Tartar – The bacteria in your mouth form a sticky layer on your teeth called plaque. If left untouched, plaque will eventually turn into a hard substance called tartar that can turn brown.
Tartar Buildup
The tartar itself is porous and is highly susceptible to discoloration and staining. Foods, beverages, and other factors can turn it a noticeable brown color as a result. The buildup of tartar on and between teeth is often the result of a lack of brushing and flossing on a regular basis.
Bacteria causes is a build-up of a sticky substance on your teeth known as plaque. If this isn't properly removed by adequate brushing and mouth washing twice a day it can harden and turn brown. The only way this can be removed safely and effectively is by getting an appointment with your Dentist or Hygienist.
Tartar is the hard substance that results from plaque buildup on the teeth and can make the teeth appear brown or yellow. Tarter begins to appear near the gum line and must be removed by a dental professional.
Dental plaque is bad for your teeth because it can cause gum disease, tooth decay, and all kinds of nasty things. Unfortunately, you wake up with plaque on your teeth every morning. Why? Because you have twice as much bacteria at work when you sleep as you do during the day!
Symptoms and Causes
Common dental plaque symptoms include: A fuzzy feeling on your teeth. Bad breath (halitosis) that doesn't go away. Red, swollen gums that bleed after brushing.
The amount of plaque removed increases with brushing time. According to one study, brushing for three minutes removed 55% more plaque than brushing for 30 seconds. Several studies have found that “flossing plus toothbrushing reduced mild gum disease, or gingivitis, significantly better than toothbrushing alone.”
Most are reversible and removable as the dentist can scrape off the brown spots. However, there are permanent brown stains that can permanently ruin our smiles. Good thing is that the dentist can instead hide that brown discolouration with the use of fillings, veneers and crowns.
While it is usually difficult to see a cavity in its beginning stages, some cavities start with a whitish or chalky appearance on the enamel of your tooth. More serious cases can have a discolored brown or black color. However, most often there are no distinguishable red alerts.
Tartar may be removed at home with regular brushing and flossing or with a water flosser. Oil pulling — using coconut oil or olive oil — may also help remove tartar at home. These methods may be effective at removing tartar; however, a dentist can remove tartar in a more timely manner.
Can tooth decay be reversed? Yes, if it is caught early. Tooth decay is only reversible in the beginning stages when it has only affected the enamel or the hard outer protective coating of the tooth. Once tooth decay has progressed through the enamel into the softer, inner part of the tooth, it is irreversible.
Symptoms Associated with Brown Spots
Discoloration could be an early sign of a cavity that requires dental care. In addition to spots, a person might also experience gum bleeding, sensitivity, pain, or bad breath. An untreated cavity could result in gingivitis, which is a common form of gum disease.
Demineralization: The initial stage of tooth decay comes in the form of white or brown spots on the surface of the tooth. This occurs when enamel is weakened and is at risk of being stripped away. Reversing decay at this stage is possible with enamel-fortifying, remineralization toothpaste.
Lack of a Nutritional Diet. Feeding the bacteria inside your mouth with their favorite foods will lead to multiplication, wreaking more havoc on your oral health. Bacteria feast off of sticky foods, which can stick to your teeth's surfaces and produce acid. Acidic pH can eventually deteriorate your teeth's enamel.
Both the baby molars (which come through at around age two), and the permanent adult molars (which come through at around six years of age), can be affected. If you think your child might have chalky teeth, see a dentist or other oral health professional.
A white spot may appear where minerals have been lost. This is a sign of early decay. Tooth decay can be stopped or reversed at this point. Enamel can repair itself by using minerals from saliva, and fluoride from toothpaste or other sources.
In-office teeth whitening is often the best way to whiten brown teeth. Your dentist can determine the underlying cause of your brown teeth, and help you develop a treatment plan to whiten your teeth.
Dental plaque that remains on your teeth for several days hardens and turns into tartar, which must be scraped off. Tartar makes your teeth look yellow and smell bad, so you may find it difficult to clean your mouth completely once tartar builds up.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Vitamin B12 plays an essential role in teeth and gum health. It helps you eliminate the bacteria that cause plaque buildup, leading to discolored teeth over time. If you have tooth stains or your gums appear redder than usual, it could be due to a lack of vitamin B12.
Aside from these groups, anyone who finds professional teeth cleanings painful or very uncomfortable should consider using an electric toothbrush. Because they remove plaque better than a manual toothbrush, they typically lead to reduced tartar (or calculus) buildup.
There is not a lot to be concerned about at this stage. However, after tartar breaks away, it leaves a sharp edge inside the mouth that can injure the tongue and gums and cause significant discomfort.
Once the plaque turns into tartar, you cannot remove it on your own. In order to prevent plaque from turning into tartar on your teeth, it's important that you practice good oral hygiene habits. Taking care of your teeth on a daily basis is the best way to prevent damaging your teeth and gums.
What Causes Plaque and Why Is It Harmful? Plaque develops when foods containing carbohydrates (sugars and starches), such as milk, soft drinks, raisins, cakes, or candy are frequently left on the teeth. Bacteria that live in the mouth thrive on these foods, producing acids as a result.
Gingivitis can cause dusky red, swollen, tender gums that bleed easily, especially when you brush your teeth. Healthy gums are firm and pale pink and fitted tightly around the teeth. Signs and symptoms of gingivitis include: Swollen or puffy gums.