Tartar, also known as calculus, refers to the hard deposit that forms on teeth when plaque is not removed properly. Tartar is hardened plaque that builds up on the teeth and can only be removed by a dental professional. Excessive tartar buildup can lead to serious oral health problems like gum disease, tooth decay and tooth loss. Understanding what causes tartar to build up excessively allows you to take steps to prevent it.
What is Plaque?
Plaque is a soft, sticky film that constantly forms on teeth. It is made up of bacteria, food debris and saliva. Plaque starts forming immediately after you finish eating or drinking. Within 20 minutes, the plaque begins to harden. Within 48 hours, it turns into tartar. Tartar gives plaque more surface area to grow on.
Causes of Excessive Tartar Buildup
There are several factors that contribute to excessive tartar buildup on teeth:
Poor Oral Hygiene
Poor brushing and flossing habits allow plaque to build up and harden into tartar. Plaque stays on the teeth if it is not effectively removed by brushing twice a day and flossing once daily. Over time, the accumulated plaque mineralizes into tartar. Flossing is important because it removes plaque from areas that a toothbrush cannot reach.
Irregular Dental Visits
Visiting the dentist every 6 months enables early detection and removal of tartar. During regular cleanings, the dentist or hygienist thoroughly removes any plaque and tartar. Missing dental visits allows tartar to accumulate unchecked.
Improper Brushing
Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and proper brushing technique is key for plaque removal. Brushing too aggressively or using a hard-bristled brush can damage tooth enamel. Damaged enamel makes it easier for plaque to stick. Brushing improperly also fails to remove plaque effectively.
Smoking
Smoking reduces saliva flow and function. Saliva helps wash away food particles and neutralize plaque acids. With less saliva, plaque and tartar can build up faster. Smoking also irritates the gums, making them more inflamed and prone to tartar buildup.
Dry Mouth
A chronic dry mouth due to certain medications, autoimmune disorders or radiation therapy can increase tartar buildup. Saliva’s plaque-clearing effects are reduced, allowing more plaque to turn into tartar. Dry mouth also allows plaque bacteria to proliferate.
Gum Disease
Gingivitis (gum inflammation) and periodontitis (gum infection) cause gum tissues to recede. The newly exposed root surfaces attract plaque accumulation and rapid tartar formation. Tartar can also form under the gumline, where it is more difficult to remove.
Improper Diet
A diet high in refined carbohydrates and sugar promotes tartar formation. The carbohydrates and sugars feed plaque bacteria. This causes the bacteria to multiply and produce plaque acids that irritate the gums. Foods that are sticky, like bananas or raisins, can also adhere to teeth and contribute to plaque buildup.
Age
Tartar buildup usually worsens with age due to long-term plaque accumulation. The gums also recede over time, exposing more tooth surfaces for tartar to form on. Older adults are more likely to take medications that cause dry mouth, which exacerbates the problem.
Genetics
Some people are just more prone to plaque and tartar buildup because of their genetics. Enamel thickness and shape of the teeth and gums are genetic factors that affect tartar formation. Members of the same family often share similar rates of tartar buildup.
Complications from Excessive Tartar Buildup
Leaving excessive tartar untreated can lead to serious dental health issues:
Gum Disease
Tartar buildup at and below the gumline traps bacteria. The bacteria infect and inflame the gums. As gingivitis worsens into periodontitis, the gums and bone that support the teeth become damaged. This can cause tooth loss.
Tooth Decay
Tartar provides more surface area for plaque to accumulate on. Plaque bacteria produce acids that demineralize and decay the teeth in a process called dental caries. Caries under the gumline form dangerous root cavities.
Bad Breath
The bacteria in plaque produce foul-smelling sulfur compounds that cause bad breath, or halitosis. Tartar provides ideal conditions for the odor-causing bacteria to proliferate.
Tooth Stains
Over time, tartar absorbs stains from food, drinks and smoking. The stains can discolor teeth and make them appear darker and yellowed. Thick tartar buildup also makes teeth look dull.
Difficulty Chewing
Excessive tartar can make teeth feel sensitive and uncomfortable. Chewing and biting foods may become painful. Tartar can also make teeth feel loose.
Tooth Loss
Advanced gum disease from severe tartar buildup causes irreversible damage to tooth-supporting bone. Eventually, the affected teeth will loosen and require extraction.
Preventing Excessive Tartar Buildup
You can help prevent excessive tartar by:
Brushing and flossing properly
Brush teeth gently twice a day for 2 minutes with fluoride toothpaste. Be sure to brush along the gumline. Floss once daily using the proper technique. Flossing removes plaque between teeth that brushing misses.
Visiting the dentist regularly
Get a dental cleaning and checkup every 6 months. Professional cleanings can remove tartar from teeth and below the gumline before it causes harm.
Using antiseptic mouth rinses
Over-the-counter antiseptic mouthwashes like Listerine help kill plaque bacteria and slow plaque buildup between brushing.
Quitting smoking
Smoking is a major preventable risk factor for gum disease and tooth loss. Quitting can dramatically slow tartar buildup.
Drinking water and chewing sugar-free gum
Staying hydrated and chewing sugarless gum promotes saliva flow to help neutralize plaque acids and rinse food particles from the mouth.
Eating a tartar-fighting diet
Consume less starchy and sugary foods. Eat more tartar-fighting foods like nuts, green tea, onions and shiitake mushrooms.
Getting regular dental cleanings
See your dentist or hygienist for cleanings and plaque removal every six months. Only a dental professional can fully remove hardened tartar from teeth.
Removing Excess Tartar Buildup
If you already have excessive tartar accumulation, specialized dental treatments can help remove it:
Professional Dental Cleaning
The dentist or hygienist will use hand tools or an ultrasonic device to manually scrape away built-up tartar above and below the gumline. Local anesthesia may be used.
Scaling and Root Planing
This deep cleaning procedure is done under local anesthesia. Tartar and plaque are scraped from tooth roots. The root surfaces are then smoothed and polished.
| Treatment | Description |
|---|---|
| Professional Dental Cleaning | The dentist or hygienist will use hand tools or an ultrasonic device to manually scrape away built-up tartar above and below the gumline. Local anesthesia may be used. |
| Scaling and Root Planing | This deep cleaning procedure is done under local anesthesia. Tartar and plaque are scraped from tooth roots. The root surfaces are then smoothed and polished. |
Dental Lasers
Lasers can selectively remove tartar and disinfect gum pockets. This minimally invasive method causes less irritation of the gums.
At-Home Treatments
Over-the-counter tartar removal kits contain an antibacterial mouthwash and tartar-control toothpaste. The products help prevent new tartar buildup but do not remove hardened tartar.
Conclusion
Excess tartar buildup is caused primarily by inadequate oral hygiene and irregular professional cleanings. Tartar forms when plaque is allowed to accumulate and harden. It leads to gum disease, cavities and eventual tooth loss if left untreated. While a certain amount of tartar is inevitable, good oral care and regular dental visits can keep tartar formation within a healthy range. If excessive tartar has already built up, specialized dental treatments like scalings and laser removal can help get rid of it and restore dental health. With proper home care and professional maintenance, the risks from tartar buildup can be successfully managed.