Ever brushed your teeth and still felt a rough patch on the back of your lower front teeth? Or spotted a yellow or brown buildup along the gumline that doesn’t budge, no matter how hard you scrub? That’s not just leftover food—it’s dental calculus, more commonly known as tartar. And unlike plaque, which is soft and removable with daily brushing and flossing, tartar is a hardened substance that poses a serious risk to your oral health.
Let’s unpack what tartar really is, how it forms, and why it’s not something you can afford to ignore.
What is Dental Calculus and How Does It Form?
Dental calculus is what happens when plaque gets out of control. Plaque is a sticky layer of bacteria that forms constantly on your teeth, especially after eating or drinking. If you don’t clean it off properly, minerals in your saliva mix with the plaque and cause it to harden over time—turning into tartar.
Once tartar forms, it clings tightly to your enamel and can even spread below the gumline. At this point, no toothbrush or floss can remove it. It’s calcified, rock-hard, and becomes a safe haven for bacteria to multiply.
What Makes Tartar More Dangerous Than Plaque?
To help make sense of it, here’s a breakdown:
| Feature | Plaque | Dental Calculus (Tartar) |
| Texture | Soft and sticky | Hard and calcified |
| Colour | Colourless or pale yellow | Yellow, brown, or black |
| Removable at home? | Yes, with brushing and flossing | No, only removable by a dental professional |
| How fast it forms | Within hours after eating | Over days to weeks |
| Main risk | Gingivitis | Gum disease, bone loss, tooth loss |
| Treatment | Improved hygiene | Scaling and root planing |
What Are the Warning Signs That Tartar Is Building Up?
Tartar often builds up slowly, but once it’s there, the signs become more obvious. Watch out for:
- Yellow or brown hardened deposits on your teeth
- Gums that are red, swollen or bleed easily
- A rough feeling when you run your tongue along your teeth
- Persistent bad breath
- Receding gums
These are early indicators that plaque has hardened into tartar and is starting to cause trouble—especially around the gumline.
What Oral Health Problems Can Tartar Cause?
Tartar isn’t just a cosmetic issue. Here’s what it can lead to if left untreated:
- Gum Disease (Gingivitis and Periodontitis)
Tartar irritates your gums, which leads to inflammation. If not treated, this can progress into periodontitis—a serious gum infection that causes loss of gum tissue and bone. - Tooth Decay
Bacteria living in tartar produce acids that wear down enamel and create cavities. - Halitosis (Bad Breath)
The bacteria trapped in tartar are one of the most common causes of chronic bad breath. - Tooth Mobility or Loss
Long-term tartar buildup can destroy the structures that hold your teeth in place, eventually causing them to loosen or fall out.
Can Tartar Be Removed Without Seeing a Dentist?
Unfortunately, once plaque has hardened into tartar, no amount of brushing, flossing, or mouthwash will remove it. Tartar is too hard and firmly attached to the tooth surface.
The only way to safely remove tartar is through professional dental scaling, often combined with root planing if the buildup extends below the gumline.
What’s Involved in Professional Tartar Removal?
If your dentist finds tartar during an exam, they’ll likely recommend a scale and clean. This involves:
- Scaling: Using specialised tools (like ultrasonic scalers), the dentist removes tartar from above and below the gumline.
- Root Planing (if needed): This smooths the surfaces of the tooth roots to help gums reattach and prevent further bacterial buildup.
This treatment not only removes the hardened deposits but also helps reset your oral health, making it easier to maintain at home.
What Can You Do To Prevent Tartar From Forming?
Tartar is preventable with consistent oral hygiene and good habits. Here’s what you can do:
- Brush twice a day for at least two minutes using fluoride toothpaste
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to reach along the gumline
- Floss daily to clean between teeth
- Rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash (alcohol-free is a good choice)
- Avoid sugary or starchy foods that feed bacteria
- Visit your Dentist Near Palm Beach every 6 months for a scale and clean
It’s also helpful to know that some people are more prone to tartar due to their genetics, diet, or medical conditions—so regular check-ups are crucial.
Why Should You Trust Palm Beach Dental With Your Oral Health?
At Palm Beach Dental, we take your oral health seriously—especially when it comes to preventing and treating tartar buildup. Our experienced team uses the latest dental technology to provide gentle yet thorough cleanings that remove hardened calculus without discomfort.
We focus on personalised care, meaning we don’t just treat the problem—we help you understand what’s going on in your mouth and how to stay ahead of it. Whether you’re due for a routine check-up or concerned about stubborn tartar buildup, our friendly team is here to help you regain a healthy, confident smile.
Visit Palm Beach Dental and experience the difference that modern, caring dentistry can make.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What Exactly Is Dental Calculus?
Dental calculus, also known as tartar, is plaque that has hardened on the teeth due to mineral deposits in saliva. It cannot be removed with a toothbrush and must be professionally cleaned.
Q2: Can Brushing Harder Remove Tartar from My Teeth?
No, brushing harder may damage your enamel and gums but will not remove tartar. Only a dentist can remove tartar through scaling.
Q3: How Quickly Can Tartar Form After Plaque Appears?
Tartar can begin forming in as little as 24 to 72 hours if plaque isn’t removed, particularly in areas that are hard to reach with a toothbrush or floss.
Q4: Is Tartar Buildup Painful?
Tartar itself isn’t painful, but the gum irritation and inflammation it causes can lead to soreness, bleeding gums, and discomfort during eating or brushing.
Q5: Will Tartar Go Away on Its Own If I Improve My Brushing?
Unfortunately, no. While better hygiene can prevent new tartar from forming, existing calculus must be professionally removed.
Q6: How Often Should I Have My Teeth Cleaned to Prevent Tartar?
For most people, a professional dental clean every six months is recommended. However, your dentist may advise more frequent visits based on your individual oral health.
References
- https://www.colgate.com.au/oral-health/conditions/plaque-and-tartar
- https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/plaque-and-tartar
- https://www.ada.org.au/Your-Dental-Health/Adults-31-64/Gum-disease
- https://www.teeth.org.au/plaque-and-tartar
- https://www.rsdental.com.au/dental-calculus
