Tartar build up

[mundebon]

For the last few years, every time DS12 goes to the dentist, his father (who takes him) asks about the tartar: what we can do about it and will he remove it. Every time the dentist says its fine (NHS). It's not going to come off on its own, and I am really quite concerned about it now - hopefully that picture shows it clearly enough.

Does anyone know whether private dentists or hygienists will remove it from an almost 13 year old, and also have any idea why the dentist he usually sees won't - whether it's because of his age, or because he's NHS, or something else? Because everything I read talks about the potential problems tartar will bring.

Last time the dentist said it was just plaque, but it's not is it? It's hard and yellow.

Our dentist would use those metal pick things to scrape tartar from the kids teeth.

Dentist would remove.
Buy an electric toothbrush, I never get any build up anymore. X

You need to book the hygienist. My DC see NHS dentist but you can't get hygienist on NHS. They see the hygienist in the same surgery but I have to pay. It's ridiculous as not dealing with it can cause problems but they will be sorted (or not) free by NHS! Is there a hygienist in your dental surgery? The appointments are made separately in ours.

It looks like tartar (hardened plaque) that can only be removed by hygienist. Don't leave it as it can cause gum disease

Also book hygiene appointment

Thanks, I'll call some practices and see whether we can get a proper clean. He's using an electric twice a day, no cavities or anything (he goes to the dentist twice a year), and his technique looks okay, but I guess it isn't. Hopefully we can get it all off, then I'll start disclosing tablets to help him see where he must be missing bits!

i Have been debating buying a tool on Amazon to remove tartar. It’s the same thing the hygienist uses, like a small vibration tool that you use on build up. Would you be comfortable using it on him?

Hey OP, how are you getting on with solving this issue? My DS (13) has been having the same problem for the last few years with no help from our dentist. I restored to an ultrasonic pick device from eBay which seemed to work somewhat but he'll not let me back in there anytime soon... I've been using interdental brushes and traditional floss between his teeth every night but there is still hard buildup present at the bottom of his lower incisors (both front and back). It's a shame as he has lovely straight teeth with no fillings or decay but they are completely let down visually by this issue...