Dental calculus, commonly known as tartar, is a hardened mineral deposit that forms when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, is not removed effectively. Tartar creates a rough surface that encourages further bacterial accumulation, leading to serious oral health issues. Existing tartar requires professional intervention. Understanding the nature of tartar and its precursor is the first step toward effective prevention.
Distinction Between Plaque and Tartar
Plaque is a soft, colorless biofilm composed of bacteria, food particles, and salivary proteins that constantly forms on the teeth. This sticky film is removed easily through proper daily brushing and flossing. If left undisturbed, the bacteria produce acids that can lead to tooth decay and gum inflammation, known as gingivitis.
The transformation from manageable plaque to hardened tartar, or calculus, happens through calcification. Minerals naturally present in saliva, primarily calcium and phosphate, begin to absorb into the plaque matrix. This mineralization can start quickly, sometimes in as little as 24 to 72 hours if the plaque is not removed.
Once this process is complete, the resulting tartar is a hard, crusty, and porous deposit that is firmly bonded to the tooth enamel. Unlike soft plaque, tartar cannot be scraped off or dissolved by a toothbrush, floss, or any over-the-counter product. Professional dental tools are necessary to physically break this mineral bond without damaging the underlying tooth structure.
Professional Removal Methods
The definitive way to remove existing tartar is through scaling, a process performed by a dentist or dental hygienist. This procedure mechanically dislodges calcified deposits from both above and below the gumline. It requires precision tools designed to fracture the hard mineral buildup.
One primary tool is the ultrasonic scaler, which uses high-frequency vibrations to shatter the large deposits of tartar. This action is combined with a stream of water that flushes away the debris and cools the instrument tip. Manual instruments, such as specialized curettes and sickle scalers, are then used to remove any remaining fine particles and access deeper areas.
Curettes are important for subgingival scaling, which involves cleaning the root surfaces below the gumline where tartar often accumulates. If tartar is present deep within gum pockets, a more intensive cleaning called root planing is performed to smooth the root surface. This smoothing action discourages new bacterial adhesion and promotes the reattachment of the gum tissue. Regular professional cleanings, typically recommended every six months, are the only safe and effective way to manage and remove tartar buildup.
Daily Steps for Prevention
Since existing tartar requires professional removal, daily care focuses on preventing plaque from calcifying. Effective home care starts with proper brushing technique for two minutes, twice a day, using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Electric toothbrushes are effective in reducing plaque and preventing tartar formation.
Flossing once a day is equally important, as it removes plaque from the interdental spaces and along the gumline that a toothbrush cannot reach. Anti-tartar toothpastes can also be beneficial, as they contain ingredients that interfere with the mineralization process. Specific compounds like pyrophosphates and zinc citrate work to prevent minerals from the saliva from hardening the plaque.
Using an antiseptic or anti-plaque mouthwash daily can help control the bacterial population in the mouth, further reducing the amount of plaque available to turn into tartar. Dietary choices also play a role; limiting sugary and starchy foods reduces the fuel source for the bacteria that form plaque. Consistent daily habits are the main defense against the formation of new mineral deposits.
Consequences of Ignoring Tartar Buildup
Ignoring tartar buildup has serious health implications because the rough, porous surface serves as an anchor for more plaque bacteria. This accumulation near the gumline leads to chronic inflammation, the hallmark of gingivitis. Gingivitis is characterized by red, swollen gums that bleed easily, but it is typically reversible with professional cleaning and improved hygiene.
If left untreated, gingivitis progresses to periodontitis, a more advanced form of gum disease. In periodontitis, the chronic inflammation causes the gums to pull away from the teeth, forming deep pockets that become infected. The body’s immune response to this deep-seated infection begins to break down the underlying bone and connective tissue supporting the teeth.
This destruction of the supporting structures leads to receding gums, progressive bone loss, and increased tooth mobility. Ultimately, untreated periodontitis is the leading cause of adult tooth loss. Regular professional removal is necessary to avoid this destructive cycle of inflammation and tissue loss.