Tartar, also known as dental calculus, is strongly associated with halitosis, the medical term for chronic bad breath. While the hardened deposits themselves are mineralized and largely odorless, their rough, porous surfaces provide an ideal habitat for odor-producing bacteria to thrive. Eliminating the tartar is therefore a necessary step in effectively treating the resulting persistent and foul odor.
What is Tartar and How is it Formed
Tartar is essentially plaque that has hardened on the tooth surface due to a process called mineralization. Plaque is a soft, sticky film composed primarily of bacteria, food particles, and proteins from saliva that constantly forms on the teeth. This biofilm can be easily removed through daily brushing and flossing.
If plaque is not removed consistently, it begins to absorb minerals from saliva, specifically calcium and phosphate. This chemical absorption causes the plaque to solidify into a hard, cement-like deposit called calculus or tartar. Mineralization can begin within 24 to 72 hours, with the deposit reaching maximum hardness around 12 to 14 days.
Once formed, tartar bonds firmly to the tooth enamel and root surfaces. Because of its hardened composition, tartar cannot be removed by regular at-home oral hygiene methods. The presence of tartar creates a rough, irregular surface that encourages even more plaque to accumulate, accelerating the cycle of build-up.
Why Tartar Causes Bad Breath
Tartar is not the source of the foul smell because it is a mineralized substance. Instead, the hardened, porous structure acts like a scaffold, providing a perfect environment for new colonies of odor-causing bacteria to multiply. These bacteria thrive in the protected crevices, especially below the gumline where oxygen levels are low.
The malodor is produced by anaerobic bacteria that metabolize proteins and amino acids found within the tartar matrix. As a waste product, the bacteria release gaseous compounds known as Volatile Sulfur Compounds (VSCs). These VSCs include hydrogen sulfide, which smells like rotten eggs, and methyl mercaptan, which has a pungent odor.
The accumulation of tartar often leads to gingivitis and eventually periodontitis. These conditions create deeper periodontal pockets, which are ideal, oxygen-deprived shelters for VSC-producing bacteria. Since tartar prevents effective cleaning, the constant production of VSCs leads to persistent halitosis that cannot be solved by mouthwash or breath mints.
Removing and Preventing Tartar Build-up
Since tartar is firmly bonded to the tooth surface, it requires professional intervention for complete removal. The procedure used to scrape off these hardened deposits is known as scaling and root planing, often called a deep cleaning. Scaling involves using specialized instruments, such as ultrasonic tools, to remove tartar and bacteria from the tooth surfaces both above and below the gumline.
Root planing follows scaling, and its purpose is to smooth the surfaces of the tooth roots. This smoothing makes it more difficult for new bacteria and plaque to adhere, helping the gum tissue reattach to the tooth surface.
Preventing future tartar formation relies entirely on meticulous daily plaque removal before mineralization can occur. This requires brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between the teeth once a day with floss or interdental brushes. Consistent interdental cleaning is important because plaque often accumulates in these hard-to-reach spaces, and if left undisturbed, it will harden into new calculus.