What causes black dental calculus (tartar), and what should I do about it?
Dental calculus generally refers to tartar. Black tartar may be caused by dietary factors, poor oral hygiene, long-term smoking, chronic periodontitis, and Sjögren's syndrome. It can be improved through dietary adjustments, improved oral hygiene, smoking cessation, ultrasonic teeth cleaning, and medication. The specific analysis is as follows:
1. Dietary factors: Long-term consumption of foods and beverages containing pigments can lead to pigment deposition on the tooth surface. These pigments combine with bacteria in the mouth and minerals in saliva, gradually forming tartar that appears black. It is recommended to reduce consumption of staining foods and beverages and rinse and brush teeth promptly after eating.
2. Poor oral hygiene: Inadequate daily oral cleaning, incorrect brushing techniques, and insufficient brushing time can prevent effective removal of food debris and bacteria from the tooth surface, leading to gradual mineralization and tartar buildup. Brushing using the Bass method, along with tools like dental floss and interdental brushes, can help clean teeth more effectively.
3. Long-term smoking: Substances such as nicotine and tar in tobacco adhere to the tooth surface, causing teeth to yellow or darken, promoting plaque formation and mineralization, thereby accelerating tartar buildup. Smoking cessation is advised, and tartar can also be removed promptly under medical guidance through ultrasonic teeth cleaning.
4. Chronic periodontitis: This condition is primarily caused by bacteria in dental plaque invading periodontal tissues. As periodontal pockets between the gums and teeth deepen, bacteria, inflammatory cells, and exudates accumulate within these pockets, combining with minerals in saliva to form tartar. It is recommended to use medications such as minocycline hydrochloride capsules, ibuprofen tablets, and clarithromycin capsules under a doctor's guidance to alleviate discomfort.
5. Sjögren's syndrome: This disease is an autoimmune disorder in which patients experience reduced saliva secretion and decreased natural oral cleansing ability, making it easier for minerals to deposit on the tooth surface and form black tartar. It is recommended to follow medical advice to use medications such as methotrexate tablets, azathioprine tablets, and cyclophosphamide tablets for improvement.
If teeth exhibit any abnormalities, prompt medical consultation is advised to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician.