Table of Contents
TL;DR
- Tartar is hardened plaque that can irritate gums and increase the risk of periodontal disease.
- It forms within 24-72 hours and can appear above (supragingival) or below (subgingival) the gums.
- Poor brushing or flossing, skipped dental visits, sugary foods, tobacco, dry mouth and crowded teeth all contribute to its formation.
- Signs include yellow or brown deposits, rough tooth surfaces, bleeding or swollen gums, bad breath and sensitivity near the gum line.
- Professional removal involves scaling and polishing, below-gum cleaning, deep cleaning and regular dental check-ups.
- At-home care involves brushing twice daily, flossing, using recommended rinses, staying hydrated and avoiding scraping tartar.
- Untreated tartar can cause cavities, gum recession, persistent bad breath, bone loss and loose teeth.
- Prevention relies on using fluoride toothpaste, proper brushing technique, regularly replacing toothbrushes, rinsing after meals, limiting sugar intake and dental cleanings every 6 months.
What is Tartar on Teeth?
Have you ever noticed a yellow or brown line along the inside of your teeth when you look in the mirror? Many people assume it is just surface staining, but in many cases, this build-up is tartar on teeth, also known as dental calculus. It forms when plaque is not fully removed and is allowed to harden over time.
Once tartar develops, it adheres firmly to the teeth and along the gum line, which is why it cannot be removed at home once it forms. Over time, its presence can irritate the gums and create conditions that allow oral bacteria to thrive. If left unaddressed, this process can gradually affect gum health and increase the risk of periodontal disease.
How Does Tartar Form?
Throughout the day, a soft film of bacteria and food residue settles on the teeth. This film, called plaque, can usually be removed with regular brushing and flossing. If plaque is left undisturbed, minerals present in saliva begin to harden it, a process that can start within 24 to 72 hours of missed cleaning.
As the hardened deposits continue to accumulate, they spread along different areas of the teeth, which leads to the formation of distinct types of tartar depending on their location:
- Supragingival tartar: Forms above the gum line and is often visible as yellow or brown deposits on the teeth.
- Subgingival tartar: Develops below the gum line, is not easily seen and is more likely to affect gum health.
Common Causes of Tartar Build-Up
Tartar on teeth usually develops due to a combination of daily habits and oral conditions that allow plaque to remain on the teeth for too long. The most common causes include:
- Incomplete brushing or flossing: Areas near the gum line, between teeth and at the back of the mouth are often missed, allowing plaque to harden.
- Irregular dental cleanings: Skipping professional cleanings gives tartar more time to accumulate and spread.
- Frequent sugary or starchy foods: These feed plaque-forming bacteria and increase the amount of residue left on teeth.
- Tobacco use: Smoking or chewing tobacco encourages faster tartar formation and may lead to darker deposits, sometimes seen as black tartar on teeth.
- Low saliva flow: Dry mouth caused by dehydration, medications or mouth breathing makes plaque harder to wash away naturally.
- Crowded or misaligned teeth: Tight or uneven spaces trap plaque and make thorough cleaning more difficult.
Signs and Symptoms of Tartar on Teeth
In our 35+ years at Anoka Dental, we have seen that tartar often causes subtle changes that patients may feel or see before any pain develops. Common signs include:
- Yellow, brown or dark deposits along the gum line
- Rough or uneven tooth surfaces felt with the tongue
- Bleeding during brushing or flossing
- Swollen or tender gums
- Persistent bad breath despite regular cleaning
- Gum recession in areas where deposits have remained for long periods
- Sensitivity near the gum margins in some cases
Safe Ways to Remove Tartar
The safest way to remove tartar is by visiting a dentist. Trying to scrape or pick it off at home can damage the enamel, irritate the gums and even cause infections. At Anoka Dental, we focus on removal methods that are effective without putting tooth or gum health at risk. Here are some options:
- Dental cleaning (scaling and polishing): This is the most common treatment used to remove tartar from the surface of the teeth and around the gum line.
- Below-gum cleaning: When tartar has formed under the gums, deeper cleaning is carried out to clear the deposits and reduce gum irritation.
- Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing): Recommended when tartar build-up has started to affect the gums, this helps the gums heal and fit more closely around the teeth.
- Regular follow-up visits: Routine cleanings help prevent tartar from building up again and keep gum health stable.
What are Some Risks of Untreated Tartar?
When tartar is left on the teeth for long periods, it can start to affect both the gums and the teeth themselves. Common risks include:
- Ongoing gum irritation and bleeding
- Worsening gum inflammation that does not settle on its own
- Higher chance of cavities forming near the gum line
- Receding gums that expose more of the tooth
- Persistent bad breath caused by trapped bacteria
- Bone support around the teeth gradually wearing down
- Teeth feeling loose in advanced cases
How to Prevent the Formation of Tartar on Teeth?
Preventing tartar comes down to keeping plaque from hardening on the teeth in the first place. Simple daily habits make the biggest difference:
- Brush twice daily using a fluoride toothpaste to strengthen enamel and slow plaque activity.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid missing delicate areas
- Clean between the teeth every day with floss or interdental brushes
- Replace your toothbrush every 3 months, or sooner if the bristles fray.
- Rinse your mouth with water after meals when brushing is not possible.
- Use an antibacterial or fluoride mouth rinse if recommended by your dentist.
- Reduce frequent snacking on sugary or refined foods.
- Drink enough water to support normal saliva flow
- Attend dental cleanings every 6 months to remove early buildup before it hardens.
The Bottom Line
Tartar on teeth does not develop overnight, but once it forms, it does not go away on its own. Staying consistent with daily cleaning and having your teeth checked regularly helps keep small issues from turning into bigger ones. It is one of the simplest ways to protect your smile over the long term.
At Anoka Dental, Dr. Lee DeKrey and Dr. Rich Capp take the time to address tartar before it leads to lasting problems. If you have noticed buildup on your teeth or it has been a while since your last cleaning, a visit can help put things back on track.
To book an appointment with one of the best dentists in Anoka, get in touch today:
Call: 7634214002
Visit: 12 Bridge Sq # 106, Anoka, MN 55303, United States
FAQs
It would be nice if it did, but it doesn’t. Once plaque hardens into tartar, it sticks firmly to the teeth. Brushing helps prevent more buildup, but removing what’s already there needs professional cleaning.
Not exactly. Stains sit on the surface and can come from coffee, tea or smoking. Tartar is a hardened plaque. It feels rough, clings to the tooth and does not brush away.
Most of the time, no. That’s why it often goes unnoticed. Gums may bleed slightly or feel tender, but pain usually appears later, after damage has started.
Brushing removes only soft plaque, so hardened tartar can return, especially with sugary foods, missed spots or smoking. Professional cleanings are needed to remove it completely.
It’s not a good idea. Scraping at the teeth can scratch the enamel and injure the gums. We see more problems caused by home tools than solutions.
For most people, cleaning every six months works well. Some may need visits a little sooner, depending on how quickly tartar builds up.
Yes, they can. It’s less common, but it does happen, especially when brushing is rushed or skipped.
