How to remove tartar from teeth?

Have you ever noticed hard, sand-coloured, or sometimes darker stains on your teeth? These deposits, which cannot be removed by a toothbrush, are not just an aesthetic problem; they are a sign of a serious process that can lead to gum disease and tooth loss.

In this article, we will examine in detail what tartar is, why it can only be cleaned by professionals, and how you can manage this process.

What is dental tartar (dental calculus)?

To understand tartar, you first need to know about plaque. Plaque is a sticky film formed by bacteria in our mouths consuming sugars and starches in food. Dental tartar (calculus) is a hardened, calcified deposit that forms when dental plaque is not cleaned regularly and combines with minerals in saliva. Also referred to as calculus in medical literature, this structure bonds very strongly to the tooth surface and cannot be removed by ordinary tooth brushing.

What causes tartar (dental calculus)?

The main processes and factors that cause tartar formation are as follows:

Plaque formation and hardening process

The first step in tartar formation is the continuous accumulation of plaque on the tooth surfaces.

Bacterial plaque

This is a sticky, colourless film of bacteria that constantly forms on the teeth, especially in areas that cannot be reached by a toothbrush. Bacteria consume the sugar and starch in the food we eat to form this plaque.

Mineralisation

If dental plaque is not removed by brushing or flossing within 4 to 12 hours, it begins to harden.

The role of saliva

The calcium and phosphate minerals in saliva combine with plaque to form crystals. Over time, these crystals harden and turn into tartar (calculus).

Eating habits

The foods you consume directly affect how quickly the bacteria in your mouth produce plaque and acid.

Sugary foods

Sugary foods and drinks feed bacteria, accelerating plaque formation.

Starchy carbohydrates

Starchy foods such as bread, pasta, and potatoes also cause bacteria to produce acid and lead to plaque buildup.

Acidic drinks

Sports drinks and sugary drinks weaken tooth structure, making teeth more susceptible to decay and plaque buildup.

Lifestyle and other factors

Certain habits and biological conditions can trigger tartar formation:

Poor oral hygiene

Not brushing twice a day and not using dental floss allows plaque the time it needs to turn into tartar.

Smoking

Smokers have been found to produce more plaque and experience faster progression of gum disease than non-smokers.

Age factor

In many people, these deposits tend to form more rapidly with age.

Medication and substance use

Substances such as methamphetamine cause dry mouth and cravings for sugary drinks, leading to rapid tooth decay.

Teeth alignment

As crooked or misaligned teeth are more difficult to clean, tartar buildup is more common in these areas.

Chewing habits

If you only chew on one side due to toothache, tartar will accumulate more quickly on the unused side.

Which areas are most prone to dental tartar (calculus) formation?

The areas most prone to tartar (calculus) formation are generally where the salivary gland ducts open and areas that are difficult to reach with a toothbrush.

The areas where dental calculus most commonly accumulates are as follows:

Areas close to the salivary glands

As the minerals in saliva cause plaque to harden, dense accumulation is observed on the teeth closest to the salivary ducts:

Back surfaces of the lower front teeth

This area on the tongue side is very close to the lower jaw salivary glands.

Outer surfaces of the upper back molars

The cheek-side surfaces of the first and second upper molars are immediately adjacent to the upper jaw salivary ducts.

Hard-to-clean and strategic areas

Areas where brushing and flossing are neglected or technically difficult invite tartar build-up:

Gum line

Tartar easily accumulates along the line where the tooth meets the gum.

Interdental spaces

Narrow spaces that toothbrush bristles cannot reach are among the most risky areas.

Crooked and misaligned teeth

Irregularities in tooth alignment make routine oral care difficult, so tartar forms more quickly in these areas.

Areas dependent on usage and habits

Non-chewing side

If a person chews food only on one side of their mouth due to a painful tooth, tartar accumulates rapidly on the teeth on the side that is not actively used.

Areas with receding gums

The rough root surfaces exposed by receding gums provide a suitable surface for tartar to adhere to.

What are the differences between dental plaque and tartar (calculus)?

The most fundamental difference between dental plaque and tartar (calculus) is that plaque is a soft, sticky layer of bacteria that can be cleaned at home by brushing and flossing, whereas tartar is a hardened (calcified) structure that can only be removed by a dentist.

Differences between dental plaque and tartar (calculus):

What happens if tartar is not removed?

Tartar is not just an innocent stain. It causes the following problems where it accumulates:

• Gingivitis: Your gums become swollen and red and start to bleed easily when brushing.
• Periodontitis (severe gum disease): If tartar is not removed, the gums begin to pull away from the teeth, pockets form, and eventually the bone supporting the tooth dissolves.
• Tooth decay and bad breath: The rough surface of tartar attracts more plaque, which increases acid production, erodes tooth enamel, and causes bad breath.

Why can tartar not be cleaned at home?

The main reasons why tartar cannot be cleaned at home are as follows:

Hard structure

While dental plaque is a soft and sticky film, tartar is a rock-hard and porous deposit. The mineralisation process begins approximately 4 to 12 hours after plaque formation, and once this process is complete, the bristles of an ordinary toothbrush cannot dislodge this hard layer.

Acting as a ‘Fortress’ for bacteria

Tartar acts as a ‘fortress’ for bacteria in the mouth. This hardened barrier protects bacteria from both your cleaning efforts and the body’s natural defence mechanisms. Bacteria can continue to multiply and produce acid under this layer, damaging the tooth enamel.

Professional tool requirement

Dentists use special tools, technologies, and methods to safely clean tartar.

Risk of damage

Attempting to scrape tartar at home with a hard object can cause permanent damage to the tooth structure:

Enamel damage: Incorrect interventions can scratch or wear down the tooth enamel.

Gum injuries: As tartar usually accumulates at or below the gum line, uncontrolled use of tools can cause serious injuries and bleeding in the gums.

How is tartar removal performed by a dentist?

Tartar removal performed by a dentist is the process of safely removing hardened deposits (tartar) that cannot be removed at home with a toothbrush, using professional equipment and techniques. This process not only cleans the tooth surface but also reaches below the gum line to prevent gum disease.

The basic steps and technologies used by dentists are as follows:

Scaling procedure

This procedure is the most fundamental step in tartar cleaning. The dentist or hygienist cleans hardened deposits on the tooth surface and gum line using two main methods:

• Ultrasonic devices: These modern devices (e.g., PIEZON® PS) break up hardened tartar without damaging the tooth structure by vibrating at very high speeds (e.g., 30,000 times per second) and spraying pressurised water.
• Manual instruments: Fine-tipped hand instruments called ‘scalers’ or ‘curettes’ are used to clean small deposits and sensitive areas that ultrasonic devices cannot reach.

Guided biofilm therapy (GBT)

The GBT protocol, which has gained popularity in recent years, aims to transform tartar cleaning into a more comfortable ‘wellness’ experience. This method involves:

• First, special staining techniques are used to make plaque visible.
• Then, airflow technology is used to gently clean plaque and stains that have not yet fully hardened with the aid of a fine powder.
• In the final step, only the remaining hardened tartar is removed using ultrasonic devices.

Polishing the tooth surface after cleaning

Tooth surfaces are often left rough. The dentist polishes the teeth using a small rotating brush or cup and a special polishing paste. This process ensures the teeth look clean and shiny, while the smoother surface makes it harder for new plaque to adhere.

Advanced and supportive treatments

Depending on the severity of gum disease (periodontitis), the following methods may also be included in the process:

• Laser therapy: Laser light can be used to kill bacteria in infected gum pockets.
• Antibiotic application: Medication applied directly to the gum pockets can help control the infection.
• Isolation: The dentist may sometimes use a “rubber dam” to provide a clearer view and protect the gums.

5 rules to prevent tartar build-up

Follow these steps to make your dentist’s job easier and protect your teeth for life:

1. Brush twice a day: Brush all surfaces for at least 2 minutes using a fluoride toothpaste.
2. Floss daily: Flossing or using an interdental brush is essential to clean plaque from between teeth where the brush cannot reach.
3. Clean your tongue: Cleaning bacteria from your tongue prevents bad breath and improves overall hygiene.
4. Watch your diet: Sugary and starchy foods (bread, potatoes, etc.) feed bacteria. Limit your consumption of these foods.
5. Regular check-ups: Having your teeth professionally cleaned every 6 months prevents the buildup of plaque that cannot be removed by brushing from causing permanent damage.

Book an appointment at Beyazada Dental Clinic in Antalya

The best way to prevent tartar build-up is to maintain oral and dental hygiene. You cannot remove tartar at home. The definitive solution is professional teeth cleaning. With professional tartar removal treatment in Antalya, your teeth are safely cleaned, and your dental and gum health is preserved. For more information or to book an appointment regarding dental treatments such as implants, porcelain veneers, and smile design, you can contact Beyazada Dental Clinic.

FAQs

How long does it take for permanent damage to occur in tooth enamel?

Permanent damage to tooth enamel generally occurs not instantly but as a result of a gradual process.

For tartar to cause permanent damage to the tooth surface, it may need to remain there for approximately two years.

This deterioration of tooth enamel is a slow process.

Although permanent damage takes a long time, plaque formation begins just 4 to 12 hours after brushing; therefore, daily cleaning is vital.

Does tartar reform after it is cleaned?

Yes, unfortunately, tartar can reform after professional cleaning. The main reason for this is that plaque formation in our mouths is a continuous, never-ending process.

Does tartar form in children?

Yes, tartar (dental calculus) can form in children. Just like in adults, plaque that is not cleaned from children’s teeth through regular brushing can harden over time and turn into tartar.