Dental calculus, commonly known as tartar, is a hardened buildup on the teeth that can severely compromise oral health. This substance forms when dental plaque is not completely removed through daily cleaning habits. Once this calcification process occurs, tartar becomes firmly bonded to the enamel and cannot be dislodged by brushing or flossing alone. Safely and effectively removing existing dental calculus requires professional intervention from a dentist or dental hygienist.
What Tartar Is and How It Forms
Tartar begins as dental plaque, a soft, sticky biofilm composed primarily of bacteria, food debris, and salivary proteins. This film accumulates constantly on tooth surfaces, especially along the gum line. If plaque is left undisturbed, it reacts with minerals present in saliva, such as calcium and phosphate. This chemical reaction causes the soft plaque to mineralize into dental calculus, typically within 24 to 72 hours.
Once hardened, this porous deposit creates a rough surface that attracts and harbors more bacteria, accelerating the cycle of buildup. Tartar can form both above the gum line (supragingival) and below it (subgingival). Subgingival calculus is damaging, as it contributes to gingivitis and can progress to periodontitis, which involves bone loss around the teeth.
Why At-Home Removal Is Not Possible
The dense, mineralized nature of dental calculus prevents its removal using non-professional methods. Tartar bonds tenaciously to the tooth enamel, making it impervious to the mechanical action of a toothbrush or dental floss. No amount of rigorous brushing or use of abrasive toothpaste can break this bond once the plaque has fully hardened.
Attempting to scrape away tartar using sharp instruments, such as dental picks or scalers purchased online, carries significant risks. Misuse of these tools can easily scratch or chip the enamel, leading to permanent damage and increased sensitivity. Furthermore, a non-expert user is likely to injure the delicate gum tissue, causing bleeding, inflammation, or creating a pathway for infection.
Using acidic substances, such as lemon juice or vinegar, or highly abrasive materials like baking soda pastes, is also ineffective and counterproductive. The acid content in these home remedies can irreversibly erode tooth enamel over time. Any visible tartar that appears to flake off is often just superficial staining, while the deeply bonded structure remains untouched, making professional treatment the only safe option.
Clinical Procedures for Tartar Removal
Professional tartar removal is performed during a standard dental cleaning appointment by a trained hygienist or dentist. For deposits located above the gum line, the procedure is referred to as scaling. This process involves using specialized tools designed to fracture and remove the calculus without harming the enamel surface.
Dental professionals often utilize ultrasonic scalers, which employ high-frequency vibrations to efficiently break up the hardened tartar. These devices simultaneously spray water to wash away debris and keep the area cool. For a more precise approach, particularly in hard-to-reach areas, manual hand instruments called curettes and scalers are used.
When tartar has formed below the gum line, a more involved procedure known as scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) is necessary. This treatment removes subgingival calculus and smooths the root surfaces. Smoothing the roots discourages bacteria from reattaching and helps the gum tissue re-adhere more tightly to the tooth. This deep cleaning procedure is often broken into multiple sessions and may require local anesthesia for patient comfort.
Strategies for Preventing Recurrence
After professional removal, preventing tartar recurrence relies on consistent and effective home care. Brushing twice daily for two full minutes is necessary to disrupt the plaque biofilm before it can mineralize. Using a toothbrush with soft bristles and proper technique ensures all tooth surfaces are reached without damaging the gums.
Daily flossing is equally important, as it physically removes plaque from between the teeth and beneath the gum line, areas a toothbrush cannot access. Water flossers can supplement string flossing by flushing out loose debris, but they do not replace mechanical cleaning.
Selecting a toothpaste formulated for tartar control provides an extra layer of prevention. These products often contain chemical compounds such as pyrophosphates or zinc citrate. These ingredients interfere with the crystallization process by binding to calcium and phosphate ions in saliva.
Finally, maintaining the recommended schedule of dental checkups and professional cleanings, typically every six months, is necessary. These visits allow a professional to remove any new buildup before it becomes extensive and to monitor for early signs of gum disease.