Dental calculus, commonly known as tartar, is a hardened deposit that forms on the teeth and along the gumline. Unlike soft plaque, tartar cannot be removed through standard daily brushing and flossing. Many individuals wonder if they can safely scrape away these deposits at home. However, once plaque calcifies into tartar, its removal requires specialized knowledge and tools to avoid serious damage to the teeth and gums. This hard substance compromises oral health, making professional intervention a necessity.
What Tartar Is and Why It Must Be Removed
Tartar is the result of untreated dental plaque, a sticky biofilm composed of bacteria and food particles that forms daily on the teeth. If plaque is not thoroughly removed within 24 to 72 hours, it begins to mineralize by absorbing calcium and phosphate from saliva. This process creates calculus, a cement-like, highly porous substance that bonds strongly to the tooth enamel.
Once this hard layer forms, it cannot be dislodged by a toothbrush or dental floss. The rough surface of tartar provides an ideal environment for more plaque to attach, accelerating accumulation. This buildup perpetually irritates the surrounding gum tissue, leading to the initial stage of gum disease, known as gingivitis.
If calculus is left untreated, the chronic irritation and inflammation of gingivitis can progress into periodontitis, an advanced form of gum disease. Periodontitis causes the gums to pull away from the tooth, creating pockets where bacteria and tartar accumulate below the gum line. This process eventually leads to the destruction of the bone supporting the teeth, resulting in tooth mobility and potential loss.
The Dangers of DIY Tartar Removal
Attempting to scrape dental calculus off your teeth with sharp objects like dental picks, metal scalers, or household tools is strongly advised against. The primary risk is causing trauma to the delicate gum tissue. An untrained hand using a sharp instrument can easily lacerate or puncture the gums, leading to bleeding, pain, and the creation of entry points for bacteria.
Another serious concern involves the risk of introducing a severe infection. Any tool not professionally sterilized can harbor bacteria, which is pushed deep into the gum pockets during the scraping attempt. This can lead to localized abscesses or a widespread gum infection requiring immediate medical treatment. The unsterile nature of at-home tools bypasses the rigorous aseptic techniques used in a professional dental setting.
Using improper instruments to scrape hardened tartar carries a significant risk of damaging the tooth enamel. Enamel is the protective outer layer of the tooth, and it does not regenerate once it is lost. Scraping with metal can scratch, groove, or chip the enamel, creating new microscopic defects where plaque can cling more readily. This damage increases tooth sensitivity and makes the tooth more susceptible to decay over time.
The hidden danger of self-removal is the false sense of security it provides. Most DIY attempts only reach the visible tartar above the gum line (supragingival calculus). They fail to address the more dangerous subgingival calculus that forms below the gum line, which drives progressive periodontitis. Leaving this subgingival buildup undisturbed allows the destructive process of bone loss to continue silently, masking a serious underlying problem.
Professional Treatment and Prevention
The only safe and effective way to remove hardened dental calculus is through a professional dental cleaning performed by a dentist or dental hygienist. These professionals use specialized, sterilized instruments, such as hand scalers and ultrasonic devices, to dislodge tartar without damaging the tooth structure or soft tissues. Ultrasonic scalers use high-frequency vibrations to fracture the calculus, making removal easier from both above and below the gum line.
For patients with advanced gum disease, a procedure called scaling and root planing may be necessary. This deep cleaning technique involves removing calculus from the root surfaces beneath the gums. The root is then smoothed to discourage further bacterial adhesion, ensuring all dangerous subgingival deposits are thoroughly eliminated.
Since self-removal is unsafe, the long-term solution lies in preventing tartar from forming. This requires a consistent and effective daily oral hygiene routine. Brushing twice a day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste is foundational for neutralizing acids and removing plaque before it can harden.
Daily flossing is equally important, as it removes plaque from between the teeth and under the gum line, areas a toothbrush cannot effectively reach. Using an electric toothbrush can also enhance plaque removal compared to a manual brush, due to its consistent speed and technique. Prevention also involves scheduling professional dental cleanings and check-ups, typically every six months, to remove any minor buildup before it becomes a significant problem.