The pursuit of a healthy smile often involves managing the buildup of substances on the teeth, with tartar being a common concern. While specific toothpastes play a significant role in daily oral hygiene, their function is primarily focused on prevention rather than removal of existing tartar. Understanding the nature of the deposit is the first step in appreciating how different oral care strategies work.
Understanding Plaque Versus Tartar
Dental plaque is a soft, sticky, colorless film composed of bacteria, food particles, and saliva that constantly forms on the surface of teeth. If not removed through consistent brushing and flossing, the bacteria multiply and produce acids that can weaken tooth enamel. Plaque is the manageable precursor to tartar and can be easily removed at home within the first 24 to 72 hours of its formation.
If plaque remains on the teeth, it begins mineralization or calcification. This occurs when minerals naturally present in saliva, mainly calcium and phosphate ions, integrate into the plaque biofilm. The result is the formation of a rough, porous, and tenacious deposit called tartar, or dental calculus. Once plaque hardens into this crystalline structure, it forms a strong bond to the tooth surface that is impervious to home care methods.
Active Ingredients That Prevent Tartar Build-up
The primary function of specialized “tartar control” toothpastes is to intercept the process of mineralization before it solidifies the plaque. These products contain chemical agents designed to keep plaque soft and prevent the crystalline growth of calculus. The American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance confirms their ability to reduce tartar formation above the gumline.
One effective chemical agent is a group of compounds called pyrophosphates, including tetrasodium and tetrapotassium pyrophosphate. These agents work as chelators, binding to free calcium and magnesium ions in the mouth. By complexing with these minerals, pyrophosphates make them unavailable to combine with plaque and form hard calculus crystals.
Another active compound used in prevention is zinc, often as zinc citrate or zinc chloride. Zinc interferes with the metabolism of plaque-forming bacteria, slowing their ability to flourish and create the sticky biofilm matrix. It also helps inhibit the final stages of the calcification process, contributing to a reduced rate of tartar accumulation. Fluoride strengthens the enamel, making the tooth surface smoother and less hospitable for plaque adhesion, indirectly slowing the entire process.
Why Toothpaste Does Not Remove Existing Tartar
Despite marketing claims, no toothpaste possesses the chemical or mechanical capability to dissolve or scrape away established tartar. Once plaque has mineralized into calculus, it becomes a rock-hard deposit. The crystalline structure of this calcified substance is too robust for the mild abrasives and chemical agents in daily-use toothpaste.
Attempting to remove existing tartar at home with overly abrasive pastes or tools is discouraged due to the risk of damaging tooth enamel or irritating the gums. Toothpaste abrasives are formulated to be gentle enough for daily use, helping scrub away soft plaque and surface stains. Their action is limited to the outer surface of the tooth and cannot break the strong bond tartar forms with the tooth structure.
The Role of Professional Dental Cleaning
The only effective and safe method for removing existing dental tartar is through professional intervention by a dental hygienist or dentist. This procedure is commonly referred to as scaling. Dental professionals use specialized instruments designed to physically break the bond between the calculus and the tooth surface.
The tools used include hand-held instruments, such as dental scalers and curettes, which mechanically scrape the deposits from the tooth. Ultrasonic instruments are also used, employing a rapidly vibrating metal tip to chip away the tartar while spraying water to wash away debris. For tartar below the gumline, a deep cleaning procedure called scaling and root planing may be necessary. Regular professional cleaning is the only way to eliminate existing tartar, complementing daily home prevention efforts.