PREVENTATIVE CARE
Tartar
Tartar, also known as dental calculus, is hardened plaque that has accumulated on teeth. Once plaque mineralizes into tartar, it can no longer be removed by brushing or flossing — professional dental cleaning is required.
(TAR-tar)
Also known as: Dental calculus, Calculus
This article is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Consult Dr. Durrett, Dr. Wilson, Dr. Danielle Durrett, or Dr. Vasconez for diagnosis and treatment specific to your situation.
Quick Facts
- alsoCalled:
- Dental calculus, calculus
- primaryCause:
- Plaque that wasn't removed mineralizing over 24 to 72 hours
- appearance:
- Yellow, brown, or sometimes black hardened deposits along the gumline
- removal:
- Professional cleaning only — cannot be removed at home
Overview
Tartar is what happens when plaque isn't removed promptly. Within 24 to 72 hours of forming, plaque begins to harden as it absorbs minerals from saliva — primarily calcium and phosphate. Once this mineralization occurs, the hardened deposit bonds firmly to tooth surfaces and cannot be removed by brushing or flossing. The clinical term for tartar is dental calculus, derived from the Latin word for pebble or stone. Both terms refer to the same thing: a hard, crusty deposit that traps plaque and stains, irritates gum tissue, and creates ideal conditions for gum disease.
Why tartar is a problem
Tartar causes several interconnected problems. Its rough, porous surface provides an ideal foundation where new plaque accumulates more easily and aggressively. Tartar near the gumline keeps bacterial toxins in constant contact with gum tissue, triggering inflammation that leads to gingivitis and eventually periodontitis. Tartar typically appears yellow or brown, but it can also be stained darker by coffee, tea, wine, or tobacco use, making teeth appear discolored. Tartar can extend below the gumline, where it's particularly harmful because it directly irritates the periodontal pocket and accelerates bone loss in gum disease. Tartar also contributes to persistent bad breath, as the bacteria embedded in it produce volatile sulfur compounds.
How tartar is removed
Tartar removal is one of the primary reasons for professional dental cleanings. At Lakeview Family Dentistry, a dental hygienist uses specialized instruments to remove tartar deposits. Ultrasonic scalers use high-frequency vibrations and water to break apart and wash away tartar. Hand scalers and curettes have fine, precisely shaped tips designed to remove tartar from specific tooth surfaces and below the gumline. For patients with periodontitis and tartar deeper below the gumline, a more intensive procedure called scaling and root planing may be necessary. This is sometimes called a deep cleaning and is typically performed under local anesthesia, often in quadrants over multiple appointments. No at-home product can remove tartar once it has formed. Tartar-control toothpastes can slow the formation of new tartar but cannot remove what's already there.
Preventing tartar buildup
Preventing tartar means preventing plaque from sitting on teeth long enough to mineralize. The basics are familiar: brush twice daily for two minutes with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, paying special attention to the gumline. Floss daily to remove plaque between teeth. Consider using a tartar-control toothpaste, which contains compounds that interfere with mineralization. Electric toothbrushes have been shown in studies to remove more plaque than manual brushes. Antimicrobial mouth rinses can reduce bacterial counts. Drink plenty of water, especially after eating, to help wash away food particles. Visit Lakeview Family Dentistry every six months for professional cleaning. People who form tartar quickly may need more frequent cleanings. Some people are simply more prone to tartar than others due to differences in saliva chemistry, oral bacteria, and genetics — these patients may benefit from cleanings every three to four months.
References & Further Reading
Medically reviewed by the doctors at Lakeview Family Dentistry.
Last reviewed: 2026-05-12