Dental plaque is a sticky film of bacteria and food debris that constantly forms on the teeth and can be removed through daily brushing and flossing. If this film is not thoroughly removed, it begins to mineralize, typically within 24 to 72 hours, resulting in a hard, porous deposit known as tartar or dental calculus. Unlike plaque, this hardened substance bonds firmly to the tooth enamel and cannot be removed with a toothbrush or floss alone. Attempting to remove this calculus at home is unsafe and should be avoided. Only trained dental professionals possess the necessary tools and expertise to safely and effectively remove tartar without causing damage to your oral health.
The Serious Risks of Scraping Tartar at Home
Using non-professional tools, such as metal scrapers or sharp instruments purchased online, poses significant danger to the delicate structures of the mouth. The most immediate risk is trauma to the soft gum tissue, resulting in painful lacerations and bleeding. Improper scraping motions often cause gum recession, where the gum line pulls away from the tooth. This exposes the sensitive root surfaces beneath, which can lead to increased tooth sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures.
Attempting to remove tartar yourself can severely compromise the integrity of your tooth enamel. Non-dental metal instruments are not designed for tooth surfaces and can easily scratch or gouge the enamel. These microscopic scratches create rough areas that attract and trap plaque more readily, accelerating the buildup of new calculus. Furthermore, an untrained person is likely to only remove the visible tartar above the gum line, leaving deposits in the more harmful subgingival areas.
Incomplete removal is dangerous because it can push bacteria and calculus deeper into the periodontal pockets. When bacteria are forced below the gum line, the risk of localized infection or abscess formation dramatically increases. Because home tools are rarely sterilized properly, their use introduces foreign bacteria into the mouth. This can exacerbate existing gum inflammation and lead to more serious periodontal disease, often requiring more extensive professional dental treatment.
How Dental Professionals Remove Calculus
Dental professionals employ specialized procedures and instruments to remove calculus while protecting the surrounding oral tissues. The primary method is scaling, which involves removing plaque and calculus from both the crown of the tooth and the root surfaces below the gum line. This technique requires extensive training to ensure the removal is thorough without damaging the tooth structure or the gums.
A hygienist typically begins with an ultrasonic scaler. This device utilizes rapid, high-frequency vibrations combined with a jet of water to break up and flush away large deposits of calculus with minimal pressure. The water spray also helps to cool the tooth and wash away debris and bacteria from the treatment area. Following this, manual instruments like fine curettes and scalers are used to meticulously remove any residual calculus, especially in hard-to-reach areas and deeper pockets.
For patients with more advanced gum disease, a deeper cleaning procedure called root planing is performed after scaling. This involves smoothing the microscopic rough spots on the tooth root surfaces that can harbor bacteria and toxins. The goal of root planing is to create a clean, smooth surface that allows the gum tissue to reattach firmly to the tooth, reducing the depth of the periodontal pockets. Professional visualization, often aided by specific lighting and mirrors, is necessary to ensure complete removal of subgingival deposits, which is impossible with at-home methods.
Effective Strategies for Preventing Tartar Buildup
Since existing tartar requires professional intervention, the most effective strategy for maintaining oral health is preventing plaque from hardening into calculus in the first place. The foundation of prevention is consistent, proper brushing, performed for two minutes, twice a day, using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Utilize a gentle, circular motion to clean all tooth surfaces, paying particular attention to the gum line where plaque accumulates most rapidly.
Daily flossing is the most important step in preventing tartar, as it mechanically removes plaque from between the teeth and beneath the gum line, areas a toothbrush cannot reach. Removing this interdental plaque before it can calcify directly halts tartar formation. Incorporating an anti-calculus toothpaste can provide an additional chemical barrier against mineralization.
These specialized toothpastes contain active ingredients that interfere with the hardening process of plaque. Ingredients like pyrophosphates work by binding to calcium and phosphate ions, preventing them from crystallizing into hard calculus. Zinc compounds, such as zinc citrate, are also effective anti-calculus agents that help to minimize overall plaque formation. Consistent use of these products helps keep the remaining plaque soft and manageable until the next professional cleaning.
Even with meticulous daily hygiene, small amounts of calculus will inevitably form, which is why regular dental check-ups are necessary. For most individuals, a professional cleaning every six months is sufficient to remove newly formed tartar and maintain periodontal health. Your dental professional will determine the appropriate cleaning schedule based on your individual risk factors and rate of calculus buildup.