Dental tartar, also known as dental calculus, is a hard, yellowish calcified deposit that forms on the teeth, both above and below the gum line.
If you do not brush and floss daily, dental plaque left on your teeth accumulates minerals from your saliva and hardens into a rough substance called dental tarter within 48 hours of plaque formation.
Tarter usually forms at hard-to-reach areas, such as in-between the teeth and below the gum line.
Tarter doesn’t contain any live microbes or active toxin; however, it makes perfect bed for plaque adhesion and accumulation.
Tarter favors the formation of dental plaque, which can lead to variety of dental problems, such as gum disease, tooth decay and bad breath.
Tarter cannot be removed by brushing and flossing, and only dental professionals can remove it.
Visiting a dentist twice a year can help you remove any tarter build-up that has occurred since your last visit.
Do not try to remove tarter by yourself at home, as you may injure your teeth or gums.
Do not use tarter-control or charcoal-based toothpaste unless advised by your dentist, as these pastes can cause abrasion of your teeth.
Tarter build-up can significantly impact your quality of life if not addressed. By brushing and flossing daily, eating healthy foods, and visiting your dentist regularly, you can keep your teeth healthy and tarter-free.