Tartar, a hard, crust-like substance that clings to teeth, is a common concern. The definitive answer to whether you can remove existing tartar at home is no. Once this hardened deposit forms, a toothbrush cannot remove it. This substance, also known as dental calculus, requires professional intervention to be safely and effectively detached from the tooth surface. Understanding the difference between soft dental film and the hard deposit it becomes is key to focusing on preventative measures.
Understanding Plaque and Tartar
The process begins with plaque, a soft, sticky, and colorless film that constantly forms on the teeth. This film is a community of bacteria, food particles, and saliva, which produces acids that can erode tooth enamel. Plaque can be removed easily through routine brushing and flossing, often developing within hours of a cleaning.
If plaque is not removed within 24 to 72 hours, it begins to mineralize. Minerals present in saliva, such as calcium phosphate, are absorbed into the plaque biofilm, causing it to harden and form tartar. This chemical transformation makes tartar an entirely different substance from plaque, bonding strongly to the enamel. The resulting tartar is a rough, porous deposit that encourages more plaque accumulation, creating a cycle of buildup.
The Limits of At-Home Removal
The primary reason hardened tartar cannot be removed at home is its strong mechanical bond to the tooth enamel. Tartar is a mineralized deposit that is resistant to being broken up by regular brushing, flossing, or over-the-counter mouthwashes. Any attempt to scrape it off with sharp objects, like those found in some DIY dental kits, is highly dangerous.
Using metal tools or dental picks at home often results in micro-scratches on the tooth enamel, making the surface rougher and more susceptible to future buildup. Improper scraping can easily injure the gum tissue, leading to recession, bleeding, and an increased risk of infection. Dental professionals use specialized tools, such as ultrasonic scalers that vibrate at high speeds to safely fracture the tartar, followed by hand instruments to smooth the tooth surface. Home remedies, like vinegar or baking soda, are ineffective at removing established tartar and risk damaging the tooth or gums.
Effective Strategies for Preventing Tartar Buildup
Since removal is limited to the dental office, the focus at home must be preventing plaque from mineralizing into tartar. Consistent brushing is the foundation of prevention, requiring two full minutes, twice daily, using a fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride strengthens the enamel and helps combat the acid produced by plaque bacteria. Electric toothbrushes are often more effective at removing plaque than manual brushes due to their consistent motion.
Daily flossing is an equally important step because a toothbrush cannot reach the plaque that accumulates between the teeth and just beneath the gumline. Removing this interdental plaque is important, as these are the areas most susceptible to tartar formation. Using a therapeutic mouthwash that contains either fluoride or antiseptic agents can provide an extra layer of protection by reducing the bacteria that form plaque.
Dietary choices play a significant role in plaque accumulation and subsequent tartar formation. Limiting the intake of sugary and starchy foods and drinks is beneficial because mouth bacteria thrive on these carbohydrates. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps wash away food particles and neutralize some of the acid produced by plaque. These daily habits minimize the formation of new tartar between professional cleanings.
The Risks of Ignoring Tartar
Allowing tartar to accumulate has serious consequences that extend beyond cosmetic issues. The rough, porous surface of tartar attracts more plaque, creating a persistent area of high bacterial concentration. This bacterial presence irritates the gum tissue, leading to gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease, characterized by inflammation, redness, and bleeding gums.
If gingivitis is not addressed by removing the tartar, the condition can progress to periodontitis. This more severe form of gum disease causes the gums to pull away from the tooth, creating pockets where bacteria flourish and destroy the bone and tissues supporting the teeth. Untreated periodontitis can eventually lead to teeth loosening and tooth loss. Furthermore, chronic inflammation associated with severe gum disease has been linked to systemic health concerns, including cardiovascular issues.