Dental tartar, often known as calculus, is a common oral health concern that forms on teeth. It typically appears as a hard, crust-like coating, which many people associate with a yellowish or brownish color. However, tartar can present in a range of shades, and its appearance can offer clues about its age and exposure to various substances. Understanding its nature and appearance is important for maintaining good oral hygiene.
Understanding Tartar Formation
Tartar originates from dental plaque, a soft, sticky film that constantly forms on teeth. This film is a biofilm composed of bacteria, food particles, and saliva. Bacteria in plaque feed on sugars and carbohydrates from consumed foods, releasing acids that can damage tooth enamel. If plaque is not removed through daily brushing and flossing, it begins to harden through a process called mineralization.
Minerals like calcium and phosphate, present in saliva, integrate into the plaque, causing it to calcify and adhere firmly to the tooth surface. This transformation can occur rapidly. Once plaque hardens into tartar, it creates a rough, porous surface that attracts more plaque and bacteria. Unlike plaque, tartar cannot be removed by brushing or flossing alone.
The Spectrum of Tartar Color
Tartar can indeed appear white, particularly in its initial stages of formation or in areas less exposed to staining agents. When freshly formed, tartar is often off-white or yellowish. This lighter color is more common for tartar located above the gumline, known as supragingival calculus.
Its color is significantly influenced by various external and internal factors. Dietary choices, such as consuming coffee, tea, red wine, or certain berries, can stain tartar, leading to yellow, brown, or even black discoloration. Tobacco use, including smoking or chewing tobacco, is another major contributor to dark brown or black staining. The location within the mouth also plays a role; tartar that forms below the gumline, or subgingival calculus, is frequently darker, appearing dark brown, greenish-black, or black. This darker shade is often due to the presence of black-pigmented bacteria and iron byproducts from gingival bleeding. Regardless of its color, tartar indicates a hardened deposit that requires professional attention.
Managing and Preventing Tartar
Once tartar has formed on the teeth, it requires professional removal by a dental hygienist or dentist. This process, often called scaling and root planing, involves using specialized instruments, such as manual scalers or ultrasonic devices, to meticulously scrape away the hardened deposits from both above and below the gumline. Attempting to remove tartar at home can damage gums and teeth.
Preventing tartar formation involves a consistent and thorough oral hygiene routine. Brushing twice daily for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste is foundational, along with daily flossing to remove plaque from between teeth and along the gumline. Limiting the intake of sugary and starchy foods can also reduce plaque formation, as these provide fuel for oral bacteria. Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings, typically every six months, are important for early detection and removal of plaque and tartar. Antiseptic mouthwash can serve as a supplemental aid in reducing bacteria, but it is not a substitute for brushing and flossing.