Tartar, also known in dentistry as calculus, is a common deposit that can form on the surface of your teeth and below the gum line. It is essentially hardened dental plaque, a sticky, bacteria-filled film that constantly develops in the mouth. Once plaque has calcified into tartar, it creates a rough, porous surface that cannot be removed by simple brushing and flossing. Understanding how this substance forms is a fundamental aspect of maintaining proper oral health.
Plaque vs. Tartar
Dental plaque is a soft, sticky, and typically colorless or pale yellow biofilm composed of bacteria, food particles, and saliva. It forms on the teeth within hours of eating and is easily removed with a toothbrush and dental floss. The bacteria within this film feed on sugars and starches, producing acids that can erode tooth enamel.
Tartar, in contrast, is a firm, mineralized deposit that adheres strongly to the tooth surface and is often yellowish or brown. It is plaque that has been left undisturbed long enough to absorb minerals from the saliva. Unlike its soft precursor, tartar is a rough, dense substance that cannot be scrubbed away with at-home hygiene tools.
How Tartar Forms
The process of tartar formation begins when dental plaque is not fully removed from the teeth within a short period. Plaque is an organic matrix of bacteria and their byproducts, and the mouth’s natural environment provides the necessary components for its hardening. Saliva contains various minerals, most notably calcium and phosphate, which are naturally present to help remineralize tooth enamel.
When these minerals come into contact with the unremoved plaque, they precipitate out of the saliva and into the bacterial matrix. This process, known as mineralization or calcification, causes the soft plaque to harden and crystallize onto the tooth. The conversion from soft plaque to hardened calculus can begin quickly, often within 24 to 72 hours if the plaque is left undisturbed. The resulting structure is similar to concrete, with dead bacterial cells mixed with mineral salts like calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate.
Health Consequences of Buildup
The rough and uneven surface of tartar creates a favorable environment for the continuous growth of more dental plaque and harmful bacteria. This constant presence of bacteria at the gum line leads to irritation and inflammation of the soft gum tissues. The earliest stage of this condition is called gingivitis, characterized by red, swollen gums that may bleed easily during brushing or flossing.
If the tartar is not removed, the inflammation can progress into a more serious condition known as periodontitis. Tartar buildup can extend below the gum line, causing the gums to pull away from the tooth and creating pockets where bacteria thrive. These bacteria eventually attack the bone and connective tissue that support the teeth, which can lead to gum recession, bone loss, and ultimately, tooth mobility and loss. The porous nature of tartar can also absorb stains easily, resulting in a noticeable cosmetic discoloration.
Removal and Prevention
Once plaque has hardened into tartar, it cannot be effectively removed by brushing or flossing at home. Professional dental treatment is required to safely eliminate the deposits from the tooth surface. Dentists and dental hygienists use specialized instruments, such as handheld scalers or ultrasonic devices, to gently scrape or vibrate the firm calculus off the teeth, a procedure known as scaling or debridement.
Preventing the formation of tartar begins with meticulous daily oral hygiene to remove plaque before it mineralizes. This involves brushing thoroughly twice a day for two minutes and flossing once a day to clear plaque from between teeth and below the gum line. Using a tartar-control toothpaste can assist, as these products often contain chemical compounds like pyrophosphates or zinc citrate that inhibit the calcification process of plaque. Regular professional cleanings, typically every six months, remain the most effective strategy for eliminating any tartar that has managed to form.