Tartar, also known as dental calculus, is a common oral health concern. It is a hardened form of dental plaque, a sticky film that constantly forms on teeth. Understanding how tartar develops and accumulates is important for maintaining optimal oral hygiene.
Understanding Tartar
Tartar is dental plaque that has calcified, transforming into a hard, porous deposit adhering firmly to tooth surfaces. Plaque is a soft, sticky biofilm of bacteria, food particles, and salivary proteins that forms on teeth daily. If not removed, plaque absorbs minerals from saliva, leading to its hardening into tartar.
The Tartar Formation Process
Plaque formation begins almost immediately after eating or drinking, as bacteria, food residues, and saliva combine to form a sticky film. This initial biofilm is soft and easily removed with proper brushing and flossing.
If plaque remains undisturbed, it rapidly thickens as bacteria multiply and adhere more firmly. Plaque can start to harden into tartar within 24 to 72 hours if not removed, and for some, as quickly as 12 hours. This mineralization process involves minerals naturally present in saliva.
Once formed, tartar provides a rough surface for more plaque to accumulate, exacerbating buildup. Tartar continues to grow and solidify over days and weeks if not addressed. Unlike plaque, established tartar cannot be removed through routine brushing and flossing and requires professional dental cleaning.
Factors Affecting Tartar Buildup
Various elements influence how quickly and extensively tartar forms. Oral hygiene habits play a significant role, as infrequent or ineffective brushing and flossing allow plaque to remain on teeth, providing ample opportunity for mineralization. A diet rich in sugary and starchy foods also contributes, as these provide fuel for bacteria to produce acids and form plaque.
The composition of an individual’s saliva can influence tartar formation. Some people naturally have saliva with higher concentrations of minerals, which can accelerate the hardening of plaque into tartar. Additionally, conditions that reduce saliva flow, such as dry mouth, can lead to faster plaque development and subsequent tartar formation because saliva’s natural cleansing action is diminished.
Genetics and individual biology also contribute to susceptibility. Inherited traits can influence factors like saliva composition and the oral microbiome, making some individuals more prone to rapid tartar accumulation. Smoking and the use of other tobacco products are known to accelerate tartar formation. Chemicals in tobacco smoke can reduce saliva production and create an environment conducive to bacterial growth and faster plaque hardening.
Strategies for Preventing Tartar
Preventing tartar buildup involves consistent and effective daily oral hygiene practices. Brushing teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste is foundational, as fluoride helps strengthen enamel and combat decay, while proper brushing removes plaque before it hardens. Daily flossing is equally important for removing food particles and plaque from between teeth and along the gumline, areas often missed by brushing alone.
Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings are essential because established tartar cannot be removed at home. Dental professionals use specialized tools to safely and effectively scrape away tartar deposits, typically recommending visits every six months.
Dietary modifications also play a role; limiting sugary and acidic foods and drinks reduces the food source for plaque-forming bacteria. Incorporating specific oral care products can offer additional support. Anti-tartar toothpastes, often containing ingredients like pyrophosphates or zinc citrate, help prevent plaque from calcifying into tartar. Rinsing with an antiseptic or anti-plaque mouthwash can further reduce bacterial growth and help wash away plaque, contributing to overall tartar prevention.