Tartar or Calculus
Posted on 11/2/2026 by NC Pediatric Dentistry |
 Ever run your tongue over your teeth and feel a rough patch? It might be tartar, also known as calculus. Understanding what it is, how it forms, and why it's important to remove it can help you keep your smile healthy and bright. Think of it as a mineralized deposit on your teeth that can cause problems if not addressed. Let's break it down!
What is Tartar?
Tartar is hardened dental plaque. Plaque is that sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on our teeth. When plaque isn't removed regularly through brushing and flossing, it can harden and turn into tartar. This process is kind of like how a stream of water can slowly deposit minerals to form a rock over time. The longer plaque sits on your teeth, the more likely it is to become tartar. Unlike plaque, which is soft and easily removed with a toothbrush, tartar is hard and strongly attached to the tooth surface.
How Does Tartar Form?
The process starts with plaque, which is made up of bacteria, food particles, and saliva. These bacteria produce acids that can attack your tooth enamel, leading to cavities. If plaque isn't removed, minerals in your saliva, like calcium and phosphate, start to deposit into the plaque. Over time, these minerals cause the plaque to harden into tartar. This hardening process can happen quite quickly, sometimes in as little as a few days. Tartar often forms along the gumline, but it can also develop on other parts of the teeth.
Why is Tartar a Problem?
Tartar is problematic for several reasons. First, its rough surface makes it easier for more plaque to accumulate. This creates a vicious cycle where more tartar leads to more plaque, which leads to even more tartar. Second, tartar can irritate your gums, leading to gingivitis, an early form of gum disease. Gingivitis can cause red, swollen, and bleeding gums. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease that can damage the bone and tissues that support your teeth, potentially leading to tooth loss. Third, tartar can be unsightly and can cause bad breath. Nobody wants that!
How Can You Prevent Tartar Buildup?
Preventing tartar buildup is all about good oral hygiene habits. Here are a few key things you can do:
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Brush your teeth regularly: Brush at least twice a day, using fluoride toothpaste. Make sure to brush all surfaces of your teeth, including the front, back, and chewing surfaces. |
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Floss daily: Flossing helps remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth and along the gumline, areas that your toothbrush can't reach. |
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Use an antiseptic mouthwash: Mouthwash can help kill bacteria in your mouth and prevent plaque from forming. |
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Eat a healthy diet: Limit sugary and starchy foods, as these can contribute to plaque formation. |
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Visit your dentist regularly: Regular checkups are essential for removing tartar and identifying any potential problems early on. Your dental professional has special tools to remove tartar without damaging the enamel. |
Removing Tartar
Because tartar is so hard and firmly attached to teeth, it can't be removed with regular brushing and flossing. A dental professional uses special instruments to remove tartar from your teeth. This process is called scaling, and it involves carefully scraping the tartar away from your teeth and along the gumline. Regular dental cleanings are the best way to keep tartar under control and maintain good oral health.
Taking care of your teeth and gums is an important part of your overall health. By understanding what tartar is, how it forms, and how to prevent it, you can take steps to keep your smile healthy and bright for years to come!
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