Tartar, also known as dental calculus, is a hardened deposit that forms on teeth. It results from the calcification of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, food particles, and saliva. While everyone develops some plaque, excessive tartar is a significant oral health concern.
Understanding Tartar Formation
Plaque is a soft, sticky biofilm that adheres to tooth surfaces. It is primarily composed of bacteria, their metabolic byproducts, and components from saliva. Plaque continuously forms on teeth, especially along the gum line and in areas difficult to clean.
If plaque is not removed regularly through effective brushing and flossing, it absorbs minerals from saliva, such as calcium and phosphate. These minerals cause plaque to harden, or calcify, a process that can begin within 24 to 72 hours. This transforms soft plaque into hard, porous tartar. Once formed, tartar cannot be removed by routine home care and requires professional dental cleaning.
Key Factors in Excessive Tartar Buildup
Several factors contribute to accelerated tartar formation. Inadequate oral hygiene, such as infrequent or ineffective brushing and flossing, is a primary contributor. When plaque is not consistently removed, it has more time to accumulate and calcify, leading to greater buildup.
Dietary choices also play a role. Frequent consumption of sugary and starchy foods provides a food source for oral bacteria, promoting increased plaque formation. Individual biological factors, such as saliva composition and flow rate, can also influence tartar development. Saliva rich in calcium and phosphate, or with a higher pH, can accelerate plaque mineralization.
Genetic predispositions may influence susceptibility to tartar formation. Lifestyle factors, such as smoking or other tobacco use, increase plaque and tartar. Tobacco products alter the oral environment, making it easier for bacteria and plaque to adhere, partly by reducing saliva flow and accelerating plaque hardening. Certain medical conditions and medications can reduce saliva flow, creating a drier mouth where plaque accumulates. Misaligned or crowded teeth also create areas difficult to clean, leading to plaque retention and subsequent tartar buildup.
Potential Health Consequences of Tartar
Tartar accumulation can lead to adverse oral health effects. Tartar provides a rough surface that encourages more plaque to adhere, making teeth harder to clean. This persistent plaque and tartar irritate the gums, leading to gingivitis, characterized by redness, swelling, and bleeding.
If gingivitis is untreated, it can progress to periodontitis. In periodontitis, inflammation spreads deeper, causing gums to pull away from teeth, forming pockets where more bacteria and tartar accumulate. This chronic infection can destroy bone and supportive tissues, potentially leading to tooth mobility and loss. Tartar also contributes to tooth decay, as its rough surface traps food particles and bacteria that produce acids eroding enamel and creating cavities. Additionally, bacteria within tartar deposits can contribute to persistent bad breath.
Effective Strategies for Tartar Prevention
Preventing tartar buildup involves consistent oral hygiene practices. Brushing teeth twice daily for at least two minutes with fluoride toothpaste removes plaque before it hardens. Daily flossing is equally important, cleaning between teeth and below the gum line where a toothbrush cannot reach. An antiseptic mouthwash can also help reduce bacteria.
Regular professional dental check-ups and cleanings are essential to manage tartar. Dental hygienists use specialized instruments to remove existing tartar, which cannot be removed by home care. These cleanings are recommended every six months to prevent significant accumulation and monitor overall oral health. Modifying dietary habits by reducing sugary and starchy foods limits the food source for plaque-forming bacteria. Drinking plenty of water promotes healthy saliva flow, which naturally cleanses the mouth and neutralizes acids. Avoiding tobacco products is another step, as tobacco increases the risk of plaque and tartar formation.