Introduction

Oral health plays a vital role in overall well-being. One of the most common oral problems is tartar buildup. Tartar is the hardened form of bacterial plaque that forms on your teeth, both above and below the gumline.¹

While it can tarnish your smile, its effects extend beyond aesthetics, leading to serious dental problems, including tooth decay, gum inflammation (gingivitis), and infections in the tissues that support the teeth (periodontitis).²

To effectively prevent tartar formation, it’s crucial to understand the factors that contribute to its buildup. This article will focus on the key factors that contribute to tartar buildup, such as poor oral hygiene, diet, and smoking. Keep reading to uncover the main reason why tartar forms and how these factors affect your dental health.

Tartar - further details

Before exploring the causes of tartar buildup, it’s important to understand what tartar is. It is also known as dental calculus, hardened plaque that firmly adheres to the teeth and can develop both above and below the gumline¹.

When plaque remains on the teeth for an extended period, minerals in saliva crystallise within the plaque, causing it to harden into tartar, which is strongly attached to tooth surfaces.² Unlike plaque, which can be removed at home with regular brushing and flossing, tartar requires professional cleaning by a dentist or hygienist.³

The accumulation of hardened plaque, or tartar, not only affects the appearance of their smile but also poses serious oral health problems. Tartar buildup can contribute to tooth decay, bad breath, and more severe gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis. If left untreated, these conditions can result in tooth loss and other long-term dental issues.⁴

Key factors contributing to tartar buildup

Several factors influence tartar buildup on teeth. Understanding these factors is essential for preventing their formation and maintaining good oral health.

1. Poor oral hygiene

The primary cause of tartar formation is inadequate oral hygiene. When plaque is not removed regularly through brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar. Inadequate brushing can leave plaque in hard-to-reach areas, such as between teeth and along the gum line, allowing tartar to form over time. Skipping dental cleanings or not flossing consistently further exacerbate problems.^{1, 4}

2. Sugar

Foods rich in sugars and starches provide an ideal environment for plaque formation. Sugary snacks, soft drinks, and processed foods encourage bacterial growth in the mouth. These bacteria produce acids that lead to plaque accumulation and, eventually, tartar formation if not cleaned properly.^{1, 2, 4}

3. Saliva

Saliva plays a crucial role in neutralising acids and washing away food particles and bacteria. However, some people have a higher concentration of minerals in their saliva, which promotes the rapid hardening of plaque into tartar.

Additionally, dry mouth, medications, or health conditions can reduce saliva production and increase the risk of plaque and tartar formation. Maintaining good hydration and managing conditions that lead to dry mouth can help prevent tartar buildup.^{3, 4}

4. Poor dental alignment

Teeth that are crowded or misaligned make it difficult to clean the spaces between them thoroughly. This can lead to plaque accumulation in these hard-to-reach areas, which will eventually harden into tartar. Misaligned teeth provide more surface area for plaque to adhere to, and brushing may not be enough to remove all the plaque in these regions. Braces and other orthodontic appliances can also contribute to plaque buildup if proper oral hygiene is not maintained.^{4, 5}

5. Smoking and tobacco use

Smokers and tobacco users are at a higher risk of tartar buildup compared to non-smokers. Nicotine and other chemicals in tobacco products reduce saliva flow and create an environment that promotes plaque and tartar formation.

Additionally, smoking weakens the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight gum infections caused by tartar. Quitting tobacco consumption can improve overall oral health and reduce tartar formation.^{2, 4}

6. Genetics and age

Genetics can also play a significant role in tartar formation. Some people inherit a predisposition to produce more plaque and tartar than others. If a person’s family members have a history of dental issues, they may be more susceptible to tartar buildup despite maintaining good oral hygiene.⁵

Additionally, as people age, their risk of developing tartar increases. Not only do older adults experience receding gums, which expose more of the tooth’s surface to plaque accumulation, but wear and tear on teeth over the years can create rough surfaces where tartar easily adheres.^{6, 7}

7. Lack of regular dental visits

Professional dental cleanings are necessary to remove plaque and tartar that cannot be eliminated through regular brushing and flossing. Skipping dental checkups increases the risk of tartar buildup and related dental issues.³

Prevention and management of tartar

Preventing tartar buildup is essential for maintaining good oral health. Simple adjustments to your diet, oral hygiene habits, and lifestyle can significantly reduce tartar formation.

The most effective way to prevent tartar is through consistent oral care, including:

• Brushing all teeth at least twice a day to remove plaque before it hardens into tartar
• Flossing around each tooth daily to remove plaque between teeth
• Using a tartar-control mouthwash to help reduce plaque buildup and kill bacteria in the mouth

Regular dental checkups and professional cleanings every six months are also crucial for controlling tartar development, especially as we age.

Additionally, avoiding habits, like smoking/sugary foods and opting for a healthy diet with food rich in fibre, can help lower the risk of plaque and tartar buildup, promoting overall oral health.^{1, 3, 4, 7, 8}

Summary

Tartar buildup, or dental calculus, forms when plaque on teeth hardens. Several key factors contribute to tartar buildup, affecting oral health beyond aesthetics and making preventative care essential. Poor oral hygiene is the main cause, as inadequate brushing and flossing allow plaque to harden into tartar. A diet high in sugars and starches further accelerates this process by fuelling bacterial growth. Saliva composition also plays a crucial role, with mineral-rich saliva or dry mouth increasing the likelihood of plaque hardening.

Additionally, misaligned teeth create hard-to-clean areas where tartar can accumulate, while smoking and tobacco use reduce saliva flow and weaken the immune system, exacerbating the problem. Genetics can further predispose individuals to excessive tartar formation, and ageing increases susceptibility due to receding gums and natural wear on teeth. Lastly, neglecting regular dental visits prevents early detection and removal of tartar.

To effectively prevent tartar buildup, it’s essential to address key factors that were discussed in this article, including proper oral hygiene. Understanding how a high-sugar diet, misaligned teeth, and tobacco use contribute to tartar formation allows you to make informed choices that will help you maintain a cleaner, healthier smile. With consistent care and awareness, you can significantly reduce the risk of tartar buildup and protect your long-term oral health.

FAQs

Q1 - What’s the difference between plaque and tartar?

Answer - Plaque is a soft, sticky film that forms on teeth daily and can be easily removed with regular brushing and flossing. If not removed, plaque begins to calcify, resulting in tartar buildup. Both plaque and tartar contain harmful bacteria that can lead to oral issues; however, tartar is more concerning because it requires professional removal by a dentist.

Q2 - What does tartar look like?

Answer - Tartar can take on different colours based on the foods and drinks you consume, but it usually appears in shades of yellow, brown, grey, or black. Tartar above the gumline is typically yellow or light brown, while the buildup below the gums tends to be darker. Black tartar is commonly found along the root surfaces of teeth, especially in cases of advanced gum disease.

Q3 - What is the main cause of tartar on teeth?

Answer - Tartar on teeth is mainly caused by not removing plaque through proper oral hygiene. Other factors, such as poor dental alignment, a diet high in sugar, smoking or tobacco use, and genetics, can also increase plaque accumulation and contribute to tartar buildup.

Q4 - How to remove tartar from teeth?

Answer - Tartar breaking off from teeth is uncommon. Attempting to remove tartar at home is not safe, as it may cause permanent damage to your teeth and gums. The best approach is to prevent tartar buildup by removing plaque daily through proper oral hygiene. If tartar has already formed, visit a dentist for a professional removal to protect your oral health.