What is Tartar?
Last updated: November 23, 2024
What is tartar, and how does it form?
Tartar, also known as dental calculus, is a hard, yellow or brownish deposit that forms on your teeth. It develops when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, hardens after being left on your teeth for too long. Plaque itself forms naturally when bacteria in your mouth mix with food particles and saliva, creating an acidic substance that sticks to your teeth. If plaque isn’t removed promptly through regular brushing and flossing, it can mineralize and turn into tartar.
Tartar tends to build up in areas where it’s harder to clean, such as along the gumline, between teeth, and on the back surfaces of teeth. Once tartar forms, it bonds tightly to the surface of your teeth, making it impossible to remove with regular brushing or flossing. Tartar can trap more plaque, which increases your risk of cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems. It also creates a rough surface on your teeth, which makes it easier for more bacteria to collect and grow.
Tartar is not just a cosmetic issue, even though it can make your teeth look discolored and unclean. If tartar builds up near or under the gumline, it can irritate your gums and lead to a condition called gingivitis, which is the earliest stage of gum disease. Over time, untreated tartar buildup and gum irritation can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease that can cause gum recession, bone loss, and even tooth loss.
Certain factors can increase your likelihood of developing tartar. For instance, if you don’t brush and floss thoroughly or regularly, plaque has more time to harden into tartar. Smoking or using other tobacco products also makes you more prone to tartar buildup. Additionally, some people naturally produce more plaque than others due to their saliva composition or diet, making them more at risk for tartar.
The most effective way to deal with tartar is to prevent it from forming in the first place. Brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily can help remove plaque before it hardens into tartar. Regular dental cleanings are also important because dental professionals have special tools, like scalers, to safely and effectively remove tartar that cannot be cleared at home.
By understanding how tartar forms and why it’s important to address it promptly, you can take the necessary steps to protect your dental health and avoid complications over time. Taking care of your teeth with good habits and routine dental visits will keep tartar in check and ensure a healthier smile.
How can I prevent tartar buildup on my teeth?
Preventing tartar buildup starts with good oral hygiene habits and regular care. Tartar, also called dental calculus, forms when plaque—a sticky film of bacteria—hardens on teeth over time. Once tartar forms, only a dentist or dental hygienist can remove it, so prevention is key to keeping your teeth and gums healthy.
The most effective step to prevent tartar buildup is to brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each time. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and a fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel, making it harder for plaque to stick and form into tartar. Make sure to brush thoroughly along the gumline and on all surfaces of your teeth, as these areas are where tartar is most likely to accumulate.
Flossing daily is equally important. Brushing alone can’t always reach food particles and plaque trapped between teeth and under the gumline. Regular flossing removes this buildup before it has a chance to turn into tartar. If you struggle with traditional floss, tools like floss picks, water flossers, or interdental brushes can make the process easier and more effective.
Using an antimicrobial or tartar-control mouthwash can also help keep plaque and tartar in check. These rinses kill bacteria and prevent plaque from hardening into tartar. Look for mouthwashes that are marked as anti-plaque or tartar control for extra protection.
Diet plays a role in tartar prevention as well. Limit sugary and starchy foods, as these contribute to plaque buildup. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to rinse away food particles and keep your mouth hydrated. Chewing sugar-free gum after meals can also help stimulate saliva production, which naturally reduces plaque.
Regular dental checkups and cleanings are essential for tartar prevention. Dentists or hygienists can spot and remove plaque and tartar buildup you may have missed, especially in hard-to-reach areas. Most people should visit their dentist every six months, but your dentist might recommend more frequent visits if you're prone to tartar buildup.
Finally, consider using an electric toothbrush with a timer or a pressure sensor. Electric toothbrushes are often more effective at removing plaque than manual ones. Just be sure to replace your toothbrush or toothbrush head every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles are worn.
By combining proper brushing, flossing, rinsing, diet choices, and regular dental visits, you can significantly reduce the chances of tartar forming on your teeth. Maintaining these habits keeps your smile healthy and saves you from potential dental problems down the road.
Can I remove tartar at home, or do I need a dentist?
You cannot remove tartar at home because it is hardened plaque that bonds tightly to your teeth. Once tartar forms, only a dental professional using special tools can effectively remove it. Tartar, also called calculus, develops when plaque—a sticky layer of bacteria and food particles—hardens due to minerals in your saliva. Brushing and flossing help prevent plaque from turning into tartar, but if it hardens, it won’t come off with typical at-home cleaning methods.
While some products claim to dissolve tartar or make it easier to scrape off, they don’t offer a safe or effective solution. Attempting to scrape off tartar by yourself using sharp tools, such as dental picks you might buy online, is not recommended. This can easily damage the enamel (the protective outer layer of your teeth) or injure your gums, leading to other oral health problems like sensitivity, infections, or gum recession. Professional dentists and hygienists are trained to remove tartar safely during a process called scaling. They use specific instruments, either manual tools or ultrasonic scalers, to clean your teeth without harming them.
Preventing tartar buildup in the first place is key to avoiding the need for removal. Good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily, help prevent plaque from hardening and turning into tartar. An electric toothbrush can be particularly effective at removing plaque from hard-to-reach areas. Additionally, regular dental checkups and professional cleanings—usually every six months—are essential for removing plaque and tartar that brushing and flossing might miss.
If you suspect you already have tartar, it’s best to schedule a visit with your dentist or dental hygienist. They can evaluate your teeth and gums and remove the tartar safely, leaving your mouth clean and healthy. Remember, ignoring tartar can lead to more serious oral health issues, such as cavities, gum disease, and even tooth loss.
In summary, while you cannot safely remove tartar at home, focusing on prevention and visiting your dentist for regular cleanings ensures your teeth stay healthy and free of buildup.
What happens if I don’t remove tartar?
If tartar isn’t removed, it can lead to a variety of dental problems that can harm your oral health. Tartar is hardened plaque, a sticky substance made up of bacteria, saliva, and food particles. Once plaque hardens into tartar, it becomes much harder to clean off with just brushing and flossing. Dentists or dental hygienists must remove it with professional tools during a cleaning.
When tartar stays on your teeth and along your gumline, it creates a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. These bacteria can irritate and inflame your gums, leading to gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease. Gingivitis can cause redness, swelling, and bleeding gums, especially when you brush or floss. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease. Periodontitis can damage the tissues and bones that support your teeth and even lead to tooth loss.
Tartar buildup also increases the likelihood of cavities. The rough surface of tartar allows plaque to stick more easily, making it harder to maintain clean teeth. The bacteria in plaque release acids that break down tooth enamel, which can eventually lead to holes or cavities in your teeth.
Having tartar on your teeth can also affect how your smile looks and smells. Tartar is usually yellow or brown and can make your teeth appear stained or discolored. Additionally, it traps bacteria and debris, which can lead to persistent bad breath, no matter how often you brush or rinse with mouthwash.
If tartar continues to stay on your teeth, it can get worse over time. It can spread below the gumline, making it even harder to remove. When tartar accumulates below the gums, it can cause severe gum inflammation and infections. These infections may require deep cleaning treatments, medications, or even surgery to treat.
In some cases, the health problems caused by tartar buildup can also impact your overall health. Bacteria from gum disease can enter your bloodstream and have been linked to conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
It’s important to visit your dentist regularly to remove tartar and catch potential issues early. Practicing good oral hygiene at home—brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and using a mouthwash—helps prevent tartar buildup in the first place. The less tartar you have, the healthier and happier your mouth will be!
Does tartar cause gum disease or other dental problems?
Yes, tartar can cause gum disease and other dental problems if it’s not removed. Tartar, also called calculus, is hardened plaque that forms on your teeth when plaque isn’t properly cleaned off through regular brushing and flossing. Plaque is a sticky film full of bacteria, and if it stays on your teeth too long, it can harden into tartar, which cannot be removed at home.
Tartar creates a rough surface on your teeth where more plaque can easily stick. This buildup can lead to gum irritation, also known as gingivitis, which is the first stage of gum disease. Symptoms of gingivitis include red, swollen, or bleeding gums when you brush or floss. If gingivitis isn’t treated, it can progress to a more serious condition called periodontitis, a type of gum disease that can cause permanent damage.
With periodontitis, the gum tissue starts to pull away from the teeth, forming spaces or pockets where bacteria can get trapped. As the bacteria continue to grow in these pockets, they can lead to bone and tissue loss. Over time, this can cause teeth to loosen or even fall out. Periodontitis doesn’t just affect your gums and teeth; research has also linked it to other health problems like heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections.
Tartar can also contribute to tooth decay. Because it’s easier for plaque to stick to tartar-covered areas, the risk of cavities increases. Tartar may also stain your teeth, making them look yellow or discolored, because it absorbs stains from things like coffee, tea, or tobacco.
The best way to avoid these problems is by preventing tartar buildup in the first place. Brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and using an antibacterial mouthwash can reduce plaque before it hardens into tartar. Visiting your dentist regularly for cleanings is also essential. During these visits, a dental professional can remove any tartar with special tools, keeping your teeth and gums healthier.
If your tartar or gum issues are severe, your dentist may recommend deep cleaning treatments, like scaling and root planing, to remove tartar from below the gumline. These treatments target bacteria and help gums heal.
In summary, tartar is not just an aesthetic issue—it directly impacts your oral and overall health. Removing tartar early and preventing its buildup is crucial for avoiding gum disease, decay, and other complications. Regular dental care and good oral hygiene are the best defenses.
How often should I visit the dentist to check for tartar?
How often you should visit the dentist to check for tartar depends on your individual oral health needs, but most people benefit from a dental visit every six months. These routine check-ups typically include a professional cleaning, where the dentist or hygienist removes plaque and tartar that you can't eliminate with regular brushing and flossing. Even with excellent at-home care, tartar can still build up in hard-to-reach places, making these visits crucial for maintaining healthy teeth and gums.
If you have certain risk factors or conditions, your dentist may recommend more frequent visits. For example, if you’re prone to tartar buildup, have a history of gum disease, or have braces, you may need to go every three to four months to ensure your mouth stays in good shape. Similarly, people who smoke or have diabetes often require more frequent care because these factors can contribute to faster tartar formation and gum problems.
On the other hand, some people with little to no tartar buildup and no history of oral health issues might only need to visit once a year for a routine cleaning and examination. However, it’s essential to let a dental professional make this determination. Missing regular visits can allow tartar to accumulate over time, potentially leading to problems like tooth decay, gum disease, or bad breath.
Regular visits are also important because tartar is not something you can remove at home. Once plaque hardens into tartar, it sticks to your teeth and requires professional tools to remove it safely and thoroughly. Leaving tartar untreated creates an environment where bacteria thrive, which often results in inflammation and damage to your gums.
Your dentist will evaluate your specific needs and recommend a schedule tailored to your oral health. Following their advice can save you from more extensive and costly treatments down the road. By working closely with your dentist and maintaining these appointments, you'll be one step ahead in preventing tartar from impacting your overall dental health.
Does tartar removal hurt?
Tartar removal, also known as dental scaling, is a common procedure done by a dentist or dental hygienist. Many people worry that it might hurt, but the experience largely depends on factors like your pain tolerance, the amount of tartar buildup, and the health of your gums.
When tartar builds up on your teeth, it hardens and bonds to the surface, which is why regular brushing and flossing can’t remove it once it’s formed. Dentists use special tools, either manual scalers or ultrasonic instruments, to safely scrape away tartar from your teeth and below your gumline. While the process might feel a bit uncomfortable, it shouldn’t cause significant pain for most people.
If your gums are healthy and the amount of tartar is minimal, you may feel some pressure or a scraping sensation during the procedure. Some areas of the mouth may be more sensitive than others, and the sound or vibration of the tools might feel strange, but it’s generally manageable.
Pain or discomfort is more likely if you have sensitive teeth, inflamed gums, or a large amount of tartar. When tartar builds up along the gumline, it can cause the gums to become irritated or inflamed (a condition known as gingivitis). In these cases, scaling may cause soreness in the affected areas. If you have advanced gum disease (periodontitis), the removal process might require deeper cleaning, which could lead to more discomfort.
To make the procedure more comfortable, your dentist or hygienist may recommend options to manage discomfort. For example, they might apply a topical numbing gel to your gums, or in some cases, they might use a local anesthetic to numb the area being cleaned. You can also communicate openly about any sensitivity or anxiety you feel, and they will adjust their technique to help you stay comfortable.
After tartar removal, it’s normal to experience mild soreness or gum sensitivity for a day or two, especially if there was significant tartar buildup. Drinking cold or hot beverages might feel uncomfortable temporarily. However, this sensitivity usually fades quickly, and most people feel relief knowing their teeth and gums are healthier.
Remember, tartar removal is essential for maintaining oral health. Left unchecked, tartar can lead to gum disease, cavities, and even tooth loss. Regular dental cleanings help keep tartar under control and make the process easier and more comfortable the next time. If you’re worried about pain, talk to your dentist—they can help ease your concerns and ensure the procedure goes smoothly.
Can certain foods or habits increase tartar buildup?
Certain foods and habits can absolutely increase tartar buildup on your teeth. Understanding these factors can help you make better choices for your oral health and minimize the risk of tartar-related dental problems.
Tartar forms when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, hardens on your teeth. Certain habits and dietary choices make it easier for plaque to accumulate, and if you don’t remove it promptly, it will turn into tartar. Sugary and starchy foods play a big role here. Bacteria in your mouth feed on sugars and starches, producing acids that contribute to plaque buildup. If you frequently consume foods like candy, cookies, chips, or sugary drinks, you’re making it easier for plaque — and eventually tartar — to form.
Sticky or chewy foods are another concern. Items like dried fruit, caramel, or gummy candy can cling to your teeth, making it harder to remove the debris through brushing and flossing. This lingering residue not only provides a food source for bacteria but also promotes the development of plaque and tartar.
Acidic foods and drinks, such as citrus fruits, soda, and even some sports drinks, can weaken tooth enamel. While this doesn’t directly cause tartar, it creates a rougher surface on your teeth, which makes it easier for plaque to stick and harden into tartar. Additionally, frequent snacking throughout the day, especially on sugary or starchy items, leaves bacteria with a constant food source. This continuous exposure creates a greater risk for plaque to harden into tartar.
Certain habits can make things worse. For example, poor oral hygiene is one of the biggest contributors to tartar buildup. If you don’t brush and floss regularly or miss certain areas of your mouth, plaque has the opportunity to settle and calcify into tartar. Smoking and other tobacco use can also increase tartar formation. Tobacco tends to reduce your saliva flow, making it easier for plaque to collect on teeth. Additionally, smokers tend to have a tougher time managing oral hygiene, which may accelerate tartar buildup.
To minimize your risk, focus on good oral hygiene habits: brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and visiting the dentist regularly for professional cleanings. Avoiding or limiting sugary, starchy, and sticky foods will also help, as well as drinking water instead of sugary or acidic beverages. By understanding how foods and habits impact tartar buildup, you can take better care of your teeth and gums.