Tartar, also known as dental calculus, is a hard, mineralized deposit that forms on the teeth. Once this hardened substance forms, it establishes a strong bond to the tooth enamel that cannot be dislodged by simple brushing or flossing. Effective and safe removal requires specialized tools and techniques performed by a dental professional. A visit to the dentist or dental hygienist is the only reliable way to eliminate existing tartar.
Plaque and Tartar Understanding the Difference
The distinction between plaque and tartar is based on their physical properties. Plaque is a soft, sticky biofilm composed of bacteria, food particles, and saliva that constantly forms on the tooth surface. It develops quickly and can be removed easily with diligent daily brushing and flossing.
If plaque is not removed within 24 to 72 hours, it begins to absorb minerals from the saliva. This process is called mineralization, which causes the soft plaque to harden into tartar. Tartar is a rough, crusty deposit that typically appears yellowish or brownish and is firmly attached to the teeth.
Why Tartar Cannot Be Removed at Home
Tartar’s hardened nature and strong mechanical bond to the enamel prevent home removal efforts. The mineralization process creates a cement-like substance bonded too strongly for a toothbrush or dental floss to dislodge. Tartar is highly porous, and its rough texture attracts more plaque and bacteria, accelerating the buildup cycle.
Attempting to scrape hardened tartar off at home using sharp objects is ineffective and carries significant risks. Improper scraping can permanently damage the protective tooth enamel, leading to increased sensitivity and decay. Using household tools can also injure the delicate gum tissue, causing bleeding and potentially pushing the calculus further below the gumline, which worsens gum disease.
Professional Tools and Techniques for Removal
Dental professionals utilize specific instruments to safely and thoroughly remove hardened tartar from the teeth. One primary method involves manual scaling, which uses specialized hand instruments such as curettes and scalers. These tools have small, angled tips that allow the hygienist to physically scrape the calculus deposits from above the gumline (supragingival) and from within shallow gum pockets.
Another common technique is ultrasonic scaling, which employs an electronic device with a vibrating tip. This instrument uses high-frequency vibrations to fracture and break up the hard, calcified tartar. Ultrasonic scalers also release a fine spray of water that flushes out debris. For tartar extended deep below the gumline, root planing is often performed to smooth the root surfaces, making it more difficult for new plaque to adhere.
Daily Habits to Prevent Buildup
The most effective strategy against tartar is preventing soft plaque from hardening in the first place through meticulous daily hygiene. Brushing twice a day for a full two minutes each time is foundational, using a soft-bristled brush angled at 45 degrees toward the gum line to target plaque accumulation. Utilizing a fluoride toothpaste is highly recommended, as fluoride helps to strengthen tooth enamel and inhibit the mineralization process that creates tartar.
Flossing or using an interdental cleaner once a day is equally important, as it removes plaque and food debris from between the teeth and just beneath the gum line where a toothbrush cannot reach. These interdental areas are common sites for plaque to accumulate and quickly calcify into tartar. Limiting the intake of sugary and starchy foods is also beneficial, as these provide the fuel for the bacteria in the mouth to create the acids that form plaque.