OVERVIEW
Professional Tartar Removal for Healthier Teeth & Gums
Tartar, also known as dental calculus, is hardened plaque that cannot be completely removed through regular brushing and flossing.
When tartar accumulates along or beneath the gumline, it can contribute to gum inflammation, bad breath, bleeding gums, and periodontal disease.
Professional tartar removal helps remove hardened deposits and restore a cleaner, healthier oral environment. At Worldwide, tartar removal is performed as part of comprehensive preventive dental care, tailored to the condition of your teeth and gums.
What Is Tartar?
Tartar forms when dental plaque becomes hardened by minerals in saliva. Plaque is a soft, sticky bacterial film that naturally forms on teeth. If plaque is not adequately removed, it can mineralize and become tartar. Unlike plaque, tartar cannot be effectively removed with a normal toothbrush. Professional dental cleaning is therefore necessary.
Where Does Tartar Build Up?
- Along the gumline
- Between teeth
- Behind lower front teeth
- Around crowns & bridges
- Around ortho brackets
- Below the gumline
What Causes Tartar?
Several factors can influence tartar formation:
- Inadequate Oral Hygiene: Insufficient brushing and interdental cleaning allow plaque to remain on the teeth.
- Natural Saliva Composition: Some people naturally accumulate tartar more quickly due to differences in saliva mineral content.
- Crowded Teeth: Irregularly positioned teeth can create areas that are difficult to clean.
- Smoking: Smoking can increase plaque accumulation and contribute to periodontal problems.
- Diet & Appliances: Sugary foods and braces create additional surfaces where plaque can accumulate.
Signs You May Need Tartar Removal
You may benefit from a professional dental cleaning if you notice:
- Bleeding Gums: Gums that bleed during brushing or flossing may indicate inflammation.
- Red or Swollen Gums: Inflamed gums can be associated with plaque and tartar accumulation.
- Bad Breath: Persistent bad breath can sometimes be associated with bacterial buildup.
- Yellow or Brown Deposits: Visible hard deposits around the gumline may indicate tartar.
- Gum Recession: Receding gums may be associated with periodontal problems.
THE PROCEDURE
The Tartar Removal Process
01
Oral Examination
Your dentist or dental hygienist examines your teeth and gums. The assessment may include plaque levels, tartar accumulation, gum inflammation, bleeding, gum pockets, and existing restorations. If periodontal disease is suspected, additional examination or imaging may be recommended.
02
Scaling
Professional scaling removes hardened tartar deposits from the tooth surface. Depending on the clinical situation, ultrasonic instruments or hand instruments may be used. The treatment focuses on removing deposits while minimizing unnecessary irritation to healthy tooth and gum tissues.
03
Cleaning Below the Gumline
If tartar has accumulated below the gumline, deeper periodontal cleaning may be necessary. This is different from a routine preventive cleaning and may require a more comprehensive periodontal treatment plan.
04
Polishing
After scaling, the teeth may be polished to remove remaining surface stains and create a smoother tooth surface. Polishing can also make it more difficult for plaque to adhere immediately after cleaning.
05
Oral Hygiene Guidance
Your dental team will provide personalized recommendations for maintaining the results at home. This may include advice on toothbrushing technique, dental floss, interdental brushes, water flossers, and cleaning around dental restorations.
Important Considerations
There are important distinctions between different dental procedures and patient conditions. Understanding these differences can help you make informed decisions about your oral care.
Tartar Removal vs. Teeth Whitening
These two procedures are often confused.
- Tartar Removal: Removes hardened deposits, primarily preventive, improves oral cleanliness, helps manage gum inflammation, does not change natural tooth color.
- Teeth Whitening: Lightens natural tooth color, primarily cosmetic, improves tooth shade, does not remove tartar.
If teeth are covered with plaque, tartar, or surface stains, professional cleaning should generally be completed before cosmetic whitening.
Tartar Removal vs. Deep Cleaning
Routine Dental Cleaning: Generally focuses on removing plaque, tartar, and stains from accessible tooth surfaces and around the gumline.
Scaling & Root Planing: A deeper periodontal procedure designed to remove bacterial deposits and tartar from below the gumline and smooth affected root surfaces.
These treatments should not be considered interchangeable. If periodontal disease is present, your dentist may recommend a more comprehensive treatment plan.
Why Do My Gums Bleed During Cleaning?
Bleeding during cleaning is often associated with inflamed gums. When plaque and tartar remain around the gumline, the surrounding tissue can become inflamed and more likely to bleed. Bleeding should not automatically be interpreted as damage caused by the cleaning. In many cases, reducing plaque and tartar accumulation is part of the process of helping the gums return to a healthier condition.
How Often Should Tartar Be Removed?
There is no single schedule that applies to everyone. The appropriate frequency depends on oral hygiene, tartar formation rate, gum health, smoking, orthodontic appliances, and previous periodontal disease. Some patients may benefit from professional cleaning every 6 months, while others may require more frequent maintenance.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Common Questions
Can I remove tartar at home?
No. Once plaque has hardened into tartar, it cannot be safely and completely removed with normal brushing. Attempting to scrape tartar away with sharp objects can damage the enamel or gums. Professional dental cleaning is the safer approach.
Does tartar removal make teeth whiter?
It can remove surface stains and deposits, making the teeth appear cleaner and brighter. However, tartar removal is not the same as teeth whitening and does not change the natural color of the teeth.
Why does tartar keep coming back?
Plaque continuously forms on teeth. If it is not removed effectively, it can mineralize into tartar. Some people also naturally accumulate tartar more quickly than others.
How long does tartar removal take?
Treatment time depends on the amount of tartar, number of teeth, and overall oral condition. A routine cleaning may be relatively quick, while extensive deposits or periodontal disease may require multiple appointments.
Can tartar cause bad breath?
Yes. Tartar can retain bacterial plaque and contribute to persistent bad breath.
START WITH A CLEANER SMILE
Book Your Dental Cleaning
Healthy smiles begin with healthy gums. Removing tartar is one of the simplest steps you can take to protect your teeth and gums. Regular professional cleaning combined with good daily oral hygiene can help maintain a healthier mouth and reduce the risk of future dental problems.
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