If you are here, it is probably because you have felt sensitivity in your teeth, gums that bleed when brushing, or you have noticed an unsightly yellowish deposit. You have likely been told that this is due to the presence of tartar on your teeth. However, many do not know exactly what it is, where it lodges, and above all, how to successfully remove it.
Before going further, let's clarify one point. The term 'tartar' is sometimes used to refer to limescale deposits in our pipes or toilets. In this article, we focus exclusively on dental tartar: this mineralization of dental plaque that sticks to your teeth and poses a real challenge for your oral health.
Here is a complete guide to understanding how to remove tartar from your teeth and, more importantly, how to prevent its appearance.
What is tartar or calcified dental plaque?
Tartar is a hardened and calcified accumulation of dental plaque. It consists of food residues, saliva, and bacteria that cover your teeth and can infiltrate under your gums. It usually deposits on the inner surfaces of the lower incisors (tartar behind the lower teeth) as well as on the outside of the upper molars, because a large amount of saliva accumulates in these areas.
If solid plaque forms on the visible part of the teeth, it is called supragingival tartar (above the gum). Tartar can also form below the gum, on the tooth root. This is called subgingival tartar, which is harder to detect and more dangerous because it can cause deep inflammation.
It is mainly composed of:
- Minerals from saliva (hydroxyapatite, brushite, whitlockite);
- Proteins and carbohydrates;
- Microorganisms and bacteria;
- Remnants of cellular tissue.
How do dental plaque and tartar form?
The cause of tartar formation is the mineralization of dental plaque by inorganic substances present in our saliva. Every mouth contains germs that are part of the healthy oral flora. However, without regular brushing, food residues allow these germs to proliferate, forming a sticky film: dental plaque. Poor oral hygiene, misaligned teeth, or the absence of flossing promote this process.
Tartar develops in four phases:
- Phase 1: A few hours after brushing, a thin film forms on the enamel, still without bacteria.
- Phase 2: Oral bacteria colonize this film and feed on dietary sugars, multiplying and forming dental plaque.
- Phase 3: Over the days, plaque thickens and accumulates if not eliminated.
- Phase 4: If plaque is not removed, it mineralizes upon contact with saliva within 8 to 10 days, resulting in dental tartar, a hard and stubborn deposit.
How can tartar affect teeth and gums?
Tartar, besides being unsightly, is harmful to your dental health. Its rough surface is an ideal breeding ground for new bacteria to cling to, worsening plaque buildup. The acids secreted by these bacteria attack the tooth enamel, potentially causing cavities. If untreated, a cavity can reach the inside of the tooth (pulp) down to the root and cause severe pain or an abscess.
The bacteria in tartar also irritate the gums, causing inflammation (gingivitis), recognizable by red, swollen gums that bleed easily. If gingivitis is not treated, it can progress to periodontitis, a more serious disease that destroys the supporting tissues of the tooth (bone and ligament), potentially leading to tooth loosening and loss.
The only solution to remove tartar: professional scaling
The most important thing to remember about removing dental tartar is simple: once formed, it cannot be eliminated with a regular toothbrush. So, how to remove tartar from teeth? The only sure and effective answer is a professional scaling at the dentist.
While dental plaque (the soft deposit) can be removed with proper brushing, tartar (the hardened deposit) requires professional intervention to be removed without damaging the enamel.
The process of a scaling session
Scaling takes place in several stages. The dentist or hygienist first examines your mouth to locate supragingival and subgingival tartar deposits. Then, they proceed to remove the tartar, usually finishing with a polishing of the tooth surfaces to make them smooth, which slows down the reappearance of plaque.
Ultrasound, curettes: the dentist’s tools
To remove tartar, professionals use specific instruments. Ultrasonic devices emit high-frequency vibrations that break up tartar deposits without damaging the tooth. For more sensitive or hard-to-reach areas, the dentist uses manual instruments called scaling curettes, which gently scrape the tartar accumulated on the tooth and under the gum.
How often should you have a scaling?
The general recommendation is to have a professional scaling every 6 to 12 months. However, your dentist may adjust this frequency based on your personal situation: saliva composition, hygiene, tendency to form tartar quickly.
Prevention: how to avoid tartar formation daily?
The best solution against tartar remains prevention. By acting on dental plaque before it calcifies, you protect your smile long-term.
The key role of effective brushing against dental plaque
Meticulous brushing is the foundation of good prevention. Here are the golden rules:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day, for two minutes each time.
- Choose a fluoride toothpaste (between 1000 and 1500 ppm), which helps strengthen enamel against acid attacks.
- Don’t miss any surface: inside, outside, and the tops of the teeth.
The benefits of sonic toothbrushes like Y-Brush
Electric toothbrushes, especially those with sonic technology, offer a clear advantage. They do not require mastering a complex brushing technique. The thousands of vibrations per minute create a hydrodynamic action that disrupts dental plaque much more effectively than manual brushing, even in hard-to-reach areas. Thanks to its sonic technology and innovative shape, the Y-Brush toothbrush ensures simultaneous brushing of all tooth surfaces in just 20 seconds, guaranteeing optimal daily plaque removal.
Discover the features of the Y-Brush sonic toothbrush
Using dental floss and interdental brushes
Brushing alone is not enough, as it does not clean the spaces between the teeth, where plaque accumulates and tartar tends to form. Use dental floss or interdental brushes at least once a day to remove plaque and trapped food debris.
Diet: foods to favor and avoid
Your diet plays a role. Limit the consumption of sugary or acidic foods and drinks, which feed the bacteria responsible for plaque. Favor a balanced diet rich in crunchy fruits and vegetables (apples, carrots) that promote mechanical self-cleaning of the teeth.
Grandma’s remedies against tartar: beware of the dangers
There are many 'grandma’s tips to remove tartar in 5 minutes' on the internet. Be extremely careful: most of these methods are ineffective against tartar and dangerous for your teeth.
Baking soda, lemon, vinegar: the false good ideas
You may have read that you should rub your teeth with baking soda, lemon juice, or vinegar. These substances are popular for cleaning, but should never be applied pure on your teeth. Trying to remove tartar yourself with these products is a very bad idea.
Why these methods damage your tooth enamel
Baking soda is very abrasive. Used regularly, it scratches and prematurely wears down the enamel, the protective layer of your teeth. Lemon and vinegar are very acidic. They chemically demineralize and 'erode' the enamel. Damaged enamel becomes more porous, more sensitive, and more prone to cavities and discoloration. In summary: these 'remedies' cause irreversible damage.
Tartar and specific situations: the right reflexes
Tartar on baby or child’s teeth: what to do?
Yes, tartar can also appear on baby teeth. If you notice a deposit on your child's teeth, do not try to remove it yourself. The best thing to do is to consult a pediatric dentist. They can perform a gentle cleaning if necessary and, above all, provide you with tailored advice to improve your child's brushing routine.
How to clean tartar on a dental appliance or prosthesis?
Tartar does not only form on natural teeth. It can also accumulate on orthodontic appliances, mouthguards, or removable dental prostheses. For these devices, meticulous daily cleaning with an appropriate brush is essential. You can also use effervescent cleaning tablets specifically designed to dissolve plaque and prevent calcification.
FAQ: Your questions about dental tartar
Can tartar fall off on its own?
No, unfortunately not. Tartar is a calcification firmly attached to the tooth surface. It cannot fall off or detach by itself. Only scaling performed by a healthcare professional can safely and effectively remove it without damaging the enamel.
What is the difference between dental plaque and tartar?
Dental plaque is the precursor to tartar. It is a soft, sticky, and almost invisible biofilm made up of bacteria and food debris that constantly forms on the teeth. If this plaque is not removed daily by brushing, it hardens and mineralizes upon contact with saliva to become tartar, a hard and visible deposit.
How often should scaling be done?
The standard recommendation is to have scaling every 6 to 12 months during your check-up visit. Your dentist may advise a more frequent schedule (every 3-4 months) if you tend to accumulate tartar quickly or if you suffer from gum problems.
Why do I have a lot of tartar despite good brushing?
Several factors can explain this. The composition of your saliva (more or less basic pH, high mineral concentration) plays a major role. Additionally, a brushing technique, even if it seems good, can systematically miss certain areas (such as the back of the lower teeth). Finally, not using dental floss or interdental brushes is a major cause of interdental tartar accumulation.
Is a sonic toothbrush more effective against tartar?
A sonic toothbrush is especially much more effective against DENTAL PLAQUE, which is the primary cause of tartar. Its high-frequency vibration technology helps disrupt and remove the bacterial biofilm before it has time to calcify. By preventing plaque formation, it very effectively prevents tartar buildup.
Does scaling hurt?
The procedure is generally painless for the majority of patients. Dental sensitivity may sometimes be felt during or just after the treatment, especially if the gums are already inflamed or if the roots are slightly exposed. However, this sensation is temporary and disappears quickly.
