Any dentists around? Tartar - how long can it wait?

[PiratePetespajamas]

I take reasonable care of my teeth (floss with interdental every day etc) but they’re probably in only average condition. Last time I saw dentist and hygienist was December 2019 because of the pandemic. Suddenly - just in the last couple of weeks - the backs of my front teeth (top and bottom) feel very rough and grainy. No amount of brushing/flossing changes it. From a Google that sounds like tartar? I’ve made an appt with the dentist but earliest they could give me was first week of July and they wouldn’t book the hygienist before I see the dentist. Can it wait that long or are my teeth going to irreparably rot by then? Is there anything I can do about it at home?

Thanks in advance.

Anyone?!

You will be fine. I went to the dentist 6 weeks ago for the first time in 12 months. They wouldn't do a scale and polish telling me the earliest they would do it is at my next appointment in 6 months. You can buy a scraper pick like the dentists have - I use one sometimes.

Itl be fine but just so you know you don't have to be referred to a hygienist anymore you can self refer so what the receptionist is saying is wrong. I'd try and have a look for any other hygienists in the area if you don't wanna wait that long

Tartar (calculus) is hardened plaque that sits on your teeth and tends to lead to gum disease, as difficulty cleaning can lead to inflamed gums etc. As long as you are doing your best to brush and floss the area which it sounds like you are, waiting until July for a clean will be fine.

'Rot' or decay is different- this is when your teeth have holes in them and need fillings, mainly due to sugary diets and poor hygiene habits. This is the one that tends to cause problems if not seen for ages as once the decay progresses it can cause toothache, and eventually go right down into the pulp of the tooth where nerves are located. That's when you need a root canal.

So gum disease and tooth decay are separate things but of course can often go hand in hand in those that don't clean properly at all. But tartar does generally build up over time even in the most proficient of teeth cleaners (eg dentists!) which is why regular hygienist visits are recommended. But I really wouldn't worry, 1.5 years since your last hygiene visit is not terrible.

@Arrierttyclock

Itl be fine but just so you know you don't have to be referred to a hygienist anymore you can self refer so what the receptionist is saying is wrong. I'd try and have a look for any other hygienists in the area if you don't wanna wait that long

Only some practices have that policy of 'direct access' ie seeing the hygienist without seeing the dentist first so it may not be a thing in the OP's dental practice. Direct access has only been a thing for a few years. But yes if desperate you can always try and book elsewhere to see a hygienist directly.

How often do you need to see the hygienist?
They try to make me go every 6 months.

@Oblomov21

How often do you need to see the hygienist? They try to make me go every 6 months.

Totally depends on your risk factors eg. are you a smoker, what is your diet like, current state of your gums eg. any active disease, how well you're currently cleaning, how crowded your teeth are as this can affect how well you can clean at home....etc

Typical recall periods usually vary between every 6, 12 or 18 months based on the above. Occasionally every 3 months if very active gum disease that needs a lot of maintenance.

Thank you so much for your replies. Your response @Luckyelephant1 is very reassuring, especially the explanation about the difference between decay and gum disease - I really didn’t understand the difference clearly and in a way that helps me feel a bit less panicky about it. Can I ask: why do you think it only seemed to suddenly appear? I mean, maybe I just didn’t notice...but it suddenly seems so obvious that that seems weird and unlikely.