What Does Tartar Look Like On Your Teeth? - Sutherland Dental

What Does Tartar Look Like On Your Teeth?

Maintaining healthy teeth and gums requires consistent daily care, and understanding how plaque and tartar develop is one of the most important parts of that routine. Many people are unsure what tartar actually looks like, how it forms, and what it means for their long-term oral health. Being able to identify tartar early helps you take the right steps to protect your smile and avoid future concerns such as gum disease or tooth decay.

Tartar, also known as dental calculus, does not simply appear overnight. It forms when dental plaque remains on the teeth for an extended period and begins to harden. While plaque can be removed at home through brushing and flossing, tartar is a much more stubborn substance that requires professional care.

Below, we explore what tartar looks like on your teeth (focus keyword), how it develops, how it can be removed, and what you can do to prevent it.

Keeping dental plaque and tartar in check are two key important steps of your oral routine. Dental plaque forms on your teeth from food debris and bacteria and looks like a yellow pale substance that is first visible in between your teeth and then around the surface as it grows.

When dental plaque continues to build, something called tartar, or dental calculus starts to appear.

What Is Dental Plaque?

Before tartar develops, plaque forms first. Dental plaque is a soft, sticky film that builds on the surface of your teeth when saliva mixes with food debris and bacteria. It can appear as:

• A pale yellow film
• A sticky layer along the gum line
• A substance that collects between teeth first
• A coating that becomes more visible when not removed regularly

Plaque is constantly forming, even after you brush. That’s why daily oral hygiene is essential. If plaque is not removed through brushing and flossing, it begins to harden, turning into tartar.

Plaque also contributes to other dental issues such as:

• Gingivitis (early-stage gum disease)
• Cavities
• Bad breath
• Sensitivity caused by gum irritation

Identifying plaque early and maintaining a consistent oral routine helps significantly reduce the risk of these conditions.

What Is Tartar?

Tartar, or dental calculus, is hardened plaque that has remained on the teeth long enough to mineralise. It is much harder than plaque and cannot be removed with at-home brushing.

Tartar typically looks like:

• A yellow or brown deposit on the surface of teeth
• A rough texture, especially near the gum line
• A thicker build-up between teeth
• A darker shade if stained by foods, drinks, or smoking

Tartar can trap stains easily because it is porous and textured. This often leads to noticeable discolouration that can affect the appearance of your smile.

Because tartar is firmly attached to the tooth surface, it can only be removed by a dental professional through a scale and clean. Leaving tartar untreated can contribute to gum inflammation, gum disease, and ongoing oral health issues.

What Causes Tartar to Build?

Several factors can contribute to tartar formation, including:

1. Inadequate Oral Hygiene

Inconsistent brushing and flossing allow plaque to stay on the teeth long enough to harden.

2. Sugary and Carbohydrate-Rich Foods

Sugars and carbohydrates feed harmful bacteria, increasing plaque levels and promoting tartar formation.

3. Smoking

Smoking accelerates tartar build-up and contributes to heavy staining.

4. Worn-Out Toothbrushes

A toothbrush with frayed bristles is less effective at removing plaque.

5. Dry Mouth

Low saliva levels reduce natural cleansing and allow bacteria to thrive.

Understanding the causes helps you take the right steps to prevent tartar from forming.

Signs of Plaque and Tartar Build-Up

Recognising the early signs of plaque and tartar can help prevent more serious oral health issues later.

Some common signs include:

• A sticky or rough feeling on your teeth
• Yellow deposits around the gum line
• Dark or brown stains between teeth
• Bad breath
• Bleeding when brushing or flossing
• Gum tenderness or swelling

If you notice any of these symptoms, booking a dental check-up can help prevent complications such as gum disease.

How Can Tartar Be Removed From My Teeth?

Dental plaque can be removed through daily brushing and flossing. However, tartar cannot be removed at home. Once the plaque hardens, removal requires professional care.

A dental professional uses specific instruments during a scale and polish to remove tartar. This process includes:

1. Scaling, which scrapes away tartar from above and below the gum line
2. Polishing, which smooths the surface of the teeth and helps prevent future build-up

This treatment restores the smoothness of your tooth surface and helps maintain healthy gums.

Attempting to remove tartar at home is not recommended, as improper tools or techniques can damage tooth enamel or irritate the gums.

How Do I Keep Plaque and Tartar Away From My Teeth?

The best way to maintain long-term oral health is by preventing tartar from forming in the first place. Simple, daily habits make a significant difference.

Here’s what you can do:

1. Brush Twice a Day

Use fluoride toothpaste and gentle circular motions. Pay attention to the gum line where plaque often collects.

2. Floss Daily

Cleaning between teeth removes food debris that brushing cannot reach.

3. Rinse Your Mouth With Water

This helps clear food particles and supports saliva function.

4. Stay Hydrated

Drinking water keeps saliva levels high, which naturally cleanses the mouth.

5. Limit Sugary and Sticky Foods

Replace them with calcium-rich or tooth-friendly alternatives to support enamel strength.

6. Replace Your Toothbrush Regularly

Switch your toothbrush every three months or sooner if the bristles fray.

7. Attend Regular Dental Check-Ups

Routine examinations allow early detection of plaque, tartar, and gum issues.

Prevention is always more effective, comfortable, and affordable than treatment.

Conclusion

Tartar is a hardened, stubborn deposit that forms when plaque remains on the teeth for too long. While plaque can be removed at home, tartar requires professional care to ensure safe and complete removal. Understanding what tartar looks like, how it forms, and how to prevent it can help you maintain a cleaner, healthier smile.

If you have concerns about tartar, plaque, or gum health, you may consult dentists in Sutherland for personalised advice and professional care tailored to your oral health needs.

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