Tartar buildup is a prevalent dental condition people face, yet many don’t fully understand what it is, how it forms, or why it’s so important to have it regularly removed. Even if you brush twice a day, floss daily, and do everything “right,” tartar can still develop on your teeth. And once it appears, regular brushing alone isn’t enough to remove it.
To safely eliminate tartar’s hardened deposits and protect your oral health, you need a professional teeth cleaning. Get ready to explore what causes tartar, why it forms so easily, how it affects your teeth and gums, and how a routine dental cleaning effectively removes it.
What Exactly Is Tartar?
Tartar, also known as dental calculus, is hardened plaque that sticks to a tooth’s surface. Plaque itself is a soft, sticky film made of bacteria, food particles, and saliva. It forms constantly, which is why daily brushing and flossing are essential.
However, plaque can harden in as little as 24 to 72 hours, especially in areas that are difficult to reach with a toothbrush. Once plaque hardens into tartar, it becomes a rough, mineralized surface that attracts even more plaque and bacteria.
Tartar has the following characteristics:
- Appears yellow, brown, or sometimes even black
- Can form above and below the gumline
- Adheres strongly to enamel and root surfaces
- Can’t be removed with at-home brushing or flossing
But a professional teeth cleaning can remove tartar from your teeth, which is why it’s critical to get regular exams and cleanings.
How Does Tartar Buildup Happen?
Tartar doesn’t develop overnight—it’s the result of a process that begins with plaque accumulation. Here are explanations of the most common causes.
Poor or Inconsistent Oral Hygiene
Skipping brushing or flossing, even occasionally, can allow plaque to harden. Plaque especially thrives in:
- Tight spaces between teeth
- The gumline
- Behind the lower front teeth
- Around fillings, crowns, or dental appliances
When used consistently, a toothbrush can remove most plaque. But once plaque begins to harden, it becomes resistant to brushing.
High-Sugar or High-Carbohydrate Diets
Bacteria in your mouth feed on sugars and starches. When microorganisms metabolize these foods, they produce acids that contribute to plaque formation.
Food and drinks that fuel tartar buildup include:
- Candy and sweets
- Sugary drinks
- Bread, pasta, and chips
- Sticky foods like dried fruit
- Frequent snacks throughout the day
Even “healthy” foods like fruit juices or smoothies can increase plaque if they’re consumed often.
Dry Mouth
Saliva naturally helps wash away food particles and neutralize acids. If your mouth doesn’t produce enough saliva, plaque develops more easily and hardens faster.
Dry mouth can be caused by:
- Certain medications, including prescriptions for blood pressure and allergies
- Aging
- Dehydration
- Breathing through your mouth
- Medical conditions like diabetes or Sjögren’s syndrome
When your mouth stays dry, tartar buildup accelerates.
Smoking or Tobacco Use
Tobacco smoke and nicotine create a sticky residue that traps bacteria and speeds up tartar development. Smokers often develop tartar more quickly and in larger amounts, particularly on the inner surfaces of their lower teeth. Tobacco use also stains tartar, making it appear darker and more noticeable.
Crowded or Misaligned Teeth
When teeth overlap or sit at odd angles, plaque has more places to hide. Even with excellent brushing habits, crowded teeth are more difficult to keep clean, leading to a faster buildup of tartar.
Genetics and Natural Factors
Some people simply produce more plaque. The mineral composition of saliva, the presence of certain bacteria, and even hereditary factors can influence how quickly tartar forms.
Why Tartar Is a Serious Problem
It’s tempting to overlook tartar since it usually doesn’t hurt. But tartar is far from harmless. Its rough, porous surface becomes a breeding ground for bacteria that cause gum inflammation and tooth decay.
Left untreated, tartar can lead to these dental problems and conditions.
Gingivitis
This is the earliest stage of gum disease. Symptoms include:
- Bleeding gums
- Red or swollen gum tissue
- Tenderness around the gums
Tartar at the gumline is a major contributor to gingivitis because it irritates the gums and traps harmful bacteria.
Periodontitis (Advanced Gum Disease)
If gingivitis goes untreated, tartar can build up under the gumline, causing pockets of infection.
This can lead to:
- Gum recession
- Bone loss
- Loose teeth
- Eventual tooth loss
Once tartar reaches this stage, more advanced periodontal treatments are required.
Cavities
Tartar can form above the gumline on the enamel, where plaque bacteria produce acids that erode tooth structure. When plaque becomes trapped in tartar’s rough surface, decay can spread more easily.
Chronic Bad Breath (Halitosis)
Tartar traps odor-causing bacteria, making chronic bad breath difficult to manage without a professional cleaning.
Tooth Sensitivity
As tartar irritates and inflames the gums, recession can expose sensitive root surfaces, leading to temperature sensitivity and discomfort.
How Teeth Cleaning Removes Tartar
Once tartar is present, you can’t brush it away, making professional teeth cleaning appointments essential. Here’s how dentists and hygienists safely remove hardened deposits.
Step 1: Scaling (Tartar Removal)
This is the most critical step for eliminating tartar.
A dental hygienist uses specialized tools, either hand scalers or ultrasonic instruments, to gently scrape tartar from the tooth surfaces.
- Hand scalers allow precise removal in small or tight areas
- Ultrasonic scalers use high-frequency vibrations and water irrigation to break apart tartar quickly
Scaling removes tartar from:
- The visible parts of your teeth
- Between teeth
- Just below the gumline
If tartar has extended deeper below the gums, your dentist may recommend a deep cleaning, known as scaling and root planing.
Step 2: Root Planing
Root planing is necessary when gum disease exists. This process smooths the root surfaces of the teeth, making it harder for plaque and bacteria to reattach.
It helps reduce inflammation and shrink periodontal pockets, while allowing the gums to heal and reattach to the tooth surface. This step is only necessary when tartar buildup has advanced beneath the gumline.
Step 3: Polishing
After tartar removal, the teeth are polished with a gritty toothpaste-like material. This step smooths the enamel, removes surface stains, and reduces the ability of plaque to cling to the teeth. While polishing doesn’t remove tartar, it helps slow down future buildup by creating a smoother surface.
Step 4: Flossing and Rinsing
Your hygienist will thoroughly floss between your teeth to remove any lingering debris. A fluoride rinse or fluoride application may also be offered to help strengthen your enamel.
How to Prevent Tartar Buildup Between Cleanings
Although a professional teeth cleaning removes tartar, you can significantly slow down its formation with these daily habits.
- Brush at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
- Floss daily to remove plaque from between the teeth
- Use an alcohol-free mouthwash to reduce bacteria
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day
- Chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva
- Avoid frequent snacking and sugary foods
- Visit your dentist for a cleaning every six months, or more often if recommended
Prevention is imperative because once tartar forms, only a professional can remove it.
Keeping Tartar Under Control Starts with Regular Teeth Cleaning
Tartar buildup is incredibly common, but it doesn’t have to compromise your oral health. Understanding what causes tartar—and recognizing how quickly it can form—can help you stay ahead of it.
A professional teeth cleaning is the most effective way to remove tartar and protect your smile and gums from long-term damage. Combined with daily brushing, flossing, and healthy habits, regular cleanings help ensure your smile stays healthy, bright, and free of harmful tartar buildup.
If it’s been a while since your last cleaning, now is the perfect time to schedule one. Your teeth and your gums will thank you. Southridge Dental Group serves patients in and near Fontana, California. Schedule a professional teeth cleaning today online or call 909-822-9090.