Tartar removal: what you can do at home, and what needs a hygienist

If you have noticed a hard, yellowish or brown line along the base of your teeth, it is probably tartar. It is very common, it builds up in almost everyone to some degree, and it is easy to deal with. The catch is that once it has formed, a toothbrush will not shift it.

This guide explains what tartar is, why it matters, how to stop it building up, and what happens when a hygienist removes it.

Plaque and tartar: what is the difference?

Plaque is the soft, sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth every day. You can remove it with brushing and cleaning between your teeth.

Tartar, also called calculus, is plaque that has not been removed and has hardened. Minerals from your saliva harden plaque within a few days. Once that happens, it bonds firmly to the tooth and can only be removed with professional instruments.

Tartar tends to collect where plaque is hardest to reach: along the gum line, between the teeth, and behind the lower front teeth, near the glands that produce saliva.

Why tartar matters

Tartar is more than a cosmetic issue. Its rough surface gives plaque an easy place to collect, and plaque along the gum line irritates the gums. Over time that can lead to:

• red, swollen gums that bleed when you brush, known as gingivitis
• gum disease, which can affect the bone that supports your teeth if it is not treated
• bad breath
• staining, because tartar picks up colour from tea, coffee and smoking

Can you remove tartar at home?

Not safely, once it has hardened. It is best to avoid scrapers and picks sold for home use. Without training it is easy to scratch your enamel, damage your gums or push debris further under the gum line.

"Tartar control" toothpastes can help slow down new tartar forming, but they cannot remove tartar that is already there.

How to stop tartar building up

The best way to deal with tartar is to remove plaque before it has a chance to harden:

• Brush twice a day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste, paying attention to the gum line.
• Clean between your teeth once a day with interdental brushes or floss. This is where a lot of tartar starts.
• Consider an electric toothbrush. Many people find it easier to clean thoroughly with one.
• Cut down on sugary snacks and drinks, which feed the bacteria in plaque.
• Avoid smoking, which makes tartar build-up and staining worse.
• See a hygienist regularly, so any build-up is removed before it causes problems.

What happens at a hygienist appointment

Removing tartar is a routine part of a hygienist appointment, often called a scale and polish.

• Scaling removes tartar from the surface of the teeth and just under the gum line, using hand instruments or an ultrasonic scaler.
• Polishing removes surface staining and leaves the teeth smooth, which makes it harder for plaque to stick.

At our practice we also offer air-powered tooth polishing, which uses a fine spray of powder, air and water to clean and remove staining. Many patients find it more comfortable, particularly if their gums are sensitive.

Your hygienist will also show you anywhere you tend to miss when brushing, and suggest the right size of interdental brush for you.

How often should tartar be removed?

It depends on how quickly tartar builds up for you. Many patients see a hygienist every six months, and some benefit from more frequent visits. We will recommend what suits you.

Our plan membership can spread the cost of regular check-ups and hygiene visits into a monthly payment.

Signs it is time to book

• a hard yellow or brown line along the gum line
• gums that bleed when you brush or clean between your teeth
• bad breath that does not go away
• it has been more than six months since your last hygiene visit

Call us on 0117 968 4888 to book a hygienist appointment, or read more about preventative dentistry at Stoke Bishop Dental Centre.