Brushing your teeth regularly doesn’t necessarily mean that your teeth will always be free of plaque or buildup. You may still notice hard deposits around the gum line, especially behind the lower front teeth or around the back teeth.
This deposit is known as tartar, or dental calculus. It forms when plaque left on the teeth gradually hardens. Once formed, tartar cannot be removed simply by brushing or flossing.
So, what causes tartar, what does it look like, and when does it require professional treatment? Here’s what you need to know.
Tartar is a hardened form of plaque. Plaque is a sticky layer that builds up on teeth throughout the day. When plaque is not removed regularly through brushing and flossing, minerals in saliva can cause plaque to harden into tartar.
Once plaque hardens, it can no longer be removed with a toothbrush or floss and usually requires professional teeth cleaning.
Tartar can form in two areas:
Both need attention, even if only one of them is clearly visible.
Tartar can appear in different colors, which may be one of the first signs that make you aware of its presence. You may see:
However, color alone cannot determine the severity of tartar. An examination by a dentist is required to accurately assess the condition.
Several daily habits and factors can contribute to the formation of tartar, including:
If left untreated, tartar can cause several unwanted problems:
It’s important to note that tartar itself does not directly cause periodontitis, which is a more serious gum disease. Rather, its rough surface can make plaque more difficult to clean and contribute to gum problems if left untreated.
Unfortunately, no. Plaque can usually be controlled with regular brushing and cleaning between the teeth.. However, once plaque has hardened into tartar, it adheres strongly to the surface of the teeth and cannot be removed with a toothbrush.
You should also avoid trying to scrape tartar off your teeth at home, as this can injure the gums or damage the surface of the teeth if done incorrectly.
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.