Tartar buildup on teeth is a common oral health concern, manifesting as a hardened deposit on tooth surfaces. This substance, also known as dental calculus, can affect the appearance of teeth and contribute to various dental problems. Understanding how tartar forms is important for maintaining good oral hygiene and preventing its accumulation.
Understanding Plaque and Tartar
Dental plaque is a soft, sticky film composed of bacteria, food particles, and saliva that constantly forms on teeth. This film is often colorless or pale yellow and can be felt as a “fuzzy” sensation on the teeth. Plaque contains millions of bacteria that feed on sugars from food and drinks, producing acids that can harm tooth enamel. If not removed regularly through brushing and flossing, plaque can lead to various dental issues.
Tartar, also called dental calculus, is the hardened form of this dental plaque. It develops when plaque is not removed and minerals from saliva become incorporated into the sticky film, causing it to solidify. Unlike soft plaque, which can be removed with routine brushing and flossing, tartar is a hard, calcified deposit that strongly adheres to the tooth enamel. Professional dental tools are required to remove tartar once it has formed.
The Mineralization Process
The transformation of soft plaque into hard tartar involves a process called mineralization or calcification. When plaque remains on tooth surfaces for an extended period, typically within 24 to 72 hours, minerals present in saliva begin to deposit into the plaque biofilm. These minerals primarily include calcium and phosphate, which are naturally found in saliva.
As calcium and phosphate ions precipitate into the plaque, they cause it to harden into a rough, porous substance. The longer plaque is left undisturbed on the teeth, the more minerals accumulate, leading to a firmer and more stubborn tartar deposit.
Contributing Factors
Several elements can influence the rate and extent of tartar buildup beyond the fundamental mineralization process. Inadequate oral hygiene habits are a primary factor, as insufficient brushing and flossing allow plaque to remain on teeth long enough to harden into tartar. Plaque can easily accumulate in hard-to-reach areas, such as between teeth and along the gumline, if not thoroughly cleaned.
Diet also plays a role, with frequent consumption of sugary and starchy foods providing an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive and produce acids that contribute to plaque formation. The composition of an individual’s saliva can influence tartar formation, as higher concentrations of minerals can accelerate the mineralization process. Genetics can also affect susceptibility, making some individuals naturally more prone to tartar accumulation.
Smoking and other tobacco product use increase the risk of tartar buildup by affecting saliva flow and composition. Age is another factor, as tartar tends to accumulate more over time, with older individuals often experiencing increased buildup. Crooked or crowded teeth can create more areas where plaque can hide and become difficult to clean effectively, thereby increasing the likelihood of tartar formation.
Impact on Oral Health
Leaving tartar untreated can lead to various negative consequences for oral health. One impact is the development of gum disease, starting with gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums. Tartar irritates the gum tissues, causing them to become red, swollen, and prone to bleeding. If gingivitis progresses, it can lead to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease that involves the destruction of bone and supporting tissues around the teeth, potentially resulting in tooth loss.
Tartar also contributes to the risk of cavities. Its rough surface provides an ideal environment for more plaque to adhere, and the bacteria within plaque produce acids that erode tooth enamel, leading to cavity formation. Tartar buildup can also cause bad breath, known as halitosis. Bacteria trapped within the porous tartar produce foul-smelling compounds, and if tartar forms below the gumline, it can create pockets that trap food and bacteria, exacerbating bad breath.
From a cosmetic perspective, tartar can lead to yellow or brown stains on teeth, impacting the smile’s appearance. The porous nature of tartar allows it to absorb stains easily from foods and beverages.