Tartar buildup on the teeth, also referred to as dental calculus, is a widespread oral health issue that arises when the sticky film of bacteria called plaque is not removed thoroughly and consistently. Plaque forms continuously in the mouth, especially after eating, because oral bacteria feed on sugars and starches from food residues. If this plaque is not regularly disrupted and removed by brushing and flossing, minerals in saliva cause it to harden into a tough, calcified layer known as tartar within just a few days. Unlike soft plaque, hardened tartar binds firmly to tooth surfaces above and below the gumline and cannot be removed by brushing or flossing alone once it forms. Because it traps even more bacteria, tartar not only contributes to tooth discoloration but also increases the risk of gum inflammation, bad breath, and serious periodontal (gum) disease.

Understanding how tartar develops helps explain why prevention is so important. Plaque arises naturally and constantly in the mouth as bacteria mix with food particles and saliva. If this plaque is not disrupted and removed through daily brushing and flossing, it becomes mineralized from calcium, phosphate, and other minerals found in saliva, turning into tartar. This transformation from plaque to tartar can occur in just days without proper oral care. Certain lifestyle and dietary factors accelerate this process. Diets high in sugar, salt, and refined carbohydrates feed plaque-forming bacteria, enabling them to multiply and produce acids that further damage tooth surfaces. Smoking and tobacco use also promote tartar buildup and can make the resulting tartar appear darker in color. Even genetics, saliva composition, and certain medications can influence how quickly plaque calcifies.

Dentists classify tartar into two main types based on where it accumulates. Supragingival tartar forms above the gum line and is usually visible as yellowish or white buildup on the tooth surface. This type is often noticed on the front or back of the teeth where plaque is most accessible. Subgingival tartar forms below the gum line and tends to be darker—often brown or even black—because it absorbs pigments from blood and oral debris. Subgingival tartar is particularly harmful because it occupies the space between teeth and gums, creating pockets where bacteria can thrive further and cause deeper gum inflammation. Left untreated, these pockets can lead to gum recession, infection, periodontal disease, and even tooth loss. Thus, while visible tartar is an aesthetic concern, the hidden subgingival variety poses a significant threat to dental and gum health.

A crucial point in understanding tartar is knowing what can and cannot be done at home. Once plaque has hardened into tartar, especially below the gumline, it cannot be safely removed with home care tools like toothbrushes, floss, or water irrigators. Dental professionals use specialized instruments, such as scalers and ultrasonic devices, to remove tartar effectively without damaging the enamel or gums. Trying to scrape off tartar yourself, with metal tools or improvised instruments, can easily harm tooth enamel and delicate gum tissue, leading to sensitivity, bleeding, and higher risk of cavities. For this reason, seeing a dentist or dental hygienist for routine professional cleanings—usually recommended every six months—is essential for maintaining oral health and preventing tartar from building up to problematic levels.

Although tartar itself cannot be removed at home once it forms, preventing its formation is largely within your control through diligent daily hygiene. The foundation of tartar prevention is brushing teeth at least twice a day—ideally after meals—with a fluoride toothpaste and a soft or medium-soft toothbrush. This routine helps eliminate plaque before it has a chance to mineralize. Flossing once a day is equally important, as it reaches the tight spaces between teeth where toothbrush bristles cannot reach and where plaque tends to accumulate first. Additional tools can support this routine: antibacterial mouthwash can reduce bacterial levels in the mouth, while water flossers (dental irrigators) help clean difficult areas and stimulate gums. An antiseptic rinse or mouthwash can further reduce bacteria that contribute to plaque formation. Together, these practices significantly lower the amount of plaque that might otherwise harden into tartar.

In summary, tartar buildup is a preventable condition when approached with informed and consistent oral care habits. Once gingival calculus has hardened on teeth, only dental professionals can remove it safely and thoroughly. However, people can reduce plaque buildup—the precursor to tartar—by prioritizing good daily hygiene, choosing toothpaste and mouth rinses approved by dental authorities, moderating intake of sugary and starchy foods, avoiding tobacco products, and staying hydrated to support saliva’s natural cleansing effect. Good oral care not only keeps teeth cleaner and brighter but also helps prevent gum disease, bad breath, and more serious dental problems. Rather than relying on quick fixes or unproven “miracle” remedies, grounding your routine in evidence-based practices and regular dental checkups offers the most effective protection against tartar and its consequences.