Dental calculus, commonly known as tartar, is a hardened deposit on the teeth that originates from mineralized dental plaque. When this buildup takes on a dark or black coloration, it signals a more advanced stage of mineralization and long-term presence. This dark calculus adheres firmly to the tooth surface and often extends below the gum line, indicating a significant oral health concern. Because of its density and location, this condition cannot be resolved with home care and requires specialized intervention from a dental professional.
Understanding Black Tartar
Tartar forms when the soft, sticky film of bacteria known as plaque is not removed effectively and absorbs minerals from saliva, typically calcium phosphate. This calcification turns the soft deposit into a rock-hard substance. Initially, tartar is usually yellow or white, but it darkens over time due to various factors.
The black appearance is a sign of advanced staining and often indicates subgingival presence, meaning it has formed below the gum line. In this deeper location, the tartar comes into contact with blood from inflamed or bleeding gum tissue, a common sign of gum disease. The iron pigments in the blood mix with the tartar, causing the deposit to turn a dark brown or black color. External factors like heavy tobacco use or frequent consumption of highly staining beverages such as coffee and red wine also contribute significantly to the dark color.
Why Home Removal Is Dangerous
It may be tempting to use commercial scraping tools or abrasive home remedies to tackle the visible dark deposits. However, hardened black tartar bonds tenaciously to the tooth surface, making these do-it-yourself methods ineffective and harmful. Attempting to scrape the deposits with non-sterile or improperly designed metal instruments can cause permanent damage to the protective layer of tooth enamel. Scratching the enamel creates rough surfaces, which encourage plaque and new tartar to accumulate even faster.
Moreover, the sharp edges of household tools can easily lacerate the delicate gum tissue, leading to painful cuts and swelling. Injuring the gums introduces a risk of localized infection and can even push the calculus deeper into the periodontal pocket, worsening underlying gum disease. This action can accelerate gum recession, where the gum tissue pulls away from the tooth, exposing the sensitive root surface. Because much of the harmful black tartar is located out of sight beneath the gums, home attempts only address the surface appearance and fail to remove the deposits that are driving the disease process.
Professional Cleaning and Deep Scaling
The only safe and effective way to remove firmly attached black tartar is through professional dental cleaning procedures. For significant buildup, particularly the dark deposits below the gum line, a treatment called scaling and root planing (SRP) is required. This non-surgical, deep cleaning procedure specifically targets the entire root surface.
The initial step, scaling, involves the hygienist or dentist using specialized instruments to meticulously dislodge the hardened calculus from both the crown and the root surfaces. Ultrasonic scalers, which employ high-frequency vibrations and a water spray, efficiently fracture the dense tartar deposits. Hand instruments called curettes and sickles are then used to ensure the tooth surface is completely clean and smooth.
The second part of the procedure, root planing, involves smoothing the exposed root surfaces after the calculus is removed. This smoothing eliminates rough areas where bacteria and new plaque can easily attach, encouraging the gum tissue to reattach more firmly to the clean tooth. Because this deep cleaning addresses advanced periodontal disease, a local anesthetic is often administered to ensure patient comfort during the procedure.
Preventing Recurrence
After professional removal, a focused and consistent home care regimen is necessary to prevent the recurrence of black tartar. Daily plaque removal is paramount, as new plaque can begin to mineralize and harden into tartar in as little as 24 to 72 hours. Brushing twice a day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste is foundational, and using an electric toothbrush can offer superior plaque removal compared to a manual brush.
Daily interdental cleaning with floss, interdental brushes, or a water flosser is important to remove the plaque that accumulates between teeth and along the gum line. Using an antimicrobial or antiseptic mouthwash can further reduce the bacterial load, slowing down plaque formation. Lifestyle modifications are also advised, including minimizing or quitting tobacco use and limiting the consumption of highly staining food and drinks. Individuals prone to rapid tartar formation or those who have undergone deep scaling often require more frequent professional maintenance visits, typically scheduled every three to four months, rather than the standard six-month interval.