Tartar, or dental calculus, causes bad breath, medically known as halitosis. This hardened substance provides an ideal sanctuary for odor-producing bacteria within the mouth. This mineralized accumulation traps bacteria and their waste products against the teeth and gums, leading to persistent, unpleasant smells. Understanding the formation of this deposit, the mechanism behind the smell, and the necessary steps for professional removal and daily prevention is crucial.
Plaque Versus Tartar
The process leading to tartar begins with dental plaque, a soft, sticky film constantly forming on the teeth. Plaque is a complex biofilm composed of oral bacteria, food particles, and saliva. These bacteria feed on sugars and starches, producing acids that can damage tooth enamel. Because plaque is soft, thorough daily brushing and flossing can easily remove it.
If plaque is not removed completely, it begins to mineralize, particularly in hard-to-reach areas. This hardening occurs when the plaque traps calcium and other minerals from the saliva, transforming into tartar. Calcification can begin in as little as 24 to 72 hours if plaque removal is inadequate. Tartar is much harder than plaque, bonding strongly to the tooth surface, often appearing as a yellow or brown deposit near the gumline.
Once plaque has hardened into tartar, it cannot be removed through regular brushing or flossing at home. Its surface is rough and porous, creating a perfect anchor point for new layers of soft plaque to adhere. This rough texture makes cleaning the area thoroughly difficult, accelerating the cycle of buildup and creating a more significant problem for long-term oral health.
The Odor Mechanism
Tartar creates a persistent odor because its structure supports a thriving population of specific bacteria responsible for foul smells. The rough surface of the hardened calculus provides a protected habitat for anaerobic bacteria, which do not require oxygen to survive. These bacteria flourish in the low-oxygen environments created by the tartar, especially when it forms beneath the gumline.
Within this sheltered environment, these anaerobic bacteria consume proteins and food debris trapped by the rough tartar surface. As a metabolic byproduct of breaking down these substances, the bacteria release gaseous compounds. The most notable of these are volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs), such as hydrogen sulfide and methyl mercaptan, which are the primary source of the unpleasant, rotten-egg smell associated with halitosis.
When tartar builds up below the gumline, it can lead to the formation of periodontal pockets, which further trap food particles and bacteria, intensifying the odor. Brushing and mouthwash cannot penetrate the hard, calcified structure of the tartar or reach the bacteria trapped within these pockets. This protection allows the bacteria to continue their metabolic processes undisturbed, making the resulting bad breath difficult or impossible to mask with temporary measures.
Professional Removal and Daily Prevention
Because tartar is a mineralized deposit firmly bonded to the tooth enamel, it must be removed by a dental professional. This process is achieved through a procedure called scaling, which uses specialized instruments to scrape the calculus from the tooth surface, both above and below the gumline. For advanced cases involving gum disease, the deep cleaning may require scaling and root planing, which involves smoothing the tooth roots to remove bacterial toxins and prevent future reattachment.
Preventing tartar buildup requires consistently removing the soft plaque before it has a chance to mineralize. This requires a rigorous daily oral hygiene routine, beginning with brushing twice a day for two minutes each time, using a soft-bristled brush and a fluoride toothpaste. Flossing once a day is equally important, as it removes plaque from between the teeth and along the gumline where a toothbrush cannot reach.
Using an anti-plaque or tartar-control mouthwash can also help manage the bacterial load and slow the mineralization process. Limiting the consumption of sugary and starchy foods provides the fuel source for the odor-producing bacteria. Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings are necessary to remove any accumulated plaque or tartar.