What Is Tartar and Why Does It Form Frequently
Tartar is hardened plaque that builds up on the surface or between teeth. At first, plaque is just a thin, sticky film formed from leftover food mixed with bacteria. However, when not cleaned properly, plaque combines with minerals in saliva and eventually turns into tartar.
Tartar can appear yellowish, brownish, or even black. If left untreated, it doesn’t just affect your appearance but can also lead to gingivitis, periodontal disease, loose teeth, and bad breath.
Some of the most common causes of tartar buildup include:
Irregular or poor brushing – leftover food particles become the main source of plaque.
Not using dental floss – areas between teeth that are unreachable by a toothbrush become the perfect spot for plaque to accumulate.
Reduced saliva production (dry mouth) – lack of saliva lowers the mouth’s natural ability to clean away plaque.
Smoking habits – nicotine and tar accelerate plaque attachment and make tartar appear brownish or even black tartar on teeth.
Certain foods and drinks – sugary and sticky foods like candy or cake, sweetened sodas, coffee, tea, and alcohol can accelerate plaque buildup and make teeth look dull.
Not having routine dental scaling – tartar that has hardened can only be removed through professional procedures at a dental clinic.
Crowded teeth alignment – overlapping teeth are harder to clean, making plaque more likely to harden into tartar.
How to Prevent Tartar Buildup and Clean It Properly
Preventing tartar is possible with simple daily habits at home and only if you use the correct techniques. Here are some effective ways of removing plaque from teeth and how to prevent tartar buildup:
Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Use small circular motions from gum to tooth, not just back and forth, so plaque is lifted more effectively.
Floss daily. Gently slide the floss between teeth and curve it into a “C” shape to lift plaque stuck on the tooth surface.
Limit sugary, sticky, and starchy foods. These foods are the main fuel for bacteria that cause plaque, so reducing their intake can help prevent tartar formation.
With these habits, plaque accumulation can be controlled early, significantly lowering the risk of tartar.
The Importance of Routine Scaling at the Dentist
Once plaque hardens into tartar, its bond with teeth becomes too strong to remove with regular brushing. This includes black tartar on teeth, which often appears near the gumline or between teeth and requires professional treatment through scaling.
Scaling is a deep cleaning procedure using ultrasonic tools to remove tartar above and below the gumline. It is the most effective and safest method of removing plaque from teeth, especially when done regularly every six months. This routine prevents gingivitis, bad breath, and damage to the supporting tissues of the teeth.
Conclusion
Tartar forms when plaque hardens due to poor oral hygiene, diet, and daily habits. The best ways to prevent tartar buildup and keep teeth clean are brushing, flossing, and maintaining a healthy diet. However, once tartar has formed—especially black tartar on teeth—only professional scaling can completely remove it.
Scaling is not just an aesthetic treatment but a long-term investment in your oral health, keeping both teeth and gums strong. If you want to clean tartar safely and comfortably, the dentists at Onyx Dental Center are ready to assist you with advanced technology and comprehensive care standards.
References:
Cai, W., Dubreuil, N., Abu Nada, L., Zhou, W. B. S., Basiri, T., Hadad, A., Charde, P., Ducret, M., & Tamimi, F. (2025). Dental calculus formation rate: The role of salivary proteome and metaproteome. Journal of Clinical Periodontology, 52(6), 612–621. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpe.14142
Sperber, G. (2021). Dental calculus. British Dental Journal, 230(11), 636.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-021-3114-9
