Tartar, also known as dental calculus, is that stubborn, hardened deposit that clings to your teeth, often near the gumline. It’s the bane of many people’s oral hygiene routines and the reason dentists and dental hygienists constantly emphasize the importance of brushing and flossing. But what exactly is tartar made of? Understanding its composition can help you better grasp the importance of preventing its formation and maintaining a healthy smile.
The Building Blocks of Tartar: From Plaque to Mineralization
The journey from a clean tooth to a tooth covered in tartar is a multi-stage process. It all starts with plaque.
The Role of Plaque: The Precursor to Tartar
Plaque is a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth. It’s primarily composed of bacteria, saliva, and food debris. These bacteria, while some are beneficial, also include harmful strains that feed on sugars and carbohydrates in your diet, producing acids as a byproduct. These acids attack the enamel, leading to tooth decay and gum disease. If plaque isn’t removed regularly through brushing and flossing, it begins to harden. This hardening is the first step towards tartar formation.
The Mineralization Process: Turning Soft Plaque into Hard Tartar
The transformation of plaque into tartar is a process called mineralization. This involves the deposition of minerals, primarily calcium and phosphate, from saliva into the plaque. Over time, these minerals crystallize and harden the plaque, turning it into the rough, porous substance we know as tartar. This process can begin within as little as 24 to 72 hours after plaque formation if the plaque isn’t disrupted.
The specific composition of tartar can vary slightly from person to person and even from tooth to tooth, but the major components remain consistent:
- Calcium Phosphate: This is the most abundant mineral in tartar, contributing significantly to its hardness. Several forms of calcium phosphate are present, including hydroxyapatite, whitlockite, octacalcium phosphate, and dicalcium phosphate dihydrate. Hydroxyapatite is the most stable and least soluble form, making it the most difficult to remove.
- Other Minerals: In addition to calcium and phosphate, tartar also contains trace amounts of other minerals, such as magnesium, potassium, and fluoride. These minerals can influence the properties of tartar, such as its hardness and solubility.
- Organic Matter: Tartar contains organic components derived from bacteria, saliva, and food debris. These organic materials contribute to the porous texture of tartar and can provide a haven for bacteria to thrive.
- Water: Tartar also contains a small amount of water, which is incorporated into the mineral structure.
The Two Types of Tartar: Supragingival and Subgingival
Tartar isn’t a one-size-fits-all substance. It actually exists in two distinct forms, each with its own characteristics and location in the mouth. Understanding these differences is important for effective oral hygiene.
Supragingival Tartar: Above the Gumline
Supragingival tartar is the type that forms above the gumline, on the visible surfaces of the teeth. It’s often whitish or yellowish in color and can be readily seen, especially on the inside of the lower front teeth and the outside of the upper molars.
- Source of Minerals: The minerals that contribute to the formation of supragingival tartar primarily come from saliva. Saliva is rich in calcium and phosphate ions, which are essential for the mineralization process.
- Location: Supragingival tartar tends to accumulate in areas where saliva flow is high, such as near the salivary gland ducts. These areas include the lingual (tongue-side) surfaces of the lower incisors and the buccal (cheek-side) surfaces of the upper molars.
- Appearance: Supragingival tartar is often porous and relatively easy to remove, especially when compared to its subgingival counterpart. However, if left untreated, it can harden and become more difficult to remove.
- Impact on Oral Health: Supragingival tartar can contribute to gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, by providing a rough surface for bacteria to accumulate. It can also be aesthetically unappealing.
Subgingival Tartar: Below the Gumline
Subgingival tartar forms below the gumline, in the gingival sulcus, the space between the tooth and the gum. It’s typically darker in color, ranging from brown to black, and is much harder to detect since it’s hidden beneath the gum tissue.
- Source of Minerals: The minerals that contribute to the formation of subgingival tartar primarily come from gingival crevicular fluid (GCF), a fluid that seeps from the tissues surrounding the teeth. GCF is rich in calcium, phosphate, and other minerals, but its composition differs from saliva.
- Location: Subgingival tartar forms in the gingival sulcus and can extend down the root surface of the tooth if left untreated. It’s often associated with periodontal pockets, which are deeper spaces between the tooth and the gum that form as gum disease progresses.
- Appearance: Subgingival tartar is typically denser and more firmly attached to the tooth surface than supragingival tartar. Its dark color is due to the presence of blood products in the gingival crevicular fluid.
- Impact on Oral Health: Subgingival tartar is a major contributor to periodontitis, the advanced stage of gum disease. It harbors bacteria that release toxins that damage the gums and bone supporting the teeth, ultimately leading to tooth loss.
Why Tartar Matters: The Consequences of Neglecting Dental Calculus
Tartar isn’t just a cosmetic issue; it has serious implications for your overall oral health. Understanding the potential consequences can motivate you to take proactive steps to prevent its formation.
Gum Disease: The Primary Threat
The most significant consequence of tartar buildup is gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. Tartar creates a rough, porous surface that provides an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive. These bacteria release toxins that irritate and inflame the gums, leading to gingivitis. If gingivitis isn’t treated, it can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease that damages the tissues and bone that support the teeth. Ultimately, periodontitis can lead to tooth loss.
Tooth Decay: A Secondary Concern
While tartar itself doesn’t directly cause tooth decay, it creates an environment that promotes it. The rough surface of tartar makes it difficult to effectively remove plaque, allowing acid-producing bacteria to linger on the tooth enamel. This prolonged exposure to acid can erode the enamel, leading to cavities.
Bad Breath: An Unpleasant Side Effect
The bacteria that thrive in tartar produce volatile sulfur compounds, which are the primary cause of bad breath, also known as halitosis. Tartar can also trap food particles and debris, further contributing to unpleasant odors.
Aesthetic Concerns: Staining and Discoloration
Tartar can become stained by foods, drinks, and tobacco, leading to unsightly discoloration of the teeth. This can affect your self-confidence and make you feel self-conscious about your smile.
Systemic Health Links: Emerging Research
Growing evidence suggests a link between gum disease and other systemic health conditions, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and respiratory infections. While the exact mechanisms are still being investigated, it’s believed that the inflammation associated with gum disease can contribute to these conditions.
Preventing Tartar: A Proactive Approach to Oral Hygiene
The best way to deal with tartar is to prevent it from forming in the first place. A consistent and effective oral hygiene routine is key.
Brushing: The Foundation of Oral Hygiene
Brush your teeth at least twice a day, using fluoride toothpaste. Pay close attention to the gumline, where tartar tends to accumulate. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle, circular motions to remove plaque and food debris. Consider using an electric toothbrush, which can be more effective at removing plaque than a manual toothbrush.
Flossing: Reaching the Areas Your Brush Can’t
Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth and under the gumline, areas that your toothbrush can’t reach. Proper flossing technique is essential. Gently slide the floss between your teeth, curving it around each tooth and moving it up and down to remove plaque.
Professional Cleanings: Removing Existing Tartar
Even with diligent brushing and flossing, some plaque can harden into tartar. Regular professional dental cleanings are necessary to remove tartar buildup. Your dentist or dental hygienist will use specialized instruments to scale and polish your teeth, removing tartar and leaving your teeth feeling clean and smooth. The frequency of professional cleanings will depend on your individual needs and oral health, but most people benefit from cleanings every six months.
Dietary Considerations: Limiting Sugary and Starchy Foods
The bacteria in plaque thrive on sugars and carbohydrates. Limiting your intake of sugary and starchy foods can reduce the amount of acid produced by these bacteria, helping to prevent tooth decay and tartar formation. Choose healthy, whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Mouthwash: An Adjunct to Brushing and Flossing
Using an antimicrobial mouthwash can help to kill bacteria in your mouth and reduce plaque formation. Look for a mouthwash that contains fluoride to help strengthen your enamel and prevent tooth decay. However, mouthwash should not be used as a substitute for brushing and flossing.
Tartar Control Toothpaste: A Helpful Tool
Tartar control toothpastes contain ingredients that help to prevent the mineralization of plaque into tartar. These ingredients may include pyrophosphates, zinc citrate, or other chemicals that inhibit crystal growth. While tartar control toothpastes can be helpful, they are not a substitute for good oral hygiene practices.
Professional Fluoride Treatments: Strengthening Enamel
Professional fluoride treatments, such as fluoride varnish or gel, can help to strengthen your enamel and make it more resistant to acid attacks. These treatments are often recommended for individuals who are at high risk for tooth decay.
In conclusion, tartar is a hardened deposit composed primarily of calcium phosphate, other minerals, organic matter, and water. It forms from the mineralization of plaque and comes in two forms: supragingival and subgingival. Tartar poses a significant threat to oral health, leading to gum disease, tooth decay, bad breath, and aesthetic concerns. Preventing tartar formation requires a proactive approach to oral hygiene, including regular brushing, flossing, professional cleanings, dietary modifications, and the use of tartar control toothpaste. By understanding what tartar is made of and taking steps to prevent its formation, you can protect your teeth and gums and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile for years to come.
What exactly is tartar, and how does it differ from plaque?
Plaque is a soft, sticky film that constantly forms on your teeth, comprised of bacteria, saliva, and food debris. It’s easily removed with daily brushing and flossing. Tartar, on the other hand, is hardened plaque that has calcified and bonded strongly to the tooth surface.
The hardening of plaque into tartar involves minerals from saliva, such as calcium and phosphate, depositing within the plaque matrix. This calcification process makes tartar much more difficult to remove than plaque; it requires professional dental cleaning. Tartar’s rough surface provides an ideal environment for more plaque to accumulate, creating a cycle of build-up.
What are the main components of tartar?
Tartar is primarily composed of mineral deposits, specifically calcium phosphate in various forms, including hydroxyapatite, whitlockite, brushite, and octacalcium phosphate. These minerals constitute a significant portion of tartar’s mass and contribute to its hardness.
In addition to mineral deposits, tartar also contains dead bacteria, cellular debris from the oral cavity, salivary components, and food particles embedded within the calcified matrix. The exact composition can vary depending on individual oral hygiene habits, diet, and the location of the tartar within the mouth.
Why is tartar considered detrimental to oral health?
Tartar’s rough texture and porous structure provide an ideal surface for bacteria to thrive and multiply, exacerbating the formation of plaque. This increased bacterial load close to the gums triggers inflammation, known as gingivitis, which is characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums.
If gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease that damages the soft tissues and bone supporting the teeth. This can lead to tooth loosening, bone loss, and eventually, tooth loss. Tartar, therefore, acts as a persistent irritant and harbors bacteria, significantly increasing the risk of gum disease and its associated complications.
How does diet affect the formation of tartar?
A diet high in sugars and starches provides ample fuel for the bacteria in plaque, accelerating their growth and acid production. This increased acid production erodes tooth enamel, making it more susceptible to plaque adhesion and subsequent tartar formation.
Conversely, a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains promotes saliva production, which helps neutralize acids and wash away food debris. Adequate intake of calcium and phosphorus also contributes to healthy tooth enamel, making it more resistant to acid attacks and reducing the likelihood of plaque and tartar buildup.
Where does tartar typically accumulate in the mouth?
Tartar commonly accumulates in areas that are difficult to reach with brushing and flossing, such as along the gumline, between teeth, and on the inner surfaces of the lower front teeth (lingual surfaces) due to the proximity of salivary glands.
The lower front teeth, in particular, are prone to tartar build-up because the salivary glands in the floor of the mouth constantly bathe these teeth in mineral-rich saliva. These minerals readily deposit onto the tooth surface, especially in the presence of plaque, leading to quicker tartar formation.
Can you remove tartar at home?
While consistent brushing and flossing are crucial for removing plaque and preventing tartar formation, they cannot effectively remove existing tartar. Once plaque has hardened into tartar, it firmly adheres to the tooth surface and requires specialized dental instruments for removal.
Attempting to remove tartar at home with tools not designed for dental use can damage the enamel and gums, potentially leading to more serious oral health problems. It’s essential to visit a dentist or dental hygienist for professional cleaning (scaling and root planing) to safely and effectively remove tartar and prevent further build-up.
What are the long-term consequences of not removing tartar?
The long-term consequences of neglecting tartar removal extend beyond bad breath and stained teeth. Unremoved tartar contributes to persistent gum inflammation, leading to chronic gingivitis and, eventually, periodontitis, a severe gum disease that can irreversibly damage the supporting structures of teeth.
Periodontitis can result in bone loss, gum recession, tooth loosening, and ultimately, tooth loss. Furthermore, studies have linked periodontitis to systemic health issues such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes complications, and respiratory infections, highlighting the importance of regular dental check-ups and tartar removal for overall health.