydrate intake:
Sweets, soft drinks, and white bread promote plaque and tartar buildup.
Health problems or medications:
Some medications reduce saliva production; conditions like diabetes increase tartar risk.
Skipping regular dental visits:
Not removing tartar periodically allows it to accumulate and harden.

Stages of Dental Tartar in Children and Adults

1. Stages of Tartar in Children

Plaque – First Stage:
A soft, sticky layer of bacteria and food debris.
Appears quickly after meals, especially if the child doesn’t brush.
Easy to remove with daily brushing.
Early Tartar (Calcification):
If plaque is not removed, it hardens into yellowish tartar, especially along the gum line.
Needs professional cleaning, not just brushing.
Advanced Tartar:
Tartar thickens and darkens, possibly causing gum inflammation.
Rare in young children but can occur with long-term neglect.
Effect on gums and teeth:
Gums may become inflamed or bleed, and teeth become sensitive.
Prolonged neglect can lead to early tooth decay.

2. Stages of Tartar in Adults

Plaque – First Stage:
A sticky, transparent or white layer on the teeth.
Caused by food debris and bacteria, especially after eating.
Easy to remove with daily brushing and flossing.
Supragingival Tartar (Above the Gum Line):
Plaque hardens into yellow or brown tartar above the gum line.
Needs professional removal by a dentist.
Subgingival Tartar (Below the Gum Line):
Forms under the gums, difficult to see.
Can cause severe inflammation or periodontal disease.
Tartar progression and complications:
Color may darken due to smoking or drinking coffee/tea.
Can lead to gum recession, tooth sensitivity, and even tooth loss if treatment is delayed.

Symptoms of Dental Tartar in Children

Yellow or light brown teeth:
Tartar changes the natural color of the teeth.
Bad breath:
Bacterial buildup causes persistent unpleasant odor.
Gum inflammation or bleeding during brushing:
Especially when brushing teeth or chewing toys.
Tooth sensitivity:
Teeth may become sensitive to cold or sweets due to tartar buildup.
Occasional difficulty chewing:
Thick tartar can cause discomfort while eating.

2. Symptoms of Dental Tartar in Adults

Yellow or dark brown teeth: Tartar appears along the gum line or between teeth.
Persistent bad breath: Caused by accumulated bacteria.
Gum bleeding or swelling: Occurs when brushing or flossing.
Tooth sensitivity to hot or cold: Tartar buildup can expose parts of the tooth or erode enamel.
Gum recession: Accumulated tartar can cause long-term gum problems.
Rough or hard feeling on teeth: Teeth may feel rough or hard to the tongue.

Types of Dental Tartar in Children and Adults

1. Types of Tartar in Children

White Plaque (Plaque):
Soft, sticky layer of bacteria and food debris.
Easily removed with daily brushing.
Light yellow or brown tartar (Early Tartar):
Forms when plaque is not removed, usually along the gum line.
Requires professional cleaning.
Baby Bottle Tooth Decay Tartar:
Appears in children who feed before bedtime, with milk or juice on teeth.
Usually affects the upper front teeth.
Dry Mouth Plaque:
Occurs if the child has a dry mouth or salivary gland issues, causing rapid bacterial buildup.

2. Types of Tartar in Adults

Yellow Tartar (Supragingival Tartar):
Appears above the gum line and is easily noticeable.
Usually caused by accumulated plaque from food or drinks.
Stained or Dark Tartar:
Caused by smoking, coffee, or tea.
Darker in color and sticks more firmly to teeth.
Subgingival Tartar (Below the Gum Line):
Forms under the gum line and is difficult to see.
Can cause gum inflammation or periodontal disease.
Tartar due to dry mouth or medications:
Certain medications reduce saliva, accelerating tartar buildup.

Complications of Dental Tartar in Children and Adults

1. Complications in Children

Early tooth decay:
Tartar provides a breeding ground for bacteria, causing rapid decay.
Gum inflammation:
Hard tartar irritates the gums, causing redness, swelling, and bleeding.
Persistent bad breath:
Caused by bacterial accumulation.
Tooth sensitivity:
Due to enamel erosion or pressure from tartar.
Difficulty in chewing or speaking:
Thick tartar may cause discomfort while eating or talking.
Impact on permanent teeth alignment:
Accumulated tartar in young children may affect the positioning of permanent teeth.

2. Complications in Adults

Gum inflammation and periodontal disease:
Subgingival tartar causes gum inflammation, recession, and sometimes tooth loss.
Tooth decay:
Bacteria under tartar lead to cavities.
Persistent bad breath:
Caused by plaque and tartar buildup, leading to social embarrassment.
Tooth sensitivity:
Teeth may be sensitive to hot, cold, or sugary foods.
Tooth discoloration:
Hard tartar stains yellow or brown, especially in smokers or coffee/tea drinkers.
Other health complications:
Chronic gum inflammation may be linked to heart issues or diabetes in some individuals.

Diagnosis of Dental Tartar in Children and Adults

1. Diagnosis in Children

Clinical examination by a dentist:
Dentist carefully inspects teeth and gums for plaque or hard tartar.
Sometimes uses a small scraping tool to check tartar hardness.
Assessment by color and appearance:
Tartar is usually yellow or light brown along the tooth surface or gum line.
Medical history and dietary habits:
Includes brushing schedule, diet, and bottle/nighttime feeding habits.
Associated symptoms:
Bad breath, gum bleeding, tooth sensitivity, or difficulty chewing.

2. Diagnosis in Adults

Direct clinical examination:
Dentist uses a small instrument to detect plaque and tartar above and below the gum line.
Hard tartar can be felt on teeth or along the gum line.
X-rays (Radiographs):
Important for detecting tartar under the gums or in hard-to-reach areas.
Evaluation of associated symptoms:
Gum bleeding, bad breath, tooth sensitivity, and gum recession.
Medical history and habits:
Smoking, coffee/tea consumption, saliva problems, and medication use.

Important notes:
Early diagnosis prevents tooth decay, gum disease, and periodontal problems.
Regular check-ups every 6 months ensure tartar is removed before causing serious issues.

Treatment of Dental Tartar with Medications and Dental Products

1. Treatment in Children

Fluoride toothpaste:
Strengthens enamel and reduces bacterial buildup.
Essential for children prone to cavities.
Kid’s mouthwash:
Usually used for children over 6 years.
Reduces plaque and tartar before buildup.
Antibacterial toothpaste:
Reduces growth of bacteria that cause plaque and tartar.
Professional fluoride gel application:
Helps prevent cavities and tartar formation.

2. Treatment in Adults

Anti-tartar fluoride toothpaste:
Reduces plaque accumulation and prevents tartar formation.
Antiseptic mouthwash:
Contains agents like chlorhexidine to reduce bacteria.
Used for short periods per dentist’s recommendation to avoid staining.
Medications for dry mouth:
Stimulate saliva if low saliva contributes to tartar buildup.
Professional tartar removal (Scaling):
Hard tartar cannot be removed by brushing or medications alone.
Dentist uses special tools for deep cleaning and may apply fluoride gel afterward.

Important notes:
Medication alone is not enough; daily brushing and flossing are essential.
Prevention is better than treatment: brush twice daily, reduce sugar, and visit the dentist regularly.
For children, supervise toothpaste use according to age.

Laser Treatment for Dental Tartar in Children and Adults

1. Laser Treatment in Children

Very limited use:
Children’s tartar is usually simple and easily removed by brushing or professional cleaning.
Laser is reserved for rare cases with hard tartar or subgingival buildup.
Procedure:
Laser targets tartar to break it down or remove bacteria under the gums.
Usually quick; may require light topical anesthesia or none, depending on age and tartar severity.
Important notes:
Laser is safe when used by a pediatric dentist.
Regular cleaning and prevention are always better than laser treatment.

2. Laser Treatment in Adults

More common use:
Especially for hard tartar above and below the gums.
Procedure:
Traditional scaling removes surface tartar.
Laser is used to break down subgingival tartar and kill bacteria.
Sometimes used to promote gum healing afterward.
Advantages:
High precision without damaging gums.
Reduces bleeding and pain compared to conventional tools.
Improves gum health and reduces tartar recurrence.
Important notes:
Laser does not prevent future tartar; maintaining oral hygiene and regular dental visits remain necessary.
More costly than traditional cleaning, but beneficial for severe or advanced cases.

Tips for Managing Dental Tartar in Children and Adults

1. Tips for Children

Brush teeth twice daily:
Use a soft brush and fluoride toothpaste.
Supervise to ensure all teeth are cleaned properly.
Use children’s dental floss:
Start when two teeth are next to each other to prevent plaque buildup.
Reduce sugary foods and drinks:
Especially before bedtime to reduce plaque and tartar formation.
Drink water regularly:
Keeps the mouth moist and reduces bacterial buildup.
Regular dental visits:
Every 6 months to remove tartar before it causes bigger problems.
Monitor bottle or nighttime feeding:
Avoid leaving milk or juice on teeth overnight.

2. Tips for Adults

Brush and floss daily:
Use a soft or electric brush with anti-tartar toothpaste.
Floss removes plaque between teeth.
Use antiseptic mouthwash:
Short-term use with chlorhexidine or similar per dentist’s instructions.
Avoid smoking and reduce coffee/tea:
Helps prevent staining and dark tartar buildup.
Drink water regularly:
Maintains saliva flow and prevents tartar accumulation.
Regular dental check-ups:
Remove hard tartar (scaling) every 6 months or as needed.
Maintain a healthy diet:
Eat fruits and vegetables, reduce sugar and soft drinks.
Use protective dental products:
Anti-tartar toothpaste, fluoride gel, or mouthwash as recommended by your dentist.