DEFINITION:

Tartar is a deposit of mineralized (i.e. calcified) dental plaque. It tends to form more particularly at the gum line of the teeth (area where the root and the crown of the tooth meet).

SYMPTOMS:

•Subgingival tartar: brownish coloured tartar, caused by elements that come from the blood and its debris, adhering to the surface of the tooth at the root level.

•Supragingival tartar: with a similar colour to the tooth, it settles mainly at the gum line. It can changed color when in contact with food containing coloring (i.e. coffee, certain candies, tea, tobacco, etc.)

TREATMENTS:

•Dental cleaning (for tartar removal) to avoid gingivitis (gum disease) and periodontitis.

PREVENTION:

•Brushing the teeth two to three times a day, especially after meals.

•Flossing.

SOURCES:     Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (www.wikipedia.org).

                            WebMD, better information, better health (www.webmd.com).