Tartar, or dental calculus, is hardened dental plaque that firmly bonds to the surfaces of teeth. Plaque is a soft, sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms in the mouth; tartar is the mineralized deposit that results when plaque is left undisturbed. The speed of this transformation is highly variable among individuals, making the timeline for significant buildup unpredictable. Understanding the difference is key, as only plaque can be removed through simple daily habits.
The Initial Stage: Plaque Formation
Dental plaque is a biofilm of bacteria, food particles, and proteins from saliva that adheres to the tooth surface. This accumulation begins almost immediately after brushing, with a new layer forming within minutes to a few hours. The bacteria feed on sugars and carbohydrates, producing acids that erode tooth enamel and cause cavities. Plaque is a soft substance, and its formation is a natural, ongoing process. This film can be effectively eliminated every day through proper brushing and flossing techniques.
The Critical Timeline: Plaque Mineralization into Tartar
The issue arises when soft plaque is not completely removed, allowing it to remain on the teeth and along the gumline. Plaque begins to harden through mineralization, where calcium and phosphate minerals from saliva deposit into the biofilm. This calcification can start quickly, with plaque beginning to turn into a cement-like substance within 24 to 72 hours of being left undisturbed. If left untouched, the plaque becomes firmly established as tartar (calculus), a hard, porous deposit typically visible as a yellow or brownish crust near the gums. Once mineralized, this substance is strongly bonded to the tooth enamel and cannot be removed by a toothbrush, floss, or any other at-home dental tool.
Individual Factors That Influence Speed
Individual biological factors significantly accelerate or slow down the mineralization process. The composition of a person’s saliva is a primary factor, as saliva with a higher concentration of calcium and phosphate minerals can speed up the calcification of plaque. Some individuals simply have a body chemistry that favors rapid, heavy tartar formation.
Diet and Snacking
Dietary habits also play a substantial role, as a diet high in sugars and simple carbohydrates fuels the growth of plaque bacteria. Frequent snacking leads to more acid production and a thicker plaque layer, increasing the material available for hardening.
Oral Hygiene
The most controllable factor is the consistency and effectiveness of one’s oral hygiene routine. Inadequate brushing and flossing leaves more plaque in place, directly shortening the time it takes for mineralization to occur.
The Necessity of Professional Removal
Tartar is problematic because its rough, porous surface makes it an ideal trap for attracting and holding even more new plaque, creating a cycle of escalating buildup. This accumulation irritates the gum tissues, which is the initial stage of gum disease known as gingivitis, characterized by inflammation and bleeding. If the tartar extends below the gumline, it can lead to a more severe condition called periodontitis, which involves the destruction of the bone supporting the teeth.
Because tartar is a calcified deposit bonded firmly to the tooth surface, it is impossible to remove safely at home without damaging the enamel or gums. The only effective treatment is a professional dental cleaning, where a hygienist or dentist uses specialized instruments, such as manual scalers or ultrasonic tools, to carefully scrape the deposit away. The speed at which an individual builds up tartar is often used to determine the recommended frequency of professional cleanings. While many people maintain healthy teeth with a cleaning every six months, those who experience rapid buildup may require more frequent visits, such as every three to four months, to keep their mouth healthy.