Tartar on teeth: symptoms and how to treat buildup

Tartar strikes when plaque, the sticky film that forms on your teeth, builds up and hardens over time. But tartar isn’t just a cosmetic issue—it can lead to cavities, gum disease and even tooth loss if left untreated. That’s why understanding its symptoms, causes and treatments is essential to keeping your smile healthy.

If you’ve spotted signs of tartar (or suspect it’s lurking on your teeth), we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about addressing the issue and keeping it from coming back.

Think you might have tartar on your teeth? Schedule an appointment with Aspen Dental today for an appointment.

What is tartar?

Tartar, also known as dental calculus, is hardened plaque that sticks stubbornly to teeth. You’ll often spot it as yellow or brown stains along your teeth or under the gum line. Unlike plaque, which you can easily remove at home with brushing and flossing, tartar must  be handled by a dental professional using specialized instruments. 

Here’s the kicker—tartar’s rough, sticky texture actually makes it a magnet for even more plaque build-up. That’s why catching it early and preventing its formation is so important for your overall oral health.

What causes tartar to develop on teeth? 

Tartar forms gradually over time when plaque isn’t completely removed, even with consistent oral hygiene efforts. There are several different factors that can lead to tartar buildup, such as:

• Poor oral hygiene: Not brushing and flossing regularly gives plaque the time to harden into tartar. 

• Sugary or starchy diets: Bacteria thrive on sugar and starch, causing plaque to build up faster. 

• Smoking: Tobacco not only stains your teeth but also increases your chances of tartar formation. 

• Misaligned teeth: Crooked or crowded teeth can make it harder for your toothbrush and floss to reach all surfaces. 

• Certain medical conditions: Conditions like diabetes can change your oral environment, making tartar more likely to develop. 

• Dry mouth and mouth breathing: Reduced saliva flow or chronic mouth breathing can contribute to tartar formation by limiting saliva’s natural ability to wash away plaque. 

What are the symptoms of tartar on teeth?

Not sure if you’re dealing with tartar? Here’s how to recognize the signs:

• Yellow or brown deposits on your teeth, especially near the gum line. 

• Rough surfaces that you can feel with your tongue. 

• Chronic bad breath, even after brushing. 

• Irritated, swollen gums, which may bleed when brushing or flossing (a sign of gingivitis).

If any of these symptoms feel familiar, it’s time to take action. Ignoring tartar can lead to bigger issues, like gum disease or even tooth loss. Schedule an appointment today. 

How to treat tartar

Tartar buildup requires professional treatment from a dental hygienist or dentist, who will use specialized instruments to safely remove it. Depending on the severity, they may recommend a therapeutic dental cleaning or gum disease treatments. 

Here’s the truth—once tartar hardens on your teeth, no amount of brushing or flossing can remove it. Professional dental care is the only solution.

5 simple tips to reduce tartar buildup

While dental cleanings are essential, you can help prevent plaque from turning into tartar with these simple everyday habits: 

Brush at least twice daily

Brush your teeth morning and night with fluoride toothpaste. If you can, upgrade to an electric toothbrush, which removes plaque more effectively than a manual one. 

Floss daily 

Floss at least once a day to remove any food particles or plaque that your toothbrush might have missed. Water flossers and interdental brushes are great for cleaning hard-to-reach areas between teeth. 

Use mouthwash

Use an antiseptic or tartar-control mouthwash daily. Swish it around for 30-60 seconds to kill bacteria and keep your mouth cleaner for longer. 

Limit sugary foods

Sugary and starchy foods are top contributors to plaque formation. Instead, focus on incorporating more fruits, veggies, lean protein and calcium-rich foods into your diet. 

Avoid smoking

Compared to non-smokers, smokers tend to have more tartar on their teeth. If you do smoke, it’s a good idea to quit to control tartar buildup and reduce the risk of other dental issues like periodontal disease and oral cancer.  

Manage dry mouth

A dry mouth can lead to a higher risk of tartar buildup. Stay hydrated and check out ways to manage dry mouth, such as using saliva substitutes or chewing sugar-free gum. 

Tartar on teeth FAQs

Can I remove tartar from teeth myself?

No, you can’t safely remove tartar at home. Trying to chip or scrape it off yourself can damage your enamel or irritate your gums. Always leave tartar removal to a dental professional.

What happens if tartar is not removed from teeth?

If ignored, tartar can cause discoloration, bad breath, cavities and gum disease. Severe tartar buildup can even lead to loose teeth or tooth loss. 

Will removing tartar loosen teeth?

Not at all. Removing tartar makes your teeth stronger by restoring healthy gums and preventing further buildup.

Is removing tartar painful?

For most people, tartar removal isn’t painful. If your gums are sensitive or you have severe buildup, you might feel some temporary discomfort.

Get treated for tartar on your teeth 

Tartar is stubborn, but you have the power to prevent it through daily healthy habits and personalized care at Aspen Dental.

If you’ve noticed signs of tartar or it’s time for your routine cleaning, don’t wait. Schedule an appointment at Aspen Dental today.