Ever run your tongue along your teeth and feel a rough, gritty surface, especially near your gums? That unpleasant feeling is likely tartar, also known as calculus. Tartar isn't just a cosmetic issue; it's a hardened form of plaque that can lead to a cascade of dental problems, from gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis) and cavities to potential tooth loss. Left untreated, the bacteria thriving in tartar can even affect your overall health, increasing the risk of heart disease and other systemic conditions. Maintaining good oral hygiene, including understanding and preventing tartar buildup, is crucial for a healthy smile and a healthy body.
Tartar is a stubborn substance that cannot be removed by brushing alone, requiring professional dental cleanings for removal. Its porous surface acts as a breeding ground for bacteria, constantly releasing acids that erode tooth enamel and irritate gum tissue. This persistent irritation can lead to inflammation, bleeding gums, and eventually, the breakdown of the bone and tissues that support your teeth. Understanding how tartar forms, how to prevent it, and what treatments are available is essential for everyone who wants to maintain a healthy and attractive smile for years to come.
What are the most common questions about tartar on teeth?
What exactly is tartar made of?
Tartar, also known as calculus, is essentially hardened dental plaque. It's composed primarily of calcium phosphate, but also contains other minerals like calcium carbonate and magnesium phosphate, along with dead bacteria, salivary proteins, and food debris that have become mineralized and firmly attached to the tooth surface.
Tartar formation is a multi-stage process that begins with the accumulation of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth. If plaque isn't removed regularly through brushing and flossing, minerals from saliva, specifically calcium and phosphate ions, start to deposit within the plaque matrix. This process, called mineralization, gradually transforms the soft, easily removable plaque into the hard, tenacious substance we know as tartar. The rate of tartar formation varies from person to person, influenced by factors such as saliva composition, oral hygiene habits, and diet. The rough and porous texture of tartar provides an ideal surface for more plaque to accumulate, creating a vicious cycle. This increased plaque buildup further exacerbates the risk of gingivitis (gum inflammation) and periodontitis (gum disease), as the bacteria in plaque release toxins that irritate and damage the gums and supporting tissues. Because tartar is so firmly attached to teeth, it cannot be removed by brushing and flossing alone, requiring professional cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist.How does tartar differ from plaque?
Tartar, also known as dental calculus, is hardened plaque that has been left on the teeth long enough to mineralize. Plaque is a soft, sticky film composed of bacteria, saliva, and food debris that constantly forms on teeth. Unlike plaque, which can be removed by regular brushing and flossing, tartar is strongly bonded to the tooth surface and requires professional dental cleaning to be removed.
Plaque is the precursor to tartar. When plaque isn't adequately removed through oral hygiene practices, minerals from saliva deposit into it, causing it to harden. This mineralization process usually takes about two weeks. Once tartar forms, its rough surface provides an even more ideal environment for plaque to accumulate, leading to a vicious cycle of plaque buildup, tartar formation, and increased risk of dental problems. The consequences of allowing tartar to accumulate are significant. It can contribute to gum inflammation (gingivitis), which if left untreated, can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease that can lead to tooth loss. Tartar can also cause cosmetic concerns, appearing as a yellow or brown deposit along the gumline. While good oral hygiene helps control plaque and prevent tartar buildup, only a dentist or dental hygienist can effectively remove existing tartar during a professional cleaning.Can tartar cause permanent damage?
Yes, tartar can absolutely cause permanent damage to your teeth and gums if left untreated. While tartar itself is not directly harmful, its rough and porous surface provides an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. This bacterial buildup leads to inflammation and infection of the gums (gingivitis), which can progress to periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease that damages the soft tissues and bone supporting your teeth. This damage is often irreversible.
Tartar's primary danger lies in its contribution to gum disease and tooth decay. As the bacteria in tartar multiply, they produce acids that erode tooth enamel, leading to cavities (dental caries). Furthermore, the chronic inflammation associated with periodontitis can cause the gums to recede, exposing the roots of the teeth, which are more vulnerable to decay and sensitivity. The loss of bone support around the teeth can eventually result in loose teeth and even tooth loss, a permanent and significant consequence. Beyond tooth loss, the long-term inflammation associated with untreated tartar buildup and periodontitis has also been linked to systemic health problems. Research suggests a correlation between oral infections and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes complications, respiratory infections, and even certain types of cancer. While the exact mechanisms are still being studied, it's clear that maintaining good oral hygiene, including professional tartar removal, is crucial not only for oral health but also for overall well-being.What are the best ways to prevent tartar buildup?
The best ways to prevent tartar buildup are maintaining excellent oral hygiene through regular brushing and flossing, using a fluoride toothpaste, scheduling regular dental check-ups and cleanings with a dental professional, and considering the use of antimicrobial mouthwash as recommended by your dentist.
Effective tartar prevention hinges on disrupting the formation of plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that precedes tartar. Brushing at least twice a day, especially after meals, is crucial. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, paying attention to all tooth surfaces, including the hard-to-reach areas at the back of the mouth and along the gumline. Flossing daily, ideally before brushing, removes plaque and food particles from between teeth where a toothbrush cannot reach. Regular dental visits are equally important. A dental hygienist has specialized tools to remove plaque and tartar that you may have missed at home, especially in areas below the gumline. These check-ups also allow your dentist to identify early signs of tooth decay or gum disease. Your dentist can also recommend specific oral hygiene products tailored to your needs, such as a prescription-strength fluoride toothpaste or an antimicrobial mouthwash if you are prone to tartar buildup. Antimicrobial mouthwashes, in moderation and as directed by your dentist, can further reduce the bacteria in your mouth, further minimizing the formation of plaque and, consequently, tartar.Is it possible to remove tartar at home?
No, it is generally not possible or recommended to effectively and safely remove tartar (also known as calculus) from your teeth at home. Attempting to do so can damage your enamel and gums, potentially leading to more serious dental problems.
Tartar is hardened dental plaque that has calcified onto the tooth surface. This calcification process makes it extremely difficult to remove with regular brushing or flossing. Dentists and dental hygienists use specialized tools like scalers and ultrasonic devices designed to break down and remove tartar without harming the surrounding tooth structure or gums. These tools allow for precise and controlled removal, reaching areas that are inaccessible with at-home methods. While there are numerous products and DIY methods advertised for at-home tartar removal, many of these are ineffective and some can even be harmful. Abrasive materials or harsh chemicals can scratch the enamel, making teeth more susceptible to staining and decay. Aggressive scraping can irritate or damage the gums, leading to inflammation, recession, and even infection. It is crucial to focus on preventing tartar buildup through good oral hygiene practices and regular professional dental cleanings.How often should I get tartar professionally removed?
The general recommendation is to get a professional teeth cleaning, which includes tartar removal, at least every six months. However, the ideal frequency can vary based on individual oral health needs and risk factors for gum disease.
While a six-month cleaning schedule works well for many, some individuals are more prone to tartar buildup due to factors like genetics, diet, tooth alignment, and oral hygiene habits. If you tend to accumulate tartar quickly, experience gum inflammation (gingivitis), or have a history of periodontitis (gum disease), your dentist or hygienist may recommend cleanings every three to four months. These more frequent visits help prevent the progression of gum disease and protect your teeth. Conversely, individuals with excellent oral hygiene and minimal tartar formation may be able to extend the interval between cleanings slightly, but this decision should always be made in consultation with a dental professional. Ultimately, determining the appropriate frequency for tartar removal is a personalized process. Your dentist or dental hygienist will assess your oral health, examine the amount of tartar buildup, evaluate your gum health, and consider your individual risk factors to recommend a cleaning schedule that best suits your needs. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums and preventing more serious dental problems in the future.Does tartar affect gum health?
Yes, tartar, also known as calculus, significantly affects gum health. Its rough and porous surface provides an ideal environment for bacteria to accumulate and thrive, leading to inflammation, gum disease (gingivitis), and eventually periodontitis if left untreated.
Tartar's impact on gum health stems from its composition and location. It forms when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, mineralizes and hardens on the tooth surface. Because tartar is firmly attached to teeth, it cannot be removed by brushing alone. This creates a persistent irritant to the gums. The bacteria within tartar produce toxins that inflame the gum tissue, causing redness, swelling, and bleeding – the hallmark signs of gingivitis. If gingivitis is allowed to progress unchecked due to the continued presence of tartar, it can develop into periodontitis. Periodontitis is a more severe form of gum disease that damages the soft tissues and bone that support the teeth. Over time, this can lead to receding gums, deep pockets forming between the teeth and gums, and ultimately, tooth loss. Regular professional dental cleanings are essential to remove tartar and prevent its detrimental effects on gum health.So, that's the lowdown on tartar! It's definitely not something you want hanging around in your mouth, but now you know what it is and how to tackle it. Thanks for reading, and we hope this was helpful. Come back soon for more tips on keeping that smile sparkling!