Tartar: what it is, where it comes from, and why it is dangerous

Noticed hard plaque on your teeth that cannot be brushed off? The first thought is usually, "Is this even dangerous?" Let's calmly sort it out: what these deposits are, where they come from, and when it is time to see a dentist.

What tartar is and how it differs from plaque

Tartar is hardened dental plaque that forms on the surface of teeth. It all starts with soft plaque: food debris, bacteria, and mucus stick together into a solid mass. While it is soft, it can be removed with a brush and floss. Then the deposits become saturated with mineral components, and the result is a hard mass that can no longer be removed at home. Tartar contains food debris, dead cells, bacteria, and salts of phosphorus, iron, and calcium, which is why it looks dark.

Why tartar appears and forms quickly on teeth

Tartar forms where there is no self-cleaning during chewing, most often at the necks of teeth, but it can cover part of the crown and root. It often appears already in children and adolescents, and with age its amount increases, especially with poor hygiene. Causes:

• a person brushes their teeth irregularly or brushes them incorrectly;
• the diet is dominated by soft food, and chewing occurs only on one side of the jaw;
• low-quality brushes and toothpastes are used;
• metabolism is disturbed, primarily salt metabolism;
• malposition of teeth, a rough surface after fillings, orthodontic and prosthetic structures, and lack of polishing after professional hygiene.

Tartar can also accumulate on dentures if they are not properly cared for.

Why tartar can be white or black and where it accumulates

The color depends on where the deposits lie. Supragingival tartar is visible to the naked eye: it is white or yellowish, clay-like or hard, and is easily detached with a special instrument.

Subgingival tartar is not visible: it is hard and dense, greenish-black or dark brown, and fits tightly to the root surface. Such black tartar is found only at an appointment, with a special probe.

Why advanced tartar is dangerous

The first things noticed are itching and bleeding of the gums and bad breath. Then tartar grows into the periodontal pocket, separates the gum, and the pocket deepens, leading to periodontitis. Without treatment, this leads to gum recession, tooth mobility and tooth loss, and abscess. So yes, it is dangerous, but not in a single day.

Tartar or caries: how to tell them apart

Tartar is deposits on the tooth surface, most often near the gum on both the outer and inner sides, and looks like dark spots. Subgingival tartar is not visible at all; it is found with a probe. If you are unsure whether you have tartar or caries, a dentist's examination provides the answer.

When to see a dentist

Reasons to make an appointment: gums bleed when brushing or when eating hard food, gums are painful and swollen, there is bad breath, or dark deposits are visible near the gum. You should urgently make an appointment with a dentist for very severe pain and gum swelling, if teeth are loose or falling out, if ulcers or red spots have appeared in the mouth, or if there is a swelling in the mouth or on the lip. Professional cleaning with ultrasonic tips is generally recommended about once every six months, but the interval depends on hygiene; it may be shortened to 3 or even 1 month and extended to 1–3 years. A separate reason to visit is if you have not had an examination for 2 years (or 1 year if you are under 18).

Tartar itself is not a reason to call an ambulance; 103/112 is for a condition that threatens life.

This material is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation: you will still need to show your teeth to a dentist.

This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer