Tartar on teeth, also known as dental calculus, is hardened plaque that builds up on the teeth. It can cause bad breath, yellow, brown, or black discoloration, and hard deposits, and may contribute to dental problems such as cavities and gingivitis.
Tartar develops when plaque is not removed and minerals in saliva cause it to harden. Regular brushing and cleaning between the teeth can help remove plaque before it turns into tartar.
If you think you have tartar on your teeth, it is best to see a dentist. Once tartar has hardened, it cannot be removed by regular brushing and requires professional dental cleaning.
Signs of tartar
The main signs of tartar are:
- Yellow, brown, or black discoloration on the teeth
- Bad breath
- Hard deposits on the surface of the teeth
Tartar can form on one or more teeth, especially when plaque is not regularly removed through good oral hygiene.
How to tell if you have tartar
Tartar can often be recognized as hard deposits that are firmly attached to the teeth and do not come off with brushing. However, it may be difficult to see when it forms below the gumline.
If tartar is suspected, it is best to see a dentist. A dentist can examine the mouth more closely and identify tartar in areas that may be difficult to see in a mirror.
Main causes
Tartar on the teeth develops when minerals in saliva build up in dental plaque and cause it to harden. It is more likely to develop when plaque is not regularly removed through brushing and cleaning between the teeth.
Tartar buildup may also be more common in people who smoke or wear braces, as these factors can make maintaining good oral hygiene more difficult.
Tartar removal
Tartar is firmly attached to the teeth and cannot be removed at home with regular brushing or flossing.
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), tartar can only be removed through cleaning performed by a dental professional. A dentist or dental hygienist may use scaling to remove hardened deposits and plaque buildup.
Baking soda is sometimes used as a home remedy for cleaning the teeth. It may help remove some plaque and surface stains, but it cannot remove tartar that has already hardened.
Plain baking soda should not replace regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste.
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The best way to help prevent tartar buildup is to maintain good oral hygiene by brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between the teeth daily with floss or another interdental cleaner.
According to the ADA, cleaning between the teeth helps remove plaque before it has a chance to harden into tartar.