Tartar, also known as dental calculus, is a hard deposit that forms on teeth and beneath the gumline when dental plaque is not properly removed. It is a major contributor to many dental problems, including gum disease, cavities, and bad breath. Unlike plaque, which is soft and can be removed with regular brushing and flossing, tartar is mineralized and requires professional dental cleaning for removal.
What Is Tartar?
Tartar is the hardened form of dental plaque, which is a sticky biofilm composed of bacteria, food debris, and saliva. When plaque remains on teeth for more than 24 to 72 hours, it begins to absorb minerals from saliva, transforming into tartar. This hardened material binds tightly to the enamel and can extend below the gumline, making it much more difficult to eliminate without professional help.
The Composition of Tartar
Tartar consists mainly of calcium phosphate salts. It also contains dead bacterial cells and organic compounds. The mineralization process typically begins with the deposition of calcium carbonate and continues with the incorporation of other minerals like magnesium and fluoride, which give tartar its characteristic hardness and yellow or brown color.
How Tartar Forms
The process of tartar formation is gradual but predictable. It starts with the accumulation of plaque. If not removed daily through proper brushing and flossing, this plaque layer acts as a breeding ground for bacteria. The minerals in saliva, particularly calcium and phosphate, interact with the plaque, leading to crystallization. Over time, this crystallized substance becomes tartar and adheres strongly to the tooth surface.
Common Areas Where Tartar Builds Up
Tartar tends to accumulate in areas where brushing and flossing are more challenging. These include:
- Behind the lower front teeth
- Between teeth
- Along the gumline
- On the back molars
Why Tartar Is a Serious Oral Health Concern
Tartar is not just a cosmetic issue. It can significantly impact oral health. Its porous nature harbors more bacteria, which can lead to inflammation, decay, and gum disease. Additionally, tartar creates a rough surface that makes it easier for more plaque to stick to the teeth, compounding the problem over time.
Gingivitis and Periodontitis
The bacteria trapped in tartar can irritate and inflame the gums, leading to gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a severe gum infection that can cause tooth loss and even affect bone structure.
Cavities
Tartar can make it more difficult to properly clean the teeth, allowing decay-causing bacteria to thrive. These bacteria produce acids that erode the tooth enamel, eventually leading to cavities.
Bad Breath (Halitosis)
The bacteria that live in tartar also produce foul-smelling compounds, leading to persistent bad breath. Unlike temporary halitosis from certain foods, this kind will not go away without tartar removal.
Stained Teeth
Tartar is more porous than natural enamel and can absorb stains more easily from food, beverages, and tobacco, resulting in yellow or brown discoloration that cannot be removed with regular brushing.
Risk Factors That Promote Tartar Formation
Several factors can increase a person’s likelihood of developing tartar. These include:
- Poor oral hygiene habits
- Smoking or chewing tobacco
- Frequent consumption of sugary or starchy foods
- Dry mouth (xerostomia)
- Orthodontic appliances like braces or retainers
- Genetic predisposition to plaque accumulation
How Tartar Affects Children and Teenagers
Children and teenagers are not immune to tartar buildup. In fact, during puberty, hormonal changes can make gums more sensitive to plaque and tartar. While tartar in younger individuals may not be as mineralized or severe, it can still lead to gingivitis and long-term dental issues if not addressed early.
Diagnosis and Detection of Tartar
Tartar is usually detected during a routine dental examination. Dentists use dental mirrors and probes to inspect areas above and below the gumline. Tartar feels rough and is visibly discolored, often appearing yellow or brown.
Dental X-Rays
In some cases, especially where tartar has accumulated below the gumline, X-rays may be required to determine the extent of buildup and its impact on surrounding bone and tissue.
Professional Tartar Removal
Once tartar has formed, it cannot be removed by brushing or flossing. It requires professional intervention through a process called scaling. Scaling involves using specialized dental instruments, such as ultrasonic scalers and curettes, to physically remove tartar from the tooth surfaces.
Scaling and Root Planing
In cases where tartar has extended beneath the gumline, a deep cleaning procedure called scaling and root planing is necessary. This involves removing tartar from below the gums and smoothing the root surfaces to discourage further bacterial accumulation.
How to Prevent Tartar Buildup
Prevention is the best strategy when it comes to managing tartar. Good oral hygiene and regular dental visits are key to keeping tartar at bay.
Effective Brushing Techniques
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Brush at a 45-degree angle to the gumline in short, gentle strokes for at least two minutes, twice a day.
Flossing Daily
Flossing removes plaque and food debris from between teeth and under the gumline—areas that toothbrushes cannot reach.
Antimicrobial Mouthwash
Using a mouthwash that contains antibacterial agents can help reduce plaque and prevent the development of tartar.
Regular Dental Checkups
Professional cleanings every six months are essential to remove any plaque and tartar that have built up and to monitor oral health.
Can Tartar Be Dissolved Naturally?
There is a common belief that certain home remedies can dissolve tartar. While ingredients like baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, or vinegar may help remove plaque or surface stains, they are not effective at removing hardened tartar. Attempting to do so at home may also damage enamel or irritate gums.
Special Considerations for Orthodontic Patients
People with braces or other orthodontic appliances are at higher risk for plaque and tartar accumulation due to the difficulty of cleaning around brackets and wires. Extra care with brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits is essential to prevent complications.
FAQs About Tartar
Can tartar be prevented entirely?
While it’s difficult to prevent tartar entirely, good oral hygiene and regular dental cleanings can significantly reduce its formation.
How often should tartar be removed?
Professional cleanings every six months are generally sufficient for most people. Those with a history of gum disease may require more frequent visits.
Is tartar removal painful?
For most people, tartar removal is not painful. However, individuals with sensitive gums or significant buildup may experience some discomfort. Local anesthetics can be used if needed.
Conclusion
Tartar is a serious oral health concern that affects nearly everyone at some point in life. Its formation is preventable with proper oral hygiene practices, including effective brushing, flossing, and professional dental care. By understanding what tartar is, how it forms, and the health problems it can cause, individuals can take proactive steps to protect their teeth and gums. Regular dental visits, combined with a good home care routine, remain the most effective strategies for preventing tartar and maintaining a healthy smile for life.
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