Tartar, also known as dental calculus, is hardened dental plaque that adheres firmly to the tooth surface. This deposit forms when the soft, sticky film of bacteria (plaque) is not consistently removed through daily cleaning. If left in place, plaque absorbs minerals from saliva, primarily calcium and phosphate, and begins to calcify into a rough, cement-like deposit within 24 to 72 hours. Tartar’s rough surface creates an ideal environment for more plaque to accumulate, accelerating oral health problems. This buildup causes irritation to the gum tissues (gingivitis), which can progress to more severe gum disease like periodontitis if not addressed.
Understanding Tartar and the Limitations of Home Removal
Tartar’s formation is a process of mineralization, where soft plaque becomes an immovable, crystalline structure firmly bonded to the tooth enamel. This mineralized nature is precisely why hardened tartar cannot be effectively or safely removed by standard at-home oral hygiene practices like brushing and flossing. Once the plaque has fully calcified into calculus, it requires professional tools and techniques to dislodge it from the tooth surface.
The notion of home removal often leads to risky, do-it-yourself methods, such as using sharp metal dental picks or abrasive mixtures. Attempting to scrape the hard deposit with a dental scaler or any sharp object available at home poses a high risk of injury. Improper use can severely damage the delicate gum tissue, potentially causing trauma that leads to gum recession and exposure of the sensitive tooth roots.
Furthermore, using excessive force or abrasive substances can permanently scratch or erode the protective enamel layer of the teeth. Enamel is not capable of regeneration, and damage to this outer surface leaves the tooth vulnerable to decay and sensitivity. Non-professional scraping may also inadvertently push the tartar further beneath the gumline, trapping bacteria and worsening periodontal disease. Only a trained dental professional can safely remove this hardened material without causing harm to the surrounding oral structures.
Professional Dental Scaling Procedures
The removal of existing dental calculus is achieved through professional scaling, performed by a dentist or dental hygienist using specialized instruments. This process eliminates both supragingival tartar (above the gumline) and the more problematic subgingival tartar (within the gum pockets). Primary methods include both manual and advanced power-driven instrumentation.
Manual scaling uses hand tools like curettes and sickle scalers, which are designed with sharp edges to meticulously scrape the deposits from the tooth surface and just below the gumline. This technique relies on the clinician’s tactile sense to feel the rough deposits on the tooth root. Manual scaling remains highly effective, particularly for fine-tuning after bulk removal or in areas requiring enhanced precision.
The modern standard often incorporates ultrasonic scaling, which uses a handheld device with a tip that vibrates at a very high frequency. These rapid vibrations generate microscopic shockwaves that effectively shatter the hard calculus deposits. Simultaneously, the ultrasonic tip emits a fine stream of water (lavage) to flush away fragmented debris and keep the tooth surface cool.
In cases where tartar has extended significantly below the gumline and deeper pockets have formed, a procedure called root planing is necessary. Root planing involves smoothing the root surfaces after the calculus has been removed, which eliminates remnants of tartar and bacterial toxins. This smoothing step discourages future bacterial accumulation, promoting the reattachment of the gum tissue to the clean tooth root surface.
Strategies for Preventing Future Tartar Formation
Preventing new tartar formation relies on consistently disrupting soft plaque before it fully mineralizes. Effective oral hygiene starts with precise brushing, using a soft-bristled toothbrush for a minimum of two minutes, twice daily. The brush should be held at a 45-degree angle to the gums, using gentle, circular strokes to clean the tooth surfaces and the gumline simultaneously.
Daily flossing is equally important, as a toothbrush cannot effectively reach the tight spaces between teeth or below the gumline where plaque accumulates. Using traditional dental floss, an interdental brush, or a water flosser once a day removes the interproximal plaque that is a precursor to tartar. Missing this step allows calcification to begin.
The selection of toothpaste can aid in prevention by delaying plaque calcification. Anti-tartar toothpastes often contain active compounds such as pyrophosphates or zinc citrate. Pyrophosphates inhibit the crystallization process, keeping deposits softer and easier to remove with brushing. Zinc citrate interferes with bacterial growth and reduces plaque mineralization.
Finally, dietary choices play a role in limiting the raw material for plaque growth. The bacteria in the mouth thrive on fermentable carbohydrates, specifically starches and sugars. Reducing the frequency of consuming these items, along with drinking plenty of water, helps to limit the acidic environment and wash away food particles, thereby slowing the rate of mineralization.