Tartar, also known as dental calculus, is a stubborn, crusty deposit that forms on the surface of teeth and along the gumline. Unlike plaque, which is soft and sticky, tartar is hardened and strongly attached to tooth enamel. Once it forms, you can’t brush it away at home; it needs to be professionally removed by a dentist or dental hygienist.
Tartar build-up doesn’t just affect how your teeth look—it can also lead to more serious oral health problems like gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath. In this guide, we’ll explain what tartar is, how it develops, the risks it poses, how to deal with it, and most importantly, how to stop it from forming in the first place.
What Exactly Is Tartar?
Tartar is a solidified form of plaque. Plaque is a film of bacteria that naturally forms on teeth after eating or drinking, particularly if the food contains sugars or starches. If plaque isn’t removed properly through regular brushing and flossing, minerals in your saliva start to mix with the plaque and harden it—this creates tartar.
Tartar can form both above and below the gumline and may look yellow, brown, or even black depending on how long it’s been there and whether it’s stained by food, drink, or tobacco.
Why Does Tartar Form?
The process of tartar formation is relatively quick and occurs in stages:
- Plaque Accumulation – Bacteria in your mouth produce plaque when they feed on sugars from your food and drinks.
- Hardened Plaque – If plaque isn’t removed within 24 to 72 hours, it can start to mineralise and turn into tartar.
- Ongoing Buildup – Once tartar sets in, it creates a rough surface that attracts more plaque, accelerating further accumulation.
What Causes Tartar Buildup?
Several everyday habits and health factors can increase the likelihood of tartar buildup:
- Inadequate Oral Hygiene: Skipping brushing or flossing, or doing it incorrectly, allows plaque to linger and harden.
- High-Sugar Diet: Foods and drinks high in sugar and carbohydrates feed oral bacteria.
- Smoking and Tobacco Use: These not only stain teeth and tartar but also encourage more tartar to form.
- Dry Mouth: A lack of saliva reduces your mouth’s natural ability to wash away plaque.
- Braces or Crowded Teeth: These can make it harder to clean thoroughly, leaving spots for plaque to hide and harden.
What Are the Risks of Tartar?
Tartar isn’t just an eyesore—it comes with a number of dental health concerns:
- Gum Inflammation (Gingivitis): The first stage of gum disease, where gums become swollen, tender, and may bleed when brushing.
- Advanced Gum Disease (Periodontitis): If left untreated, tartar can cause gums to recede and even lead to bone and tooth loss.
- Tooth Decay: Tartar creates pockets where bacteria can thrive, increasing the risk of cavities.
- Persistent Bad Breath (Halitosis): Bacteria trapped under tartar can give off a foul odour.
- Loose or Lost Teeth: Long-term tartar build-up may compromise the structures that hold your teeth in place.
How to Get Rid of Tartar
Tartar is far too tough for toothbrushes or floss to remove. Here’s how it’s safely dealt with:
1. Professional Dental Cleaning
Visiting your dentist is the only reliable way to remove tartar.
- Scaling: A dental professional will use specialised tools to scrape away tartar from the teeth and gumline.
- Ultrasonic Cleaning Devices: These use sound waves and water to dislodge and wash away tartar.
- Polishing: Once tartar is removed, your teeth will be polished to make the surfaces smoother and less likely to attract plaque.
Tip:
Schedule a dental check-up and clean every 6 months—or more frequently if your dentist recommends it.
2. Deep Cleaning (If Tartar Is Under the Gums)
In cases where tartar has formed beneath the gumline:
- Root Planing: This procedure smooths out the roots of your teeth to help gums reattach properly.
- Antibacterial Treatments: Dentists might apply special gels or mouth rinses to reduce infection-causing bacteria.
Can You Remove Tartar at Home?
No. Although you might see tartar scrapers or DIY kits online, trying to remove tartar at home is strongly discouraged. Here’s why:
- You might damage your enamel or gums.
- You won’t be able to reach tartar below the gumline.
- Improper removal can lead to infections or worsen the issue.
How to Prevent Tartar Buildup
Good oral hygiene habits are your best defence against tartar:
1. Brush Your Teeth Properly
Brush at least twice a day using fluoride toothpaste. Use a soft-bristled brush and replace it every three months or when the bristles wear out.
2. Use an Electric Toothbrush
Studies have shown that electric toothbrushes are more effective at removing plaque than manual ones.
3. Floss Every Day
Flossing cleans the gaps between your teeth and removes plaque before it can harden.
4. Use a Mouth Rinse
An antibacterial mouthwash can reduce plaque and freshen your breath.
5. Eat a Healthy Diet
Reduce your intake of sugary snacks and drinks. Eat foods rich in fibre like apples and carrots—they help clean your teeth naturally.
6. Stay Well Hydrated
Water helps wash away food particles and supports saliva production, which naturally helps control plaque.
7. Avoid Tobacco
Smoking or chewing tobacco increases the risk of tartar and makes it harder to remove stains and plaque.
8. Don’t Skip Your Dental Visits
Professional cleanings are essential to stay ahead of tartar. Regular dental visits also help detect early signs of gum disease or tooth decay.
Best Toothpaste for Preventing Tartar
Choose a toothpaste specifically formulated for tartar control. Look for ingredients such as:
- Fluoride – Helps strengthen enamel and prevent decay.
- Zinc citrate or pyrophosphates – These help prevent plaque from hardening.
- Baking soda – Can assist in gently polishing tooth surfaces.
Some popular Australian brands offering tartar control formulas include:
- Colgate Total
- Oral-B Pro-Health
- Sensodyne Tartar Control
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is plaque the same as tartar?
Not quite. Plaque is soft and can be removed with brushing and flossing. Tartar is hardened plaque that requires professional tools to remove.
Can tartar stain your teeth?
Yes. Tartar is porous and can absorb stains from coffee, tea, red wine, or smoking, making your teeth appear yellow or brown.
Is tartar removal painful?
Generally, no. Some people may feel mild discomfort, especially if their gums are sensitive or inflamed.
How quickly can tartar form?
Tartar can begin to form within 1–3 days if plaque isn’t removed regularly.
Can kids get tartar too?
Yes. Children can also develop tartar if they don’t brush and floss properly.
Final Thoughts
Tartar is more than just a cosmetic nuisance—it’s a serious oral health issue that can lead to long-term damage if ignored. While it cannot be removed at home once hardened, prevention is well within your control. Brushing, flossing, maintaining a balanced diet, and using the right dental products are crucial steps.
However, even with the best at-home care, regular visits to the dentist are essential. Only a qualified dental professional can safely and thoroughly remove tartar, check for early signs of gum disease, and provide tailored advice for your oral health needs.
So don’t wait until there’s a problem—book your routine dental check-up every six months to stay ahead of tartar buildup and keep your smile in top shape.
