Introduction

Tartar, also known as dental calculus, is a form of hardened dental plaque that forms on your teeth. Tartar can form above your teeth (supragingival) or below your gum line (subgingival).¹

In most cases tartar is made up of dead bacteria that has mineralised, combined with a small amount of mineralised proteins that are found in your spit (saliva). There are three primary minerals that make up tartar: calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate, and magnesium phosphate.¹

It is important to take care of your oral health because without proper dental hygiene, tartar can build up on your teeth and can lead to various other conditions, such as gum disease and cavities.¹ This article will look into the two main types of tartar (supragingival and subgingival) and what you can do to treat and prevent their formation.

What is Supragingival Tartar?

Supragingival tartar is tartar that is found above the gumline. It is commonly found in the lingual surfaces of the mandibular anterior teeth, your upper molars and the buccal surfaces.²

The formation of supragingival tartar begins when oral bacteria sticks to the acquired enamel pellicle, a protective layer made by salivary proteins and found on the outer surface of the teeth. Round-shaped (coccoidal) bacteria attach first, followed by the filamentous bacteria as plaque matures. Plaque absorbs calcium and phosphate from saliva and gum fluid to form supragingival tartar.²

This kind of tartar tends to be yellowish or white in colour, and has a texture that is rough to the touch.²

Potential effects on oral health 

Supragingival tartar can have negative effects on oral health, with gum disease being a significant risk. 

What is Subgingival Tartar?

Subgingival tartar is tartar built up below the gumline, and it is mainly found in the root surface of the tooth and deep within your gum pockets.³

The formation of subgingival tartar is similar to that of supragingival tartar, however the plaque develops in the periodontal pockets and does not contain salivary proteins.³

This type of tartar usually is dark brown to a greenish black in colour, and it is harder to detect.³
 

Potential effects on oral health 

In most cases, subgingival tartar causes:⁴

• Gingivitis - first stage gum disease
• Gum recession
• Periodontal disease
• Bone loss - in more severe cases

Key Differences Between Supragingival and Subgingival Tartar

Table 1: A table to present the key difference between the two types of tartar⁵

Treatment 

The only and the best way to treat any type of tartar is by consulting a dentist. They will safely remove the tartar with the help of medical instruments. Depending on the amount of tartar build-up, your dentist may recommend:¹

• Dental cleaning - the dentist removes plaque/tartar from your teeth by thoroughly flossing and polishing your teeth 
• Gum disease treatments can include medication, speak with your dentist for test treatment 

Prevention

There are many ways you can prevent tartar buildup, including:¹

• Regularly brushing your teeth - brush your teeth at least twice a day, using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
• Regularly floss after brushing your teeth - though a very simple step, many skip this step. You can use traditional dental floss or tiny brushes that go between your teeth 
• Swish with an antibacterial mouthwash twice a day after brushing - this helps is killing oral bacteria that can cause tartar and plaque 
• Visit your dentist on a regular basis - to prevent issues, it's a good idea to visit a dentist, where they can do tests and dental exams
• Stop smoking - those who smoke or chew tobacco have higher chances of developing tartar
• Following good dental hygiene is very important! 

Importance of oral hygiene 

The best way to prevent any oral disease is by having good oral hygiene (brushing and flossing). To keep your teeth healthy, it is important to remove dental plaque and the dead bacteria, it is achieved by regularly brushing your teeth at least twice a day. The next step would be flossing, an easy step, yet overlooked by many people. Flossing helps to clean up in between your teeth. The final step would be to use a mouthwash to kill the dead bacteria and keep your mouth fresh for a longer time. This can also help you with bad breath.⁶

Summary

The best way to prevent and treat tartar is to practice good hygiene. But, in some cases tartar can form even after good hygiene. When this happens it is best to schedule an appointment with your dentist. They will be able to properly treat tartar and recommend you with the best treatment.