Tartar, also known as dental calculus, is a hard deposit that forms on the surface of your teeth. It results from unremoved dental plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, that has hardened over time. Tartar creates a rough surface, making it easier for more bacteria to accumulate and increasing the risk of oral health complications.
Identifying Tartar: Appearance and Common Locations
Tartar is a rough, hard substance distinctly visible on the teeth, unlike the nearly invisible film of plaque. Its color often ranges from yellow to brown, but it can appear off-white or dark gray if stained by coffee, tea, or tobacco use. Its texture is crusty and uneven, sometimes felt as a hard bump or ridge.
The most common area for these deposits to form is along the gum line, both above and below the tissue, where plaque collects. It frequently appears on the inner surfaces of the lower front teeth and the cheek-facing surfaces of the upper molars, areas close to the salivary glands. Once this calcified material bonds to the tooth enamel, brushing or flossing alone cannot remove it.
Plaque Versus Tartar: The Critical Difference
The distinction between plaque and tartar lies primarily in their composition and removability. Plaque is a soft, sticky bacterial film that develops constantly on teeth. It is composed of bacteria, food particles, and saliva, which can be effectively removed with daily oral hygiene practices.
Tartar is the mineralized form of plaque that has hardened into a solid deposit. This transformation occurs when plaque absorbs minerals like calcium and phosphate from saliva, a process that can begin within 24 to 72 hours. Because tartar adheres firmly to the tooth surface, it requires specialized tools and professional intervention for removal.
Preventing Tartar Buildup
Since tartar cannot be addressed at home, prevention focuses entirely on the consistent removal of plaque. Brushing your teeth twice a day for two full minutes using a fluoride toothpaste is a fundamental defense. This mechanical action disrupts the bacterial film before it has the chance to harden.
Flossing once daily is equally important, as it targets the spaces between teeth and beneath the gum line where a toothbrush cannot reach. Using an antibacterial mouthwash can also help reduce the bacteria that contribute to plaque formation. If tartar is neglected, it can lead to gingivitis and progress to more serious conditions like periodontitis.
Regular professional dental cleanings, typically every six months, are necessary to remove existing tartar buildup. During this appointment, a hygienist uses specialized instruments, such as scalers, to safely scrape the hardened deposits from the tooth and root surfaces. Professional scaling is the only way to eliminate calculus and maintain a clean foundation for daily oral care.