Tartar is a hardened deposit that forms on teeth when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, accumulates and mineralizes. It adheres firmly to the tooth surface. Understanding its appearance helps in identifying its presence and seeking professional dental care.
Key Visual Indicators of Tartar
Tartar can appear in various shades, from off-white or yellow to brown or black. Lighter colors indicate newly formed tartar that has not yet absorbed stains from food, drinks, or tobacco. Over time, and with exposure to staining agents, tartar darkens.
Its texture is hard, rough, and stony, feeling gritty if touched. Unlike soft plaque, which brushing can dislodge, tartar is firmly attached to the tooth surface.
Tartar accumulates in specific areas of the mouth. It is observed along the gum line, particularly on the inner surfaces of the lower front teeth. Another site is the outer surfaces of the upper molars, where salivary gland ducts are located. Tartar can also form in tight spaces between teeth, making cleaning challenging.
When present, tartar can cause surrounding gum tissue to appear inflamed. Gums around tartar deposits may look redder or more swollen than healthy tissue. This visual change is a consequence of tartar irritation.
Tartar vs. Plaque: Understanding the Difference
Plaque is a soft, sticky, often colorless film composed of bacteria, food particles, and saliva that forms on teeth. It develops within hours after brushing, coating tooth surfaces and the gumline. Plaque is the precursor to tartar, representing an earlier stage of bacterial accumulation.
The distinction between plaque and tartar lies in their consistency and removability. Plaque is soft and can be effectively removed daily through proper brushing and flossing. If not removed regularly, plaque absorbs minerals from saliva, hardening into tartar. Once hardened, tartar becomes a rough, porous surface that provides an ideal environment for more plaque to accumulate. Unlike plaque, tartar cannot be removed by brushing or flossing and requires professional intervention.
Why Tartar Forms and Its Impact
Tartar forms when minerals, primarily calcium and phosphate, from saliva are deposited into bacterial plaque. The mineralization process can begin within 24 to 72 hours if plaque is left undisturbed.
Its rough texture acts as an anchor, allowing more bacteria to cling to teeth. Consequently, it becomes more difficult to clean tooth surfaces effectively, even with diligent brushing and flossing.
Tartar contributes to halitosis because its porous surface harbors bacteria that produce foul-smelling gases. It also irritates gums, leading to inflammation called gingivitis. This inflammation can manifest as red, swollen, or bleeding gums, especially during brushing or flossing.
Ultimately, tartar creates a physical barrier that prevents proper cleaning of teeth. Its presence can worsen gum inflammation and provide a protected environment for harmful bacteria. Professional dental cleaning is necessary to remove these hardened deposits and maintain oral health.