The Formation of Tartar
Tartar, also known as dental calculus, begins its life as dental plaque. Plaque is a sticky, colorless film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth as a result of eating and drinking, particularly starches and sugars. If this plaque is not removed within 24 to 72 hours through diligent brushing and flossing, it absorbs minerals from your saliva and hardens into a tough, crusty deposit. Unlike plaque, which can be removed with daily oral hygiene, tartar adheres strongly to the tooth surface and can only be removed by a dental professional. This buildup can occur both above and below the gumline, creating a rough surface that traps even more plaque and bacteria.
The Immediate Impact on Your Oral Health
Once tartar takes hold, it creates a cascade of negative effects that primarily begin in the mouth.
Gingivitis: The First Stage of Gum Disease
The presence of tartar at the gumline causes irritation and inflammation of the gums, a condition known as gingivitis.
- Red, Swollen Gums: Gums become tender and puffy.
- Bleeding: The irritated gums may bleed easily, especially during brushing or flossing.
- Bad Breath: The bacteria trapped within the porous tartar and gum pockets produce sulfur compounds that cause persistent halitosis.
Periodontitis: Advanced Gum Disease
If gingivitis is ignored, it can progress to the more severe and irreversible stage of gum disease called periodontitis. This is when the inflammation spreads, and the infection begins to break down the gum tissue and the underlying bone that supports your teeth.
- Gum Recession: The gums pull away from the teeth, exposing sensitive roots.
- Deep Pockets: Spaces form between the teeth and gums, filling with more tartar and bacteria.
- Bone Loss: The jawbone is damaged, which can eventually cause teeth to loosen and fall out.
Cavities and Tooth Decay
Tartar provides a protective shield for acid-producing bacteria, making it much harder to clean your teeth thoroughly. This accelerates enamel erosion and increases your risk of developing cavities and tooth decay.
Plaque vs. Tartar: A Comparison
| Feature | Plaque | Tartar (Dental Calculus) |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Soft, sticky, and often colorless film | Hard, crusty deposit that can be yellow, brown, or black |
| Composition | Living bacteria mixed with food particles and saliva | Mineralized, hardened plaque |
| Adherence | Forms constantly and can be easily removed | Bonds firmly to tooth surfaces; cannot be removed at home |
| Removability | Removed by daily brushing and flossing | Requires professional scraping with dental tools |
The Systemic Effects: How Tartar Affects Your Body Beyond Your Mouth
The inflammation caused by periodontal disease doesn't remain confined to your mouth. The bacteria from your gums can enter your bloodstream, contributing to chronic inflammation throughout the body and being linked to other serious health problems.
Cardiovascular Disease
Some studies suggest a link between the inflammation of gum disease and an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. One theory is that bacteria from the mouth enter the bloodstream and attach to blood vessel walls, potentially contributing to the formation of blood clots and the hardening of arteries.
Diabetes
For those with diabetes, severe gum disease can make it more difficult to control blood sugar levels, making the management of diabetes more challenging. Conversely, people with diabetes are more susceptible to gum infections.
Respiratory Infections
Bacteria from the mouth can be inhaled into the lungs, potentially leading to respiratory tract infections such as bacterial pneumonia, especially in individuals with compromised immune systems.
Other Potential Links
Ongoing research continues to explore possible associations between periodontal disease and other systemic conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, cognitive impairment, and even certain types of cancer. The chronic inflammatory response driven by the bacteria is believed to be a key factor in these links.
The Importance of Professional Removal
Given that tartar cannot be removed by routine at-home cleaning, regular dental checkups and professional cleanings are essential for preventing and managing tartar buildup. A dental hygienist uses specialized tools, such as ultrasonic scalers and manual instruments, to safely and effectively remove the hardened deposits without damaging your tooth enamel. Depending on the severity of buildup, more intensive treatments like scaling and root planing may be necessary.
Conclusion: Don't Let Tartar Take Over
Tartar is far more than an aesthetic nuisance; it is a serious threat to both your oral and systemic health. The progression from plaque to tartar and then to gum disease can result in tooth loss and may contribute to severe conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Preventing tartar begins with excellent daily oral hygiene—brushing twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste and flossing once a day. The final and uncompromisable step is to see your dentist regularly, ideally every six months, for professional cleanings to remove any hardened deposits. Prioritizing your dental care is an investment in your overall well-being, protecting you from the many damaging effects of tartar. To learn more about gum health, consider visiting the Canadian Dental Association website for authoritative resources.
