Tartar, also called calculus, is the hard, yellowish or brown deposit that forms on teeth, often behind the lower front teeth and along the gumline. Unlike plaque, it cannot be brushed away. Understanding how it forms helps you slow it down, and knowing why it matters explains why regular cleaning is so important.
Plaque is a soft, sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth every day. If it is not removed by brushing and cleaning between teeth, minerals from saliva begin to harden it within a day or two. Over time, it becomes tartar, which bonds firmly to the tooth surface.
The rate of tartar build-up varies widely. Saliva composition, hard-to-reach areas, crowded teeth, smoking, diet and gaps in brushing technique all play a part. Areas near salivary gland openings, such as behind the lower front teeth and outside the upper molars, tend to collect tartar first.
Tartar has a rough surface that attracts more plaque, irritates the gums and makes cleaning harder. Over time, it contributes to gingivitis, gum recession and periodontitis. It can also stain easily, making teeth look yellow or brown.
Once tartar has formed, it cannot be safely removed at home. Scraping tools sold online can damage enamel and gums. Professional scaling, using ultrasonic and hand instruments, removes tartar safely, including below the gumline.
Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, clean between your teeth daily, and consider a tartar-control toothpaste. Electric toothbrushes and water flossers can help. Regular professional cleanings, typically every six months or more often if you build tartar quickly, keep it under control.
Tartar that forms above the gumline is often visible as a yellow or brown crust, especially behind the lower front teeth. Tartar that forms below the gumline is usually darker and harder to see, but it is often more harmful because it sits directly against the gum and root surface. Subgingival tartar contributes to gum pockets, bone loss and bad breath. Removing it requires careful scaling, sometimes with local anaesthetic if the gums are inflamed. This is why professional cleaning is so important even for people who feel their teeth look clean, as a hygienist can find and remove deposits you cannot see.
Most tartar is removed with an ultrasonic scaler, which uses gentle vibrations and a stream of water to break up deposits. Hand instruments are then used to remove remaining tartar and smooth the tooth surface. Finally, teeth are polished to remove stains and make it harder for plaque to stick. Most people find the process comfortable, though sensitive areas may feel a little tingly. If gums are very inflamed or tartar is deep below the gumline, your hygienist may recommend treating the mouth in sections with local anaesthetic for comfort. Afterwards, teeth often feel noticeably smoother and cleaner.
Your diet and habits can influence how quickly tartar builds up. Frequent snacking on sugary or starchy foods provides more fuel for plaque, which in turn hardens into tartar. Smoking and shisha make tartar stain dark and contribute to gum disease. Some people also find that tea and coffee stain existing tartar, making it more visible. Drinking plenty of water, choosing tooth-friendly snacks such as cheese, nuts and vegetables, and cutting down on tobacco all help. Combined with good brushing and cleaning between teeth, these habits can significantly reduce how much tartar forms between your professional cleanings.
No. Once plaque hardens into tartar, it must be removed by a dental professional.
Most people benefit from a professional cleaning every six months, but those who build tartar quickly may need more frequent visits.
It can help slow new tartar formation, but it cannot remove existing tartar.
Book a professional cleaning to remove tartar build-up. Learn more about teeth cleaning in Al Ain.
Call 03 751 0245 WhatsApp 056 536 4536 Email Us