Taming Tartar: How to Prevent and Eliminate Buildup Before It Harms Your Smile

What Is Tartar?

Tartar, also known as dental calculus, is a hardened form of dental plaque. Plaque is the soft, sticky film that forms on your teeth throughout the day, composed of bacteria, food particles, and saliva. When plaque is not removed regularly, it combines with minerals in your saliva and hardens—usually within 24 to 72 hours—into tartar.

Tartar forms both above and below the gumline, and while plaque can be removed with daily brushing and flossing, tartar cannot. It requires professional dental cleaning to be removed effectively.

Why Is Tartar a Problem?

Tartar is more than just a cosmetic issue. It creates a rough surface where more plaque can accumulate and causes a cascade of oral health issues, including:

1. Gum Disease (Gingivitis and Periodontitis)
2. Tartar irritates the gums, causing inflammation, bleeding, and infection. If not treated, it can progress to periodontitis, a serious gum disease that can lead to bone loss and tooth loss.
3. Tooth Decay
4. The bacteria in tartar produce acids that erode tooth enamel, leading to cavities.
5. Persistent Bad Breath (Halitosis)
6. Tartar buildup traps bacteria and food particles, which release foul odors.
7. Stained Teeth
8. Tartar is porous and absorbs stains from coffee, tea, wine, and tobacco, making your teeth look yellow or brown.
9. Systemic Health Effects
10. Chronic inflammation in the mouth from tartar-related gum disease is linked to heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.

Where Does Tartar Build Up the Most?

Tartar tends to accumulate in areas that are harder to clean:

1. Behind the lower front teeth
2. On the outside of upper molars
3. Along the gumline
4. Between crowded teeth
5. Around dental restorations like bridges or crowns

If you notice that your teeth feel rough in these areas or that your gums bleed when brushing, you may have tartar and need a professional cleaning.

How to Prevent Tartar Buildup

The key to preventing tartar is controlling plaque before it hardens. Here’s how you can stay ahead of the curve:

1. Brush Twice a Day—Thoroughly

Use a fluoride toothpaste and brush for two full minutes each time. Pay special attention to the gumline and behind your lower front teeth.

2. Use an Electric Toothbrush

Electric toothbrushes are more effective at removing plaque than manual ones. Look for one with a rotating or oscillating head and a built-in timer.

3. Floss Daily—No Exceptions

Flossing removes plaque between teeth where your brush can’t reach. Skipping floss allows plaque to sit and harden into tartar.

4. Add an Antibacterial Mouthwash

Use a therapeutic mouthwash that targets plaque bacteria. This adds an extra layer of defense and reduces bacterial buildup.

5. Minimize Sugar and Refined Carbohydrates

Bacteria in your mouth thrive on sugar. Reducing your intake of sweets, soft drinks, and white bread can slow plaque formation.

6. Drink Plenty of Water

Water helps wash away food particles and balances saliva flow, which naturally combats plaque formation.

7. Avoid Tobacco

Smoking or chewing tobacco significantly increases tartar buildup and risk for gum disease.

At-Home Tools That Can Help

While no at-home tool replaces a dental visit, here are a few helpful additions:

1. Interdental brushes for tight spaces
2. Tartar control toothpaste with pyrophosphates or zinc citrate
3. Water flossers to flush out bacteria from under the gums
4. Disclosing tablets to highlight where plaque remains after brushing

These tools can enhance your daily routine and reduce tartar risk between cleanings.

How to Get Rid of Tartar (Only a Dentist Can)

Once tartar forms, you cannot remove it at home. Only a dental professional can do so through a process called scaling.

What Is Scaling?

Scaling involves using specialized tools—manual scalers or ultrasonic instruments—to break up and remove hardened tartar above and below the gumline.

In some cases, especially where gum pockets have developed, a deeper cleaning called scaling and root planing may be needed. This helps smooth the root surfaces and prevent future buildup.

How Often Should You Get Tartar Removed?

Most people benefit from a professional dental cleaning every six months. However, some may need more frequent cleanings—every 3–4 months—if they:

1. Have a history of gum disease
2. Smoke
3. Have diabetes
4. Wear braces or retainers
5. Have crowded teeth or restorations

Your dentist or hygienist will recommend a custom schedule based on your needs.

Signs You May Have Tartar Right Now

If you’re unsure whether you already have tartar, here are common warning signs:

1. Yellow or brown spots near the gumline
2. Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
3. Chronic bad breath
4. Red, swollen, or tender gums
5. Rough texture when you run your tongue over your teeth

If you notice any of these, it’s time to schedule a cleaning.

Final Thoughts

Tartar is more than just a nuisance—it’s a serious threat to your smile and your overall health. But the good news is, it’s preventable with consistent oral hygiene and professional care.

By brushing properly, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist regularly, you can keep tartar at bay and enjoy a clean, confident smile.

At Dent Blanche Dental in Princeton, NJ, we specialize in preventive and periodontal care using state-of-the-art technology in a luxurious, calming environment. Our team is here to keep your teeth tartar-free and your gums in peak health.

CALL TO ACTION

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