Dental plaque is a sticky, colorless or pale-yellow film of bacteria that constantly forms on the surface of your teeth and along the gumline. This bacterial biofilm feeds on sugars and starches from food, producing acids that erode tooth enamel and irritate the gums. While maintaining a healthy mouth requires consistent effort at home, the ability to remove buildup depends entirely on the material’s state. Certain forms of buildup require professional intervention to prevent serious dental disease.
Understanding the Two Types of Buildup
The two types of material that accumulate on teeth are plaque and tartar, also known as calculus. Plaque is the soft, initial layer composed primarily of bacteria, food particles, and saliva. Because of its soft consistency, plaque can be effectively removed through mechanical action, such as brushing and flossing.
If soft plaque is not removed regularly, it begins to mineralize by trapping calcium and other minerals from saliva. This process can start quickly, transforming the soft film into a hard, crusty deposit called tartar or calculus. Unlike plaque, tartar is firmly bonded to the tooth surface and cannot be removed by standard brushing or flossing at home.
Daily Removal Strategies
Daily oral hygiene is effective for removing soft dental plaque before it hardens into tartar. Proper brushing involves using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day for a minimum of two minutes. The brush should be held at a 45-degree angle to the gumline, using gentle strokes or small circular motions to clean all tooth surfaces.
Flossing once a day is important because a toothbrush cannot reach the tight spaces between teeth or below the gumline. To floss correctly, use about 18 inches of floss, curving it into a “C” shape against the tooth and gently sliding it beneath the gumline. This action removes plaque from areas where it is most likely to cause inflammation. Mouthwash can supplement brushing and flossing, often containing antibacterial agents that reduce plaque.
Why Hardened Buildup Requires Professional Help
Once plaque has calcified into tartar, it becomes a rough, porous substance strongly adhered to the tooth enamel. This hardened material can only be safely and completely removed by a dental professional, such as a dentist or a dental hygienist. The procedure used is called dental scaling, a deep cleaning that targets deposits both above and below the gumline.
Scaling utilizes specialized instruments, including manual curettes and ultrasonic devices. Ultrasonic scalers use rapid vibrations and a water spray to break up the hard calculus deposits. In cases of advanced gum disease, scaling is often accompanied by root planing, which involves smoothing the tooth root surfaces to prevent further bacterial accumulation. These procedures require professional training to avoid damaging the gum tissue or the tooth surface itself.
The Dangers of At-Home Scraping
The temptation to use metal picks, scalers, or other instruments marketed for at-home tartar removal should be avoided due to significant risks. These specialized tools are sharp and require extensive training to use safely within the mouth. Attempting to scrape off hardened calculus can lead to severe trauma to the gum tissue, causing painful cuts, gum recession, and exposing sensitive tooth roots.
Improper scraping can also permanently scratch the tooth enamel, creating rough spots where new plaque can more easily adhere. A primary risk is accidentally pushing the tartar further under the gumline, which can lead to localized infection, such as a gum abscess. Professional dental visits remain the only safe and effective way to remove mineralized deposits.