Tartar, formally known as dental calculus, is a common dental concern presenting as hardened deposits on the surface of teeth. It originates from dental plaque, a soft, sticky film of bacteria and food debris that constantly forms in the mouth. When plaque is not removed through daily oral hygiene, it absorbs minerals from saliva, causing it to harden and bond firmly to the tooth surface. Once calcified into tartar, it is impossible to remove with a toothbrush or floss alone, requiring professional dental attention.
The Difference Between Plaque and Dental Calculus
Plaque is a colorless or pale-yellow biofilm on the teeth and gums. This soft film develops when bacteria in the mouth feed on sugars and starches from food and drinks, producing acids as a byproduct. If this bacterial layer is consistently neglected, it starts the process of mineralization, transitioning from soft plaque to hard dental calculus, or tartar.
The hardening process involves the absorption and precipitation of minerals, primarily calcium and phosphate, found naturally in saliva. This transformation can begin in as little as 24 to 72 hours if plaque is left undisturbed. Tartar is a rough, porous, and crusty material that can appear as yellow, brown, or even black deposits.
Tartar tends to accumulate most heavily in areas of the mouth near the salivary glands, where the mineral concentration is highest. Common sites include the lingual (tongue-facing) surfaces of the lower front teeth and the buccal (cheek-facing) surfaces of the upper molars. Tartar is categorized into two types: supragingival, which forms above the gumline and is visible, and subgingival, which forms below the gumline.
Health Risks Associated with Tartar Buildup
Tartar poses a significant risk to oral health because its porous surface acts as a rough shelter, attracting and holding even more plaque and bacteria. This continuous cycle of accumulation irritates the soft gum tissue, leading to an inflammatory condition called gingivitis. Gingivitis is characterized by red, swollen gums that may bleed easily during brushing or flossing.
If this irritation and inflammation are not addressed, the condition can progress into periodontitis. Periodontitis causes the gums to pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that become infected. As the infection deepens, it begins to destroy the underlying bone and connective tissue that hold the teeth in place.
The consequence of untreated periodontitis is bone loss and potential tooth loss. Furthermore, tartar can contribute to tooth decay because it traps acid-producing bacteria against the enamel surface. Tartar also absorbs stains easily from food, beverages, and tobacco, leading to significant yellow or brown discoloration and cosmetic concerns.
Preventing and Removing Tartar
Preventing the formation of tartar relies entirely on the consistent and effective removal of dental plaque before it mineralizes. This requires a diligent home care routine, starting with brushing twice daily for two minutes using a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste. Using a tartar-control toothpaste, which often contains chemical compounds designed to inhibit the crystallization of plaque, can be beneficial.
Daily flossing or using interdental aids is also crucial, as these tools reach the tight spaces between teeth and below the gumline where a toothbrush cannot effectively clean. Limiting the consumption of sugary foods and drinks reduces the fuel source for the bacteria that produce plaque. These combined efforts prevent plaque from hardening into calculus.
Once plaque has hardened into tartar, professional intervention from a dentist or dental hygienist is the only safe and effective solution. The procedure is known as scaling and cleaning, or dental prophylaxis, and involves using specialized manual instruments or ultrasonic devices to safely scrape the hardened deposits from the tooth surfaces and below the gumline. In cases of subgingival tartar buildup associated with gum disease, a deeper cleaning procedure called scaling and root planing may be necessary to remove the calculus from the root surfaces.