Dental Tartar: What It Is, Why It Forms and How It’s Removed

• e people collect more tartar than others, even with similar brushing habits.
• Removing tartar may help settle gum inflammation and bleeding gums, though what’s involved depends on how much has built up and the health of your gums.
• Diet, saliva flow, daily oral hygiene and the time between dental cleanings can all affect how quickly tartar forms.
• Signs such as swollen gums, persistent bad breath or gum recession are usually what guide the next step.

Below, we explain how tartar forms, the early signs to look out for and how to prevent tartar buildup between visits.

What Is Dental Tartar?

Dental tartar is hardened dental plaque. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth every day. When plaque isn’t removed, minerals from your saliva cause it to harden into tartar, which dentists often call calculus.

Tartar can form above the gum line, where it may look yellow or brown, or below it, on the root surfaces, where you can’t see it. Its rough surface makes it easy for new plaque to stick, so tartar can keep growing once it starts.

How Does Plaque Turn Into Tartar?

Plaque bacteria feed on sugars and starchy foods left on your teeth. Research into how calculus forms suggests these bacteria raise calcium and phosphate levels around them, which helps the plaque harden into mineral deposits. It also links calculus left in place with gum inflammation and periodontitis.

Plaque removed each day with good brushing doesn’t get the chance to harden. Plaque left in hard-to-reach spots, such as behind the lower front teeth, is more likely to turn into tartar.

What Are the Early Signs of Tartar Buildup?

Tartar doesn’t always cause pain, so it’s easy to miss. Early signs may include:

• a rough feeling when you run your tongue over your teeth
• yellow or brown hardened deposits near the gum line
• red or swollen gums
• bleeding gums when you brush or floss
• bad breath that doesn’t improve with brushing

These signs can have other causes too, so a dental visit is the best way to find out.

How Is Dental Tartar Linked to Gum Disease?

Tartar, and the plaque that sits on top of it, can irritate the gum tissues. The early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis, and it may cause gum inflammation and bleeding. Gum disease is very common in Australia, with around 3 in every 10 adults having moderate to severe gum disease.

The early stage can often be reversed with plaque and tartar removal and better daily cleaning. If it’s left untreated, gum disease may lead to gum recession, loose teeth and, over time, tooth loss. Plaque bacteria also produce acids that can lead to tooth decay, which may need treatment such as tooth fillings.

What Affects Tartar Buildup?

Tartar forms faster in some people than others. Factors that may play a role include:

• Brushing and flossing habits. Plaque left on the teeth for longer has more time to harden.
• Diet. Frequent sugary or starchy foods give plaque bacteria more to feed on.
• Saliva and dry mouth. Saliva helps wash away food particles. Some medicines can cause a dry mouth.
• Smoking. Smoking is associated with a higher risk of gum disease.
• Crowded teeth, braces or dental work. These can create more places for plaque to collect.
• Time between dental cleanings. Tartar keeps building until a dental professional removes it.

Can You Remove Tartar at Home?

No. Once plaque has hardened, brushing won’t shift it. Metal scrapers sold for home use can scratch tooth enamel, injure the gums and push deposits further under the gum line. Tartar-control toothpastes may help slow new tartar from forming, but they can’t remove what’s already there.

Only a dentist or hygienist can remove tartar safely, using special instruments and, often, an ultrasonic scaler. The teeth are then polished so plaque is less likely to stick. If tartar sits below the gum line, a deeper clean of the root surfaces may be needed. We’ll explain what’s involved and the costs before treatment begins.

How to Prevent Tartar Buildup

Good daily habits are the best way to prevent tartar buildup between visits. Australian oral health advice is to:

• brush your teeth and gums twice a day for 2 minutes with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush
• floss once a day, or use interdental brushes if they suit your teeth better
• take extra care along the gum line, where plaque often collects
• drink plain water and limit sugary drinks
• see your dental practitioner every 6 to 12 months for a check-up

A Considered Approach to Dental Tartar

Tartar is common, and it doesn’t mean you’ve been careless. Regular removal and a routine that suits your teeth can help keep your gums healthy. Individual outcomes vary, and the right plan depends on your individual situation.

If you’ve noticed rough deposits, bleeding gums or bad breath that won’t go away, or it’s been a while since your last clean, get in touch with Good Choice Dental on (02) 8203 8760.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is dental tartar made of?

Dental tartar is mostly hardened plaque. It contains bacteria, proteins and minerals from saliva, such as calcium phosphate.

Can tartar come off on its own?

No. Once plaque hardens into tartar, it stays firmly attached to the tooth. It needs to be removed by a dentist during a professional clean.

How often should you get tartar removed?

Many people have a check-up and clean every 6 to 12 months. If tartar builds up quickly, or you have signs of gum disease, your dentist may suggest more frequent visits.

Does tartar removal hurt?

Most people feel scraping or vibration rather than pain, though some notice sensitivity if their gums are inflamed. Let your dentist know if you feel uncomfortable.

Is it bad to have tartar on your teeth?

Tartar can irritate the gums and holds bacteria close to the gum line. Left untreated, it may contribute to gum disease, bad breath and tooth decay.

References

1. Healthdirect Australia. Gum disease. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/conditions/mouth-and-tooth-diseases/gum-disease
2. Healthdirect Australia. Dental care and teeth cleaning. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/healthy-living/hygiene-and-protection/teeth-cleaning
3. Wei Y, Dang GP, Ren ZY, et al. (2024). Recent advances in the pathogenesis and prevention strategies of dental calculus. npj Biofilms and Microbiomes, 10(1). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11246453/