A beautiful smile and a healthy mouth are things no one would refuse. In fact, having a healthy mouth already gives you a memorable, radiant smile. To maintain that smile and protect your oral health, you need to watch out for certain dental conditions. One of these is tartar buildup, which affects more than half of the population.
Tartar can develop even in those who never skip their oral‐care routine. Many try temporary fixes but can’t eliminate it permanently—because although millions suffer from it, most people don’t truly understand what tartar is. They don’t know how to prevent it, how to deal with it once it forms, or whether they need to see a dentist.
The most effective way to treat any disease is to understand it fully. In this article, we’ll explain what dental tartar is and how to remove it, so you can tackle this common nuisance once and for all.
What Is Dental Tartar?
Tartar—also called calculus—appears as brown or yellow deposits that form when acids produced by plaque bacteria harden on the tooth surface. But how does a tooth become tartar‐ridden? When plaque on neglected teeth isn’t removed, it begins producing large amounts of acid. The enamel, defenseless against these acids, gradually erodes. This erosion ultimately hardens into tartar.
Tartar doesn’t just appear at the gum line; it can also form beneath it, creating rough, porous deposits. Many people attempt to remove tartar with brushing, flossing, mouthwash, or over‐the‐counter products, but these measures aren’t enough. Only a professional dentist using specialized instruments can eliminate it.
How Is Dental Tartar Removed?
Tartar is extremely hard and adheres firmly to the tooth, so you can’t brush or floss it away. Only a professional dental cleaning by a trained dentist can remove it.
Dentists use special tools to scrape away tartar above—and sometimes below—the gum line. For advanced deposits, ultrasonic instruments that vibrate to break up tartar may be employed. A typical tartar‐removal procedure includes:
- Identifying all the areas where tartar adheres
- Explaining the procedure to the patient (no anesthesia is needed, as it’s painless)
- Using specialized instruments to remove tartar (this can take up to 10 minutes)
- Brushing until the gum‐line deposits are completely cleared
- Conducting a final check and advising the patient on post‐cleaning care
How to Prevent Tartar Buildup
Even diligent brushers sometimes develop tartar and need a professional cleaning. But that doesn’t mean it’s unavoidable. By taking simple preventive steps regularly, you can minimize tartar formation:
- Use a toothbrush suited to your teeth and gums.
- Choose a soft‐bristled brush to avoid irritating your gums.
- Floss several times a week, even if not daily.
- Select a toothpaste formulated to help prevent tartar.
- Limit consumption of sugary foods and drinks.
- Visit your dentist for a routine cleaning at least once a year—our expert team is always ready to help!
