Keeping teeth clean is very important for a healthy mouth and overall health. Even if you brush your teeth every day, some food particles and plaque can still stay on the teeth, especially near the gums and between teeth. When this plaque is not removed properly, it slowly becomes hard and turns into tartar on teeth, also known as tartar teeth, which can lead to gum disease, bad breath and tooth decay if left untreated.
Tartar cannot be removed by normal brushing once it forms. If it stays on the teeth for a long time, it can cause gum problems, bad breath, tooth decay, and other oral health issues. Many people do not notice tartar in the early stage, but it can slowly damage teeth and gums if ignored.
Understanding what tartar is, why it forms and its common signs helps you take better care of your teeth and avoid dental problems in the future.
What is Tartar?
Tartar is a hard layer that forms on the teeth when plaque is not cleaned properly. Plaque is a soft, sticky film made of bacteria, food particles and saliva. It forms on teeth every day after eating or drinking. If plaque is not removed by brushing and flossing, it slowly hardens and turns into tartar.
Tartar usually forms near the gum line, between the teeth, and behind the front teeth where saliva collects the most. Once plaque turns into tartar, it sticks strongly to the tooth surface and cannot be removed by regular brushing or flossing at home.
Tartar may appear yellow, brown, or off-white in color. Brown tartar is common in people who smoke or frequently drink tea or coffee, as stains can build up on hardened tartar over time. It can make teeth look stained and feel rough when touched with the tongue. Over time, these stains can affect the appearance of your smile. After proper tartar removal, treatments like teeth whitening can help improve tooth color and brightness.
What is Tartar Made Of?
Tartar is made from plaque that stays on the teeth for a long time. Plaque is a sticky layer that forms daily after eating or drinking. When this plaque is not removed, it mixes with minerals present in saliva and slowly becomes hard.
Tartar is mainly made of:
- Old plaque that has hardened
- Bacteria that live in the mouth
- Food particles stuck on teeth
- Minerals from saliva such as calcium and phosphate
When plaque mixes with minerals in saliva, it gradually hardens and becomes tartar. Once it becomes tartar, it sticks firmly to the teeth and gums. This hard layer creates a rough surface, making it easier for more plaque and bacteria to attach.
Because of its hard nature, tartar cannot be removed at home with a toothbrush. Professional dental cleaning is needed to remove it safely.
What are the Symptoms of Tartar on Teeth?
Tartar on teeth shows several signs that slowly appear over time. Many people do not notice these symptoms in the early stage, but they become more clear as tartar builds up. These symptoms affect both the teeth and the gums. Common symptoms of tartar on teeth include:
Yellow or brown marks on teeth
Tartar often looks like yellow, brown or off-white stains on the teeth. These stains usually appear near the gum line or between teeth. They do not go away even after brushing or using toothpaste.
Teeth feel rough
Healthy teeth feel smooth when you touch them with your tongue. When tartar forms, the teeth start feeling rough or uneven. This rough surface allows more plaque and bacteria to stick easily.
Bad breath
Tartar traps bacteria that release bad-smelling gases. Because of this, bad breath may stay even after brushing, flossing, or using mouthwash.
Red or swollen gums
Tartar irritates the gums and causes inflammation. The gums may look red, swollen, and sore instead of healthy pink. This is often an early sign of gum problems.
Bleeding while brushing or flossing
When tartar builds up near the gums, they become weak and bleed easily. Bleeding during brushing or flossing should not be ignored, as it shows gum irritation.
Gums moving away from teeth
In serious cases, gums start pulling away from the teeth. This creates small gaps where more bacteria collect. It can also make teeth feel sensitive or loose.
What Causes Tartar on Teeth?
Tartar forms when plaque is not cleaned from teeth on time. Many daily habits can increase the chance of tartar build-up. Some of the most common causes of tartar include:
Not brushing properly
When teeth are not brushed twice a day or brushing is rushed, plaque stays on the teeth. Over time, this plaque hardens and turns into tartar.
Not flossing regularly
Food often gets stuck between teeth where a toothbrush cannot reach. If flossing is skipped, plaque collects in these areas and slowly becomes tartar.
Eating too much sugary or starchy food
Foods like sweets, chocolates, biscuits, and chips increase bacteria in the mouth. These bacteria form more plaque, which later turns into tartar.
Drinking tea, coffee, or soft drinks often
Tea, coffee, and soft drinks can stain the teeth. These stains make it easier for plaque to stick, which leads to tartar over time.
Smoking or chewing tobacco
Tobacco causes plaque to build up faster on teeth. It also leaves dark stains and increases the risk of tartar and gum problems.
Dry mouth
Saliva helps clean teeth naturally. When the mouth is dry, plaque sticks to the teeth more easily and hardens faster.
Irregular dental visits
If dental cleaning is delayed for a long time, plaque and tartar keep building up. Regular dental visits help remove early tartar before it becomes serious.
How Tartar Affects Oral Health?
Tartar does not only affect how teeth look. If it stays in the mouth for a long time, it slowly damages the gums and teeth. Untreated tartar can lead to several dental problems and serious complications if ignored. Many common oral health issues start because of tartar that is not removed on time.
Gum problems
Tartar irritates the gums and causes redness, swelling, and soreness. Healthy gums should be firm and light pink, but tartar makes them weak and sensitive. This irritation can worsen if tartar is not removed.
Bleeding gums
When tartar builds up near the gum line, gums become soft and start bleeding easily. Bleeding during brushing or flossing is often an early sign of gum disease caused by tartar.
Bad breath
Tartar traps bacteria deep inside it. These bacteria release a bad smell that causes long-lasting bad breath. Brushing alone may not remove this smell.
Tooth decay
Bacteria living in tartar slowly damage the tooth surface. This damage can lead to cavities and holes in the teeth. If untreated, tooth decay can cause pain and infection.
Gum disease
If tartar is not cleaned, it can lead to serious gum disease. Gums may start pulling away from the teeth, forming pockets where more bacteria grow. This condition becomes harder to treat at later stages.
Loose or weak teeth
In advanced cases, tartar damages the bone that supports the teeth. This can make teeth feel loose and unstable. In severe situations, it may even result in tooth loss.
Pain and sensitivity
As gums pull away from the teeth, tooth roots become exposed. This can cause pain or sensitivity when eating hot, cold, or sweet foods.
How to Prevent Tartar Build-up?
Preventing tartar is easier than removing it later. Tartar forms when plaque stays on the teeth for too long and is not cleaned properly. By taking care of your teeth every day and following simple habits, you can keep plaque under control and protect your teeth and gums.
Brush your teeth twice a day
Brushing in the morning helps clean plaque that builds up overnight, while brushing at night removes food and germs from the day. Use a soft toothbrush and brush gently to avoid hurting your gums. Make sure to clean near the gums, back teeth, and corners of the mouth. Choosing the right brush also matters, and understanding the difference between an electric toothbrush vs manual toothbrush can help you pick the best option for daily brushing.
Use a fluoride or tartar-control toothpaste
Tartar-control toothpaste helps slow down plaque from becoming hard. Fluoride keeps the teeth strong and protects them from damage. Using the right toothpaste every day helps prevent tartar.
Floss every day
Brushing alone cannot clean between the teeth. Flossing removes food and plaque stuck between teeth and along the gums, where tartar often starts.
Clean your tongue daily
Germs also stay on the tongue and can spread back to the teeth. Cleaning the tongue helps reduce bacteria and keeps the mouth fresh.
Eat less sugary and sticky food
Sugary foods increase germs in the mouth. Sticky foods stay on teeth longer and are harder to clean. Eating less of these foods helps reduce plaque.
Drink plenty of water
Drinking water helps wash away food and bacteria after meals. It also keeps the mouth moist and supports natural cleaning by saliva.
Avoid smoking or tobacco
Smoking and tobacco cause plaque and tartar to form faster. They also harm the gums. Avoiding tobacco helps keep your mouth healthy.
Visit the dentist regularly
Dental cleanings help remove plaque and early tartar that brushing cannot remove. Regular check-ups also help find problems early and keep teeth in good condition.
Things to Avoid If You Have Tartar
When tartar is already present on your teeth, certain daily habits can make the problem worse and cause more harm to your teeth and gums. Making small changes in your routine can help slow down tartar build-up and protect your oral health. Below are some common habits you should avoid if you have tartar.
Skipping brushing or flossing
When you do not brush or floss regularly, food and plaque stay on the teeth longer. Over time, this plaque hardens and turns into more tartar, making the problem worse.
Eating too much sugary or sticky food
Foods like sweets, chocolates, cakes, and biscuits increase germs in the mouth. These germs create more plaque, which later becomes tartar if not cleaned properly.
Drinking tea, coffee, or soft drinks often
Tea, coffee, and soft drinks can stain the teeth. These stains make it easier for plaque to stick, which leads to tartar over time.
Smoking or chewing tobacco
Tobacco causes plaque to build up faster on teeth. It also leaves dark stains and increases the risk of tartar and gum problems.
Dry mouth
Saliva helps clean teeth naturally. When the mouth is dry, plaque sticks to the teeth more easily and hardens faster.
Irregular dental visits
If dental cleaning is delayed for a long time, plaque and tartar keep building up. Regular dental visits help remove early tartar before it becomes serious.
How Tartar Affects Oral Health?
Tartar does not only affect how teeth look. If it stays in the mouth for a long time, it slowly damages the gums and teeth. Untreated tartar can lead to several dental problems and serious complications if ignored. Many common oral health issues start because of tartar that is not removed on time.
Gum problems
Tartar irritates the gums and causes redness, swelling, and soreness. Healthy gums should be firm and light pink, but tartar makes them weak and sensitive. This irritation can worsen if tartar is not removed.
Bleeding gums
When tartar builds up near the gum line, gums become soft and start bleeding easily. Bleeding during brushing or flossing is often an early sign of gum disease caused by tartar.
Bad breath
Tartar traps bacteria deep inside it. These bacteria release a bad smell that causes long-lasting bad breath. Brushing alone may not remove this smell.
Tooth decay
Bacteria living in tartar slowly damage the tooth surface. This damage can lead to cavities and holes in the teeth. If untreated, tooth decay can cause pain and infection.
Gum disease
If tartar is not cleaned, it can lead to serious gum disease. Gums may start pulling away from the teeth, forming pockets where more bacteria grow. This condition becomes harder to treat at later stages.
Loose or weak teeth
In advanced cases, tartar damages the bone that supports the teeth. This can make teeth feel loose and unstable. In severe situations, it may even result in tooth loss.
Pain and sensitivity
As gums pull away from the teeth, tooth roots become exposed. This can cause pain or sensitivity when eating hot, cold, or sweet foods.
How to Remove Tartar from Teeth at Home?
Can you remove tartar from your teeth at home? No. Once plaque hardens into tartar, it cannot be completely removed with a toothbrush, floss, toothpaste, or home remedies. Professional dental cleaning is needed to safely remove hardened tartar.
You can, however, reduce plaque buildup at home and help prevent new tartar from forming by brushing twice a day, cleaning between your teeth daily, and maintaining regular dental check-ups.
How to Prevent More Tartar at Home
- Brush twice a day
- Use fluoride/tartar-control toothpaste
- Floss or clean between teeth daily
- Clean your tongue
- Maintain regular dental visits
Use tartar-control toothpaste
Tartar-control toothpaste helps slow down the hardening of plaque. Using it daily can reduce new tartar build-up and keep your teeth cleaner for a longer time.
Floss every day
Flossing helps remove food and plaque stuck between the teeth and near the gums. These areas are often missed while brushing and are common places for tartar to form.
Rinse with salt water
Rinsing with salt water helps reduce germs in the mouth and soothe irritated gums. Doing this once a day can support gum health and control plaque.
Use an antibacterial mouthwash
Mouthwash helps kill bacteria that cause plaque and bad breath. It also supports daily brushing and flossing to keep the mouth clean.
Clean your tongue
Bacteria collect on the tongue and can spread back to the teeth. Cleaning your tongue every day helps reduce bacteria and keeps the mouth fresh.
Things to Avoid If You Have Tartar
When tartar is already present on your teeth, certain daily habits can make the problem worse and cause more harm to your teeth and gums. Making small changes in your routine can help slow down tartar build-up and protect your oral health. Below are some common habits you should avoid if you have tartar.
Skipping brushing or flossing
When you do not brush or floss regularly, food and plaque stay on the teeth longer. Over time, this plaque hardens and turns into more tartar, making the problem worse.
Eating too much sugary or sticky food
Foods like sweets, chocolates, cakes, and biscuits increase germs in the mouth. These germs create more plaque, which later becomes tartar if not cleaned properly.
Drinking too much tea, coffee, or soft drinks
Tea, coffee, and soft drinks can stain the teeth. These stains allow plaque to stick more easily, especially near the gums, leading to more tartar.
Smoking or using tobacco
Smoking and tobacco cause tartar to form faster on the teeth. They also weaken the gums and increase the risk of gum infection and tooth problems.
Using hard toothbrushes or brushing too hard
Using a hard toothbrush or brushing with too much force can harm the gums and wear down the tooth surface. This can make teeth sensitive and allow tartar to settle more easily.
Trying to remove tartar at home
Using sharp objects or tools at home to scrape tartar can cut the gums and damage teeth. This may lead to pain, bleeding, or infection.
Ignoring dental visits
Skipping dental check-ups allows tartar to stay on the teeth for a long time. Regular dental visits help remove tartar early and prevent serious dental problems.How Is Tartar Removed by a Dentist?
A dentist or dental professional removes hardened tartar using professional cleaning instruments. The process may include scaling to remove tartar from the tooth surface and along the gum line.
If tartar and bacteria have built up below the gum line or there are signs of gum disease, your dentist may recommend a deeper cleaning such as scaling and root planing. The treatment you need depends on the amount of buildup and the condition of your gums.
When You Should Seek a Dental Professional
Sometimes tartar becomes hard and spreads to areas that cannot be cleaned at home. When tartar stays near the gums for a long time, it can cause bleeding, swelling, pain, and infection. If you notice constant bad breath, bleeding while brushing, red or swollen gums, or visible tartar on your teeth, it is important to visit a dental professional. Ignoring these signs can allow the problem to worsen and affect deeper gum tissue and teeth.
A dental professional has special tools to remove tartar safely without harming the teeth or gums. Professional cleaning helps stop gum disease, reduce infection, and protect the bone that supports the teeth. Regular dental visits also help find early signs of tooth decay and gum problems, making treatment easier and less painful. Seeking timely dental care helps maintain a healthy mouth and prevents serious dental issues.
How Smile Invent Dental Clinic Helps in Tartar Removal and Prevention
Smile Invent Dental Clinic provides complete dental care for patients dealing with tartar and gum problems. As a trusted dentist in Bandra East, the clinic focuses on safe and comfortable tartar removal using professional dental cleaning methods. These treatments help remove hard tartar that cannot be cleaned at home and lower the risk of gum disease and tooth damage.
At Smile Invent Dental Clinic, dentists also guide patients on correct brushing, flossing, and daily oral care habits to prevent tartar from forming again. Each patient receives advice based on their dental condition and needs. Regular check-ups and professional cleanings help maintain clean teeth, healthy gums, and long-term oral health.
FAQ’s
1. How do you remove tartar from your teeth at home?
Hard tartar cannot be removed at home. Brushing and flossing help prevent more tartar, but professional cleaning is needed to remove it.
2. Can I scrape tartar off my own teeth?
No. Scraping tartar at home can damage gums and teeth. Tartar should be removed by a dental professional.
3. Is removing tartar painful?
Tartar removal is usually not painful. You may feel mild pressure, especially if gums are sensitive.
4. Is it okay to remove tartar from teeth?
Yes. Removing tartar is important to prevent gum disease and tooth damage.
5. Is dental tartar harmful?
Yes. If not treated, tartar can cause gum disease, cavities, and tooth loss.
6. Can tartar cause bleeding gums?
Yes. Tartar irritates the gums and can make them bleed, especially while brushing or flossing. Bleeding gums are an early sign of gum problems.
7. Can tartar come back after dental cleaning?
Yes. Tartar can come back if proper oral care is not followed. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits help prevent it.
Conclusion
Tartar is a hard deposit that forms on teeth when plaque is not cleaned on time. If left untreated, it can cause gum problems, bad breath, tooth decay and even tooth loss. While daily brushing and flossing help prevent tartar build-up, hard tartar cannot be removed at home. Regular dental visits are important to keep teeth clean and gums healthy. Taking care of your teeth every day and getting professional help when needed can help maintain good oral health and avoid serious dental problems.
This article is general information, not a diagnosis. For advice about your own teeth, book a consultation.
