Tartar, also known as dental calculus, is a hard, yellowish-brown deposit that builds up on teeth. Understanding what it looks like is crucial for early detection and prevention. This guide will help you identify tartar and understand its implications for your oral health.
What are the Visual Characteristics of Tartar?
Tartar isn't always easily visible, especially in its early stages. Initially, it might appear as a soft, sticky film of plaque. However, as plaque mineralizes, it hardens into tartar, taking on distinct characteristics:
- Color: Tartar typically ranges from a pale yellow to a dark brown or even black, depending on the amount of staining from food, drinks, and tobacco. The color can vary significantly between individuals.
- Texture: Unlike plaque, which is soft and can be removed with brushing and flossing, tartar is hard and crusty. It feels rough and calcified to the touch.
- Location: Tartar often accumulates along the gum line, particularly on the inner surfaces of the lower front teeth and the outer surfaces of the upper back teeth. However, it can build up on any tooth surface.
- Visibility: While sometimes easily visible, tartar can be difficult to spot, especially if your teeth are already stained. It can build up under the gum line, becoming even more difficult to detect without professional dental examination.
How Does Tartar Differ from Plaque?
Many people confuse tartar with plaque. While both contribute to gum disease, they have key differences:
- Plaque: A soft, sticky film made up of bacteria and food particles. It's removable with brushing and flossing.
- Tartar: Hardened plaque that adheres firmly to the teeth. It requires professional cleaning by a dentist or hygienist to remove.
Understanding this distinction is critical because leaving plaque to mineralize into tartar makes it much harder (and often impossible) to remove at home.
What are the Signs of Tartar Buildup?
Beyond the visual characteristics, certain signs might indicate significant tartar buildup:
- Bleeding gums: Tartar irritates the gums, leading to inflammation and bleeding during brushing or flossing.
- Red, swollen gums: These are common symptoms of gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease often associated with tartar buildup.
- Bad breath (halitosis): Tartar harbors bacteria, which contribute to persistent bad breath.
- Receding gums: Severe tartar buildup can lead to gum recession, exposing the tooth roots and increasing the risk of tooth loss.
How Can I Prevent Tartar Buildup?
The best way to combat tartar is to prevent it from forming in the first place. This involves:
- Brushing twice daily: Use fluoride toothpaste and proper brushing techniques to remove plaque.
- Flossing daily: Flossing reaches areas your toothbrush can't, removing plaque from between your teeth.
- Regular dental checkups: Professional cleanings remove tartar and help prevent its buildup.
- Dietary changes: Limiting sugary and acidic foods and drinks can help reduce plaque formation.
Can I Remove Tartar at Home?
No. While you can remove plaque at home with brushing and flossing, tartar requires professional cleaning by a dental professional using specialized tools like scaling and root planing. Attempting to remove tartar yourself can damage your teeth and gums.
What Happens if Tartar is Left Untreated?
Ignoring tartar buildup can lead to serious oral health problems, including:
- Gingivitis: Inflammation of the gums.
- Periodontitis: Severe gum disease that can lead to tooth loss.
- Bad breath: Persistent unpleasant odor.
- Tooth loss: In advanced cases, gum disease can destroy the supporting structures of the teeth.
Regular dental visits are crucial for early detection and prevention of tartar buildup and its associated complications. Don't hesitate to contact your dentist if you have concerns about tartar or any other oral health issue.
