Tartar: why does it form and how often should it be removed?
Tartar forms when dental plaque, the soft layer of bacteria on the teeth, is not cleaned off in time and hardens with the minerals in saliva. For most people a professional clean once or twice a year is enough, and if it builds up quickly or the gums are affected, a dentist may recommend it more often.
In short:
- Hardened tartar does not come off with a toothbrush and toothpaste, only with a professional clean.
- Tartar holds plaque against the gum and is a common cause of bleeding gums and bad breath.
- Regular brushing, cleaning between the teeth and check-ups slow down new build-up.
In this article we explain what tartar actually is, why some people build it up faster, how often to have it removed and what you can do at home. How the procedure is done at the clinic is described on our tartar removal and Airflow polishing page.
What is tartar?
Tartar (dental calculus) is hardened, mineralised plaque stuck to the surface of the tooth. Above the gum line it is usually yellowish or beige. Below the gum it can be darker. Its surface is rough, so new plaque easily sticks to it.
Plaque is a sticky layer of bacteria that forms on the teeth every day. The UK's NHS describes plaque as a film of bacteria that contributes to gum disease and tooth decay (NHS: How to keep your teeth clean). While it is soft, plaque comes off with a brush and floss. When it stays on the teeth, calcium and phosphate salts from saliva gradually harden it.
Why does tartar form?
The main cause is plaque that stays on the teeth for a long time. But some people build up tartar faster than others, even when they brush regularly. The factors involved are:
- How you brush. Missed areas along the gum line and between the teeth.
- Saliva composition. In some people it carries more minerals and plaque hardens faster.
- Position of the teeth. Crowded and tight areas are hard to clean.
- Smoking. It is linked to more tartar and to more severe gum disease.
- Braces, bridges and old restorations, around which plaque collects more easily.
Tartar builds up most in two places: on the inner side of the lower front teeth and on the outer side of the upper molars. That is where the ducts of the large salivary glands open.
How does tartar harm your teeth and gums?
Tartar itself is not a bacterium, but it is a rough base on which bacteria live right next to the gum. They irritate the gum and inflame it. The first signs are redness, swelling and bleeding when brushing: this is gingivitis. Gingivitis is reversible if the tartar and plaque are removed and oral hygiene improves.
If the inflammation goes on for a long time, it can affect the tissues that hold the tooth in place: this is periodontitis. In periodontitis the gum recedes, pockets form and, at an advanced stage, teeth can become loose. The NHS names plaque build-up as the cause of gum disease (NHS: Gum disease). Tartar is also linked to bad breath and staining.
How often should tartar be removed?
For most adults a professional clean once or twice a year is enough. The interval is individual, though. More frequent cleaning may be needed if:
- you build up tartar quickly even though you brush regularly;
- you have inflamed or bleeding gums or are being treated for periodontitis;
- you smoke;
- you wear braces or have implants, bridges or crowns;
- you have diabetes or are pregnant, when the gums react more to plaque.
It is best to set the interval at an examination, when the dentist can see how much tartar there is and what state the gums are in.
How is tartar removed?
Cleaning is done in the dental chair. The dentist removes tartar above and slightly below the gum line with special instruments, most often an ultrasonic scaler and hand instruments. The teeth are then polished so they are smooth and plaque sticks to them less easily.
One way to polish is Airflow. A mix of water, air and fine powder removes soft plaque and stains from coffee, tea and tobacco. Airflow does not replace removing hard tartar, so it is usually done after it.
Does tartar removal hurt?
With healthy gums, cleaning usually does not hurt. You may feel vibration, scraping or sensitivity to water. If the gums are inflamed or there is a lot of tartar under them, it may feel more unpleasant and there can be slight bleeding in the first days. Tell the dentist if you are uncomfortable.
Can I remove tartar myself at home?
No. Hardened tartar does not come off with a brush, toothpaste or mouthwash, and scraping at home with metal objects injures the gums and enamel. Whitening toothpastes do not remove tartar either. What you can do at home is stop it from forming.
How can I prevent tartar?
- Brush twice a day for about 2 minutes with fluoride toothpaste. The NHS recommends toothpaste with at least 1,350 ppm fluoride for adults (NHS).
- Clean between your teeth once a day with floss or interdental brushes.
- Pay attention to the gum line and to the inner side of the lower front teeth.
- After brushing, spit out the toothpaste but do not rinse heavily, so the fluoride stays on the teeth.
- Cut down on smoking and frequent sugary snacks.
- Go for check-ups and cleans regularly.
How much does tartar removal cost?
On SF Dent's price list, tartar removal is €72.00, Airflow polishing is €26.00 and a standalone Airflow clean is €31.00. Tartar removal is not part of the НЗОК (NHIF) package.
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Examination | 30.00€ |
| Dental calculus (tartar) removal | 72.00€ |
| Airflow polishing | 26.00€ |
| Standalone airflow cleaning | 31.00€ |
Prices are from the clinic’s price list. The final cost depends on your case and is confirmed after an examination. See the full price list
When should you book an appointment?
If your gums bleed when you brush, you can see yellow or brown deposits along the gum line, or you have not had a professional clean for over a year, book an appointment. At the examination the dentist will see how much tartar there is, whether the gums are inflamed and how often it makes sense for you to come in. If you would also like lighter teeth after a clean, see our article "In-office or at-home teeth whitening: differences and prices". More about the procedure is on our tartar removal at SF Dent page. You can call +359 87 666 2785.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take for plaque to turn into tartar?
Plaque that is not cleaned off can start to harden within a few days. How fast this happens depends on a person's saliva and oral hygiene. That is why plaque should be removed every day with a brush and floss, before it has a chance to harden.
Is it normal for gums to bleed after tartar removal?
If the gums were inflamed, slight bleeding during the clean and in the first days after it is possible. It usually stops as oral hygiene improves. If bleeding lasts more than a few days or is heavy, contact the dentist.
Do teeth become loose after tartar removal?
Cleaning does not loosen healthy teeth. Sometimes tartar acted like a splint between teeth already weakened by periodontitis, and after it is removed the movement becomes noticeable. The cause is the gum disease, not the clean, and it is treated separately.
Does the health fund cover tartar removal?
Tartar removal is not part of the НЗОК (NHIF) package for adults, so it is paid according to the clinic's price list. At SF Dent it is €72.00. What the fund does cover is explained on our page about seeing a dentist under the NHIF.
What is the difference between tartar removal and Airflow?
Tartar removal takes off hard, mineralised calculus with ultrasonic and hand instruments. Airflow is polishing with a mix of water, air and fine powder that removes soft plaque and stains. The two complement each other, and Airflow is usually done after the tartar has been removed.
