Dental calculus, commonly known as tartar, is a hard deposit that forms when soft bacterial plaque is not removed effectively from the tooth surface. Once plaque mineralizes into calculus, it adheres firmly to the enamel and cannot be removed through routine brushing and flossing. Understanding the nature of this hardened substance is key to managing its presence.
Understanding Tartar and Its Formation
Tartar, or dental calculus, is a hardened form of dental plaque that accumulates on the teeth and along the gum line. Plaque is a sticky, colorless biofilm composed primarily of bacteria and food particles. If this film remains on the teeth, it begins to absorb minerals from saliva, transforming into a rough, calcified deposit.
This hardening can begin in as little as 24 to 72 hours, but significant calculus formation typically takes 10 to 12 days. Tartar tends to form most quickly near the salivary gland ducts, commonly appearing on the inner surface of the lower front teeth and the outer surfaces of the upper molars.
Why At-Home Removal Is Not Recommended
Since hardened tartar is chemically bonded to the tooth enamel and dentin, it is impossible to remove safely using non-professional methods. Attempting to scrape off calculus at home with sharp objects, such as metal dental picks, carries risks. Improper use of these instruments can cause irreversible damage by scratching or chipping the tooth enamel, making the tooth susceptible to decay and sensitivity.
Using sharp implements also poses a threat to the soft tissues of the mouth. You risk lacerating the delicate gum tissue, which can lead to inflammation, infection, or permanent gum recession. Furthermore, an untrained person may inadvertently push the calculus deeper beneath the gum line, where it can accelerate gum disease. Professional dental hygienists undergo training to use specialized tools safely and effectively.
Professional Methods for Removing Hardened Tartar
The removal of hardened tartar requires specialized clinical procedures performed by a dental professional. The primary method used is scaling, which targets the removal of calculus both above and below the gum line. Dental professionals typically use a combination of ultrasonic instruments and specialized manual tools for this procedure.
An ultrasonic scaler uses a rapidly vibrating metal tip and a fine spray of water to shatter calculus deposits from the tooth surface. The water spray flushes away the debris and keeps the working area cool. Following this, manual instruments, such as curettes and hand scalers, are used for precision work and detailed removal, especially in hard-to-reach areas.
If tartar has extended deep below the gum line, root planing is performed after scaling. Root planing involves smoothing the rough surfaces of the tooth roots. This action discourages bacteria and new plaque from reattaching, allowing the gum tissue to heal and potentially reattach to the cleaner root surface. For comfort during these deep-cleaning procedures, a local anesthetic is often administered.
Strategies for Preventing Future Buildup
Preventing the accumulation of soft plaque is the most effective way to stop it from mineralizing into hard tartar. Brushing should be performed twice daily for two minutes using a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean all tooth surfaces. Daily flossing or the use of an interdental cleaner is necessary to disrupt plaque in the tight spaces a toothbrush cannot reach.
Using a tartar-control toothpaste provides a chemical advantage against mineralization. These specialized pastes often contain active ingredients like pyrophosphates or zinc citrate. Pyrophosphates work by binding to ions in saliva, which inhibits their ability to crystallize and harden the plaque. Additionally, limiting the consumption of sugary and starchy foods reduces the fuel source oral bacteria need to create the sticky plaque biofilm.