Causes, Removal and Prevention

Tartar (Dental Calculus)

Tartar
  • Tartar, also called dental calculus, is hardened plaque that builds up on your teeth, including along and below the gum line. Once it has formed, brushing and flossing usually cannot remove it completely.
  • It can develop when plaque is not removed thoroughly, with factors such as smoking, dry mouth and crowded teeth making build-up more likely.
  • If tartar is not removed, it can make it easier for plaque to collect around your teeth and gums. Plaque can lead to gum inflammation, bad breath and tooth decay. In some people, untreated gum inflammation can develop into more serious gum disease.
  • A dentist can assess your teeth and gums and remove tartar with a professional scale and clean (MC Dental’s $239 New Patient Offer includes this).
  • Regular brushing, flossing and professional dental care can help reduce plaque and tartar build-up and support healthy teeth and gums.
plaque vs tartar

What is the difference between plaque and tartar?

Plaque is the soft, sticky stage. Tartar is what plaque becomes when it is left in place and hardens. The difference matters, because it decides who can remove it: you can handle plaque at home, but tartar needs your dentist.

Feature Plaque Tartar (dental calculus)
What it is Soft film of bacteria Hardened, calcified plaque
How it feels Soft and fuzzy Hard and crust-like
Colour Colourless to pale yellow Yellow or brown, darkens over time
How fast it forms Every day Within days of plaque being left behind
How to remove it Brushing and flossing at home Established tartar usually needs to be removed by a dental professional
why do I get tartar on my teeth

Why do I get tartar on my teeth?

Tartar forms wherever plaque is regularly missed. Common reasons include brushing less than twice a day, skipping the spaces between teeth, frequent sugary food and drinks, smoking, dry mouth and crowded teeth or braces that make cleaning harder. Some people simply mineralise plaque faster than others because of the make-up of their saliva. That is why two people with the same brushing habits can build up very different amounts of tartar.

How do I know if I have tartar teeth

How do I know if I have tartar teeth?

Tartar may look like a hard yellow or brown deposit near the gum line. It is often noticed behind the lower front teeth or on the outside of the upper back teeth. You may also notice roughness, floss catching in the same place, bad breath, or gums that look red or bleed easily.Dark brown or black material near the gum line may be tartar, but it could also be staining, tooth decay, or an old filling. Colour alone cannot tell you what it is. A dental professional can check it safely.

Can I remove tartar at home

Can I remove tartar at home?

No. Brushing and flossing can remove soft plaque, but they usually cannot remove tartar once it has hardened. Do not use household tools or online tartar scrapers. They can cut your gums or damage your teeth, fillings, or crowns.Vinegar, lemon juice, and other acidic remedies do not safely dissolve tartar. They can wear away the protective enamel on your teeth. Baking soda does not remove bonded tartar either.If something breaks off while you are eating, do not pick or scrape at the area. It may be tartar, but it could also be part of a tooth, filling, or crown. Arrange a dental check, especially if you have pain, swelling, bleeding, sensitivity, or a sharp edge.

How do dentists remove tartar

How do dentists remove tartar?

During a  professional dental scaling, performed as part of a check-up and clean, your dental may use an ultrasonic scaler and small hand instruments to remove tartar from the teeth. You may feel water spray, vibration, or mild sensitivity during the appointment. Polishing may be used to remove some surface staining and leave the teeth feeling smoother. Polishing does not stop plaque from coming back. Daily brushing and cleaning between your teeth are still important.If tartar is below the gum line, your dentist may need to check your gums more closely. Some people need a deeper gum clean, which may take more than one appointment. 

What happens if tartar is not removed

What happens if tartar is not removed?

Tartar constantly holds bacteria against your gums and enamel. Over time it can cause gingivitis, which can progress to periodontitis, the more serious gum disease that damages the bone supporting your teeth. It also raises your risk of tooth decay, gum recession, staining and ongoing bad breath. The earlier tartar is removed, the simpler the treatment.

 

How do I stop tartar coming back

How do I stop tartar coming back?

Tartar prevention is plaque removal. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, clean between your teeth daily, drink water after meals and avoid smoking. Our guide on how to remove plaque from teeth covers the full routine. Many people have a dental check-up every 6 to 12 months, but the right timing depends on your teeth and gums. Some people need more frequent visits because they build up tartar quickly or have gum disease, dry mouth, braces, diabetes, or other risk factors. Your dentist can recommend the best interval for you.

6 dental clinics, open 7 days (6 Days at Brighton)

Book Your Teeth Clean Appointment

Keep tartar off your teeth for a healthier smile. With our six locations across Melbourne, a professional clean is always nearby.

Phone the clinic on
(03) 8608 8968.

Or select a Melbourne clinic below to book.

 

Melbourne Central Dental Clinic

Shop 254, Level 2, 211 La Trobe Street, Melbourne

Docklands Dental Clinic

Shop 10, 677 La Trobe Street, Docklands

Westfield Doncaster Clinic

Shop 45, Ground Floor, 619 Doncaster Rd, Doncaster

Highpoint Dental Clinic

Level 2, Highpoint Shopping Centre, 120-200 Rosamond Rd, Maribyrnong

Glen Waverley Dental Clinic

110 Kingsway, Glen Waverley

Brighton Dental Clinic

754 Hampton St, Brighton

 

FAQ – Tartar

Can baking soda or vinegar dissolve tartar?

No. Vinegar, lemon juice, and other acids can damage tooth enamel and do not safely dissolve tartar. Baking soda does not remove tartar that is bonded to the tooth. Do not scrape tartar yourself. A dental professional can remove it safely and check whether there are any gum problems underneath.

Why is my tartar black?

Tartar below the gum line can look brown or black, but not every black mark is tartar. It could also be staining, tooth decay, or an old filling. Do not try to remove it yourself. Arrange a dental check-up, especially if the area is new, painful, swollen, bleeding, or near a loose tooth.

Does removing tartar loosen my teeth?

No. A professional clean should not loosen a healthy tooth. Teeth can feel slightly different once heavy tartar is gone, because the hard crust that filled the gaps has been removed. It is untreated gum disease that loosens teeth, not the clean.. If a tooth is loose, becoming more mobile, painful, or swollen, arrange a dental appointment promptly.

Why does tartar keep breaking off my teeth?

A hard piece that breaks off may be tartar, but it could also be part of a tooth, filling, or crown. Do not pick or scrape at the area. Keep the piece if you can and arrange a dental check properly.

Do some people build tartar faster than others?

Yes. Saliva composition, dry mouth, smoking and crowded teeth all speed up tartar formation. If you build it quickly, your dentist may recommend cleans more often than every six months.