Tartar buildup may negatively affect your oral health over time. It starts as a soft, sticky bacterial plaque. If left untreated, the plaque hardens into stubborn tartar that clings to your teeth and gums. Can a teeth cleaning remove tartar or hardened plaque? Tartar is not something you can remove effectively at home; it must be removed by a dental professional. Ignoring tartar buildup may increase the risk of dental problems, such as gum disease and potential tooth loss. Let’s look at the difference between plaque and tartar, how professional cleanings work, and steps to help prevent future tartar.
The Difference Between Plaque and Tartar
Plaque is a sticky layer of bacteria that forms daily on and in between teeth. Plaque can be managed through regular brushing, proper flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash. However, if plaque isn’t removed, it hardens into tartar – a rough, porous substance that appears yellow or brown and cannot be removed with at-home dental care.
Tartar, also called calculus, forms above and below the gumline, posing risks to dental health. It creates a perfect environment for bacteria to thrive and makes daily cleaning more difficult. If left untreated, tartar buildup leads to gum inflammation (gingivitis), which can progress to advanced gum disease (bone loss).
Can a Teeth Cleaning Remove Tartar or Hardened Plaque?
Daily brushing and flossing remove plaque, but tartar is much tougher to remove. Tartar bonds tightly to teeth, and brushing or flossing at home cannot remove it.
A regular dental cleaning, called prophylaxis, is performed by a dental hygienist. The hygienist uses special tools to remove tartar from teeth and gums, including:
- Ultrasonic scalers: Use vibrations to loosen tartar.
- Hand tools: Scrape off the loosened tartar.
Deep Cleaning – When Tartar Hardens Under the Gumline
Sometimes, tartar builds up below the gumline. When this occurs, regular cleaning is not enough. This is when a deep cleaning—also called scaling and root planing—becomes necessary.
The potential benefits of scaling and root planing include:
- Removing tartar below the gums: Can help reduce inflammation and discomfort for many patients.
- Supporting healthier gums: Can promote reattachment of gums to teeth.
- Reducing the risk of complications: Lowers the risk of issues like tooth loss, gum recession, and bone damage.
- Supporting oral health: This may help future dental treatments be more effective and contribute to the stability of teeth and gums.
Scaling removes tartar and plaque from under the gum line, while root planing smooths tooth roots to reduce the likelihood of future tartar buildup. A deep cleaning may be needed for people with gum disease to prevent further complications and support long-term oral health.
Health Risks of Not Removing Tartar
Removing tartar is important for both oral and overall health. Maintaining good oral health may contribute to reducing the risk of serious health conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes. A clean and healthy mouth may support better digestion, reduce inflammation, and contribute to overall well-being.
If tartar is not removed, it may lead to periodontal disease. This can cause gums to pull away from teeth, resulting in bone loss and potential tooth loss. Gum disease complicates other dental treatments, like dental implants, as healthy gums and bone are needed to support better dental procedure outcomes.
Preventing Future Tartar Buildup
Professional cleanings remove tartar, but you can take steps at home to prevent it. Good oral hygiene is key:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss daily to remove plaque between teeth.
- Use an antimicrobial mouthwash.
- Use tartar-control toothpaste to prevent plaque from hardening.
- Visit your dentist or periodontist regularly.
A healthy diet low in sugar and refined carbs reduces plaque buildup:
- Limit sugary and starchy foods, as they help plaque form.
- Maintain good oral hygiene and a balanced diet to lower the risk of tartar buildup.
Learn More About Teeth Cleanings
Can a teeth cleaning remove tartar or hardened plaque? Yes, tartar can generally only be effectively removed by a dental professional. At Southern California Periodontics & Implantology, we offer professional teeth cleanings that help remove tartar and support your oral health. We understand dental visits can cause anxiety, so we provide amenities like warm blankets, sound-blocking headphones, and Netflix movie glasses to help make you comfortable during your visit.
Regular cleanings, and sometimes deep cleanings, help keep tartar under control and support a healthy smile. Learn more about how a professional teeth cleaning removes tartar or hardened plaque.
