Tartar, formally known as dental calculus, is a hardened deposit that forms on the surfaces of the teeth and along the gum line. This substance develops when soft layers of bacteria and debris are left undisturbed, leading to a calcified mass that adheres firmly to the tooth structure. Calculus is a significant factor in the development of gum disease.
Defining Tartar: Plaque vs. Calculus
The process begins with dental plaque, a soft, sticky, nearly colorless biofilm that constantly forms on the teeth. This film is composed primarily of bacteria, food particles, and proteins from saliva. Plaque can be removed easily with daily brushing and flossing because of its soft, non-mineralized state.
If plaque is not regularly removed, it absorbs minerals from saliva and solidifies, transforming into a hard, porous material called calculus, or tartar. Unlike plaque, calculus is visibly yellow or brownish and possesses a rough, crusty texture. This hardened substance bonds firmly to the enamel and cannot be removed through standard at-home oral hygiene practices.
The Process of Mineralization
The transformation of soft plaque into hard calculus occurs through mineralization. This begins when calcium and phosphate ions, naturally present in saliva, precipitate into the plaque matrix. The precipitation of these mineral salts causes the organic plaque material to crystallize and harden.
Calcification can begin quickly, with initial mineralization occurring in as little as four to eight hours after plaque forms. It typically takes ten to twelve days for the plaque to become hardened into mature calculus. Tartar forms most readily on the inner surfaces of the lower front teeth and the outside surfaces of the upper back molars, as these areas are closest to the salivary gland ducts.
Health Implications of Calculus Buildup
Once calculus has formed, its rough surface provides an ideal environment for additional layers of soft plaque to accumulate. This creates a cycle where the rough tartar harbors more bacteria, intensifying the irritation of the gum tissue. Calculus deposits that form above the gum line are called supragingival, while those below the gum line are subgingival.
The presence of tartar near the gums causes inflammation, known as gingivitis, resulting in redness, swelling, and bleeding. If calculus remains below the gum line, the chronic bacterial irritation can progress to periodontitis, a more advanced form of gum disease. Periodontitis involves the destruction of the bone and ligaments supporting the teeth, which can eventually lead to tooth mobility and loss.
Prevention Strategies and Professional Cleaning
Preventing calculus formation depends on the consistent and thorough removal of plaque before it can mineralize. Brushing twice a day for two minutes with a soft-bristled toothbrush is necessary to mechanically disrupt the biofilm. Daily flossing is equally important, as it removes plaque from between the teeth and beneath the gum line, areas a toothbrush cannot reach.
Tartar-control toothpastes help slow mineralization through specific chemical agents. Ingredients such as pyrophosphates and zinc citrate interfere with the growth of mineral crystals in the plaque. Pyrophosphates bind to calcium and phosphate ions, preventing them from solidifying the soft plaque into hard calculus.
Once plaque has hardened into calculus, it is impossible to remove with a toothbrush, floss, or anti-tartar products. Professional intervention is necessary to protect the gums and bone. A dental professional must use specialized instruments during scaling to physically scrape the tenacious deposits from the tooth surface.
For advanced cases where calculus has extended below the gum line, a deeper cleaning known as root planing is performed to smooth the tooth root surfaces. Regular dental checkups, typically every six months, are the only reliable way to manage existing calculus and ensure plaque is removed effectively at home.