Tartar, also known as calculus, is a hardened form of dental plaque that has been left undisturbed on the surface of the teeth. Unlike soft plaque, tartar is a calcified deposit that cannot be removed with a toothbrush or dental floss. The damage caused by tartar is not immediate but stems from its permanence and its ability to act as a rough surface that continuously harbors new bacteria. Understanding the timeline for this transformation is important because the speed at which this process occurs is highly variable among individuals, influenced by factors like diet, oral hygiene, and the chemical makeup of saliva.
The Initial Threat: Plaque Formation
The process of tooth damage begins with the formation of dental plaque, which starts after the consumption of food or drinks. Plaque is a complex, sticky biofilm composed of bacteria, food particles, and saliva components. These bacteria feed on sugars and starches, releasing acids as a byproduct.
This acidic environment is the first line of attack against the tooth’s hard outer layer. The acid released by the plaque bacteria begins to weaken and erode the enamel, the protective mineralized surface of the tooth. If plaque is not removed, it grows thicker and spreads along the gum line and into the spaces between teeth.
The Critical Timeline: Plaque Hardening into Tartar
If soft plaque is not completely removed, it begins a process called mineralization, which transforms it into the hard, damaging substance known as tartar. This hardening process is driven by the absorption of calcium and phosphate ions from saliva. The initial stages of mineralization begin within 24 to 72 hours of plaque formation.
During this 24 to 72-hour window, plaque becomes noticeably harder, making it significantly more difficult to remove with routine home care. However, the full calcification process takes longer, with a complete, highly mineralized deposit forming within 10 to 12 days if left totally undisturbed. Individual factors, such as a higher pH level or a greater concentration of calcium in a person’s saliva, can accelerate this hardening process.
How Tartar Causes Long-Term Damage
Once tartar has formed, it poses a long-term threat to the entire supporting structure of the tooth. Tartar is porous and rough, creating an anchor point where new plaque can easily attach and multiply. Because a toothbrush and floss cannot remove it, this rough surface ensures a constant, high concentration of acid-producing bacteria near the gums.
The presence of tartar near the gum line irritates the gum tissue, which leads to inflammation known as gingivitis. Left untreated, this inflammation progresses to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease characterized by the gums pulling away from the tooth. This recession creates pockets between the tooth and gum, which become infected and allow bacteria to access the tooth’s root and the underlying jawbone. The result is the loss of the bone that holds the teeth in place, which is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
Managing Existing Tartar and Preventing Recurrence
Once plaque has fully mineralized into tartar, it cannot be removed through home care methods. Tartar is firmly attached to the tooth surface and requires specialized tools used only by a dental professional. A process called scaling involves scraping the hardened deposits from the tooth surface, often above and below the gum line.
Prevention focuses on disrupting the plaque formation cycle before it can mineralize. This means consistently removing the soft plaque film through brushing twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste and flossing once a day. Certain toothpastes are formulated with chemicals designed to inhibit the mineralization process and slow the rate at which plaque hardens. Regular professional cleanings, typically every six months, are necessary to remove any tartar buildup that home efforts may have missed.