A dentist or dental hygienist can remove both plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth. Professional cleanings are a standard component of preventive oral healthcare designed to eliminate bacterial deposits. If left untreated, the sticky bacterial film known as plaque can cause inflammation of the gums (an early stage of gum disease) and ultimately lead to tooth decay. Regular professional intervention is necessary for maintaining the health and integrity of the teeth.
Understanding Plaque and Tartar
Plaque and tartar are distinct substances. Plaque is a soft, sticky, colorless film composed of bacteria, food particles, and saliva that constantly forms on the teeth. These bacteria produce acids that erode tooth enamel and irritate the gums, causing cavities and gingivitis.
If this soft film is not removed daily, it begins to harden. This occurs when minerals from saliva integrate into the plaque matrix, leading to calcification. Plaque can mineralize into a tougher substance, known as tartar or dental calculus, in as little as 24 to 72 hours.
Tartar is a rough, porous deposit, typically yellow or brown, that is firmly bonded to the tooth enamel near the gumline. Unlike soft plaque, tartar cannot be removed by brushing or flossing at home due to its hard, cement-like consistency. Professional cleaning tools are required to break the bond between the calculus and the tooth surface.
How Dentists Remove Hardened Deposits
The professional removal of hardened tartar is accomplished by a dentist or dental hygienist using scaling. Scaling targets deposits both above and below the gumline, where tartar can cause gum and bone damage. Professionals use two main types of instruments for this procedure: manual scalers and ultrasonic devices.
Manual scalers, such as curettes, are hand-held instruments that mechanically scrape calculus away from the tooth surface. This method relies on the clinician’s skill to feel the tartar and apply pressure to dislodge it. Modern cleanings often incorporate ultrasonic scalers, which are effective at removing large or stubborn deposits.
Ultrasonic scalers use a metal tip that vibrates at a high frequency (25,000 to 50,000 cycles per second). This vibration fractures the hard tartar deposits, breaking them away from the tooth. The device simultaneously emits a jet of water to cool the tip and flush away debris. The water spray also helps disrupt the bacterial biofilm and calculus. Following scaling, the teeth are polished with an abrasive paste to smooth the enamel surfaces, making it harder for new plaque to adhere.
Managing Plaque Between Appointments
While professional scaling is necessary for removing hardened tartar, the patient’s daily routine is crucial for preventing soft plaque from ever reaching that calcified stage. Effective plaque control requires a consistent approach that targets the daily accumulation of bacteria. Home care involves brushing twice a day for two minutes each time using a fluoride toothpaste.
Proper brushing technique involves holding the brush at a 45-degree angle to the gums, allowing the bristles to clean both the tooth surface and the gumline simultaneously. Daily interdental cleaning, typically with dental floss, is required to mechanically disrupt plaque between the teeth and just beneath the gumline where toothbrush bristles cannot reach.
Using an antiseptic or fluoride-containing mouthwash can also provide an auxiliary benefit by rinsing away loose debris and temporarily reducing the bacterial load in the mouth. Professional cleanings are periodic maintenance, but the continuous prevention of tartar formation depends entirely on the patient’s diligent, daily removal of soft plaque at home.