Brushing your teeth regularly does not necessarily mean your teeth will always be free of plaque or debris. You may still notice hard deposits along the gumline, particularly behind the lower front teeth or around the back teeth.
These deposits are known as tartar, or dental calculus. They form when plaque left on the teeth gradually hardens. Once formed, tartar cannot be removed with a toothbrush or dental floss alone.
So, what causes tartar, what does it look like, and when does it require professional treatment? Here is what you need to know.
Tartar is hardened plaque. Plaque is a sticky film that forms on your teeth throughout the day. When plaque is not removed regularly through brushing and cleaning between your teeth, minerals in your saliva can cause it to harden into tartar.
Once plaque hardens, it can no longer be removed with a toothbrush or dental floss and usually requires professional dental cleaning.
Tartar can form in two areas:
Supragingival tartar forms above the gumline. It is usually visible, particularly around the lower front teeth or upper molars.
Subgingival tartar forms below the gumline and is not easily visible. It is usually detected during a dental examination because it forms between the teeth and gums.
Both types require attention, even if only one is clearly visible.
Tartar can appear in different colours, and these changes may be the first sign that someone notices its presence. You may see:
Yellow or cream-coloured deposits
Brown deposits, which may be affected by stains from food, drinks or tobacco
Dark brown or black deposits, which can sometimes occur below the gumline
However, colour alone cannot determine the severity of tartar buildup. A dental examination is needed to assess the condition accurately.
Several daily habits and factors can contribute to tartar buildup, including:
Not brushing or cleaning between your teeth thoroughly enough
Plaque accumulating in hard-to-clean areas, such as between teeth or along the gumline
Smoking or using tobacco, which can contribute to staining and deposits
Natural differences in saliva composition between individuals
Not attending regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings
If left untreated, tartar can lead to several unwanted problems:
Gingivitis, or gum inflammation, which can cause the gums to become red, swollen or bleed
Persistent bad breath that does not go away even after brushing
Further plaque buildup, as the rough surface of tartar can provide an area for plaque to accumulate
Gum recession over time
It is important to note that tartar itself does not directly cause periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease. Instead, its rough surface can make plaque more difficult to remove and contribute to gum problems if left untreated.
Unfortunately, no. Regular plaque can be controlled by brushing and cleaning between your teeth properly. However, once plaque hardens into tartar, it adheres firmly to the tooth surface and cannot be removed with a toothbrush.
You should also avoid trying to scrape off tartar yourself at home, as doing so incorrectly can injure your gums or damage the tooth surface.
An effective way to remove tartar is through professional teeth cleaning, commonly known as scaling. During this process:
The good news is that tartar buildup can be reduced with consistent oral care practices:
Get a dental checkup if you experience any of the following signs:
Detecting these signs early can help facilitate treatment and protect the health of your teeth and gums in the long term.
No. Plaque is a soft layer that can be removed by brushing and cleaning between teeth. Tartar is hardened plaque that usually requires professional cleaning to remove.
Most people will experience tartar buildup to some degree, but the amount varies depending on each individual’s oral care habits, diet and saliva composition.
Professional scaling is usually comfortable. However, some people may experience some sensitivity or discomfort, especially if there is a lot of tartar or gum inflammation. Your dentist can explain the options available to make the procedure more comfortable.
It depends on the oral health of each individual. Your dentist can make recommendations based on the condition of your teeth and gums and the rate of tartar formation.
Worried about tartar on your teeth? Make an appointment with Hello Dental Clinic for a professional dental checkup and cleaning.