Tartar buildup is a common yet preventable oral health issue that can affect your teeth' appearance and health. While professional care is needed to remove tartar once it forms, adopting effective tartar prevention strategies can help keep it from coming back. This comprehensive guide explores what tartar is, its effects on oral health, professional removal techniques, and actionable daily habits to support a healthy, tartar-free smile.
What Is Tartar?
Tartar, or dental calculus, is a hard, crusty deposit that forms on teeth when plaque—a sticky, bacteria-filled film—hardens. Plaque forms naturally every day, especially after meals, as bacteria in your mouth interact with food particles. Regular brushing and flossing can remove plaque before it hardens. However, if left untreated, plaque mineralizes into tartar, which binds tightly to the teeth and gumline, making it impossible to remove with a toothbrush or floss.
Tartar can form on any tooth surface but is most common along the gumline and between teeth, where plaque often accumulates unnoticed. The rough texture of tartar provides a perfect environment for further bacterial growth, which can lead to a host of oral health problems.
Key Facts About Tartar Formation
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Plaque: This soft, colorless film is composed of bacteria, food debris, and saliva. It constantly builds up on teeth, requiring daily removal through brushing and flossing.
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Tartar: When plaque isn't adequately removed, it hardens into tartar within 24–72 hours. Tartar is much more challenging to address and often appears as yellow or brown deposits on teeth.
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Impact: Tartar buildup can irritate gums, cause tooth discoloration, contribute to persistent bad breath, and serve as a foundation for issues like gum disease.
How Does Tartar Affect Your Oral Health?
Tartar is not just a cosmetic concern; its presence can seriously affect oral and overall health. Understanding the progression of tartar-related problems can help you take preventative action to protect your smile.
Early Signs of Tartar
Discoloration
Tartar often appears yellow, brown, or tan, particularly near the gumline or between teeth.
These visible stains can make teeth look unhealthy, even if they’re otherwise strong.
Gum Irritation
Tartar can irritate the gums, causing them to appear red, swollen, and inflamed.
You may notice bleeding when brushing or flossing, an early warning sign of gum disease.
Bad Breath
Bacteria trapped in tartar deposits release foul-smelling gases, leading to persistent bad breath, even with regular brushing.
Advanced Effects of Tartar
Progression to Gum Disease (Periodontitis)
If tartar isn't removed, it worsens gum inflammation (gingivitis), which can progress to periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease.
Periodontitis involves gum recession, the formation of deep pockets around teeth, and eventual damage to the bone that anchors teeth.
Tooth Loss
Advanced gum disease can weaken the bone and connective tissues that hold teeth in place, leading to tooth loss over time.
Systemic Health Risks
Research has linked gum disease caused by tartar buildup to systemic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory problems.
Inflammation from gum disease can contribute to overall inflammation in the body, exacerbating chronic health issues.
Dental Scaling and Root Planing
Dental scaling and root planing are the most effective professional methods for removing tartar and addressing gum inflammation. These procedures are performed by dentists or dental hygienists using specialized tools designed to safely and thoroughly clean teeth.
Scaling:
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What It Does: Scaling involves the removal of tartar (calculus) from the tooth surface, both above and below the gumline.
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How It’s Done: A dentist or hygienist uses manual tools, such as scalers and curettes, or advanced ultrasonic devices that emit vibrations to dislodge tartar. Ultrasonic scalers also spray water to flush out debris and bacteria from the area.
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Benefits: This process not only eliminates tartar but also reduces the bacteria that contribute to gum inflammation and bad breath.
Root Planing:
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What It Does: Root planing goes deeper, addressing the roots of the teeth. The procedure smooths rough spots on the roots where bacteria and plaque can accumulate, making it harder for tartar to form in the future.
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How It’s Done: A dentist uses fine instruments to remove infected tissue and polish the tooth roots. This encourages the gums to heal and reattach to the teeth, reducing the periodontal pocket depth and creating a healthier oral environment.
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Benefits: Root planing significantly improves gum health and can halt the progression of gum disease.
Comfort and Anesthesia:
Scaling and root planing are generally comfortable procedures. For individuals with sensitive gums or substantial tartar accumulation, local anesthetics like Lidocaine and Prilocaine can be administered to reduce discomfort. Dental professionals also provide aftercare instructions to reduce sensitivity following the procedure.
Frequency of Professional Cleanings
How often you need professional dental cleanings depends on your individual oral health needs:
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For Most People: A routine cleaning every six months is sufficient to maintain oral health and prevent tartar buildup.
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For High-Risk Patients: Smokers, individuals with diabetes, or those prone to gum disease may require cleanings every 3–4 months. This tailored approach helps manage risk factors and keeps tartar in check.
Regular professional cleanings also allow dentists to monitor your oral health, detect early signs of gum disease, and offer targeted advice for improving your at-home care routine.
Tips to Prevent Tartar Formation
Daily Oral Hygiene Practices
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Brush Twice Daily: Use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled or electric toothbrush. Brush for at least two minutes.
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Use Proclaim Daily: Remove plaque and debris from between teeth using Proclaim.
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Use Mouthwash: Antimicrobial rinses help reduce bacteria.
Diet and Lifestyle Adjustments
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Limit Sugary and Starchy Foods: Bacteria in plaque thrive on these foods.
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Stay Hydrated: Drinking water washes away food particles and bacteria.
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Avoid Tobacco: Smoking accelerates tartar buildup and gum disease risk.
The Role of Proclaim in Tartar Prevention
Innovative tools like the Proclaim Custom-Jet Oral Health System can revolutionize your oral hygiene routine. This system uses up to 60 precisely placed jets to deliver a thorough 360-degree clean, targeting areas between teeth and below the gumline in just 7 seconds. By incorporating advanced technology into your daily routine, you can significantly reduce plaque and tartar buildup.
Key Takeaways
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Tartar Prevention: Daily brushing, flossing, and smart dietary choices are essential.
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Professional Care: Regular dental cleanings are the only way to remove existing tartar.
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Advanced Tools: Solutions like Proclaim enhance oral care, making prevention more effective and convenient.
By committing to these habits, you can maintain a lifetime of healthy, tartar-free teeth while supporting your overall well-being.