How often to get tartar removed

Tartar, also known as dental calculus, is a hardened form of plaque that builds up on teeth over time when proper oral hygiene is not maintained. Once tartar forms, it cannot be removed with regular brushing or flossing and requires professional dental cleaning. Knowing how often to get tartar removed is essential for maintaining optimal oral health, preventing gum disease, and preserving your natural teeth.

What Is Tartar and How Does It Form?

Tartar is essentially plaque that has mineralized. Plaque is a soft, sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth and gums. If not removed daily through brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into tartar in as little as 24 to 72 hours. This hardened substance adheres strongly to the teeth and gum line and creates a rough surface that attracts even more plaque. Over time, tartar buildup can lead to gum inflammation (gingivitis), periodontitis, and tooth decay.

Why Is Tartar Removal Important?

Tartar is not just an aesthetic concern—it is a significant oral health risk. Here are a few reasons why professional tartar removal is important:

• Prevention of Gum Disease: Tartar buildup leads to gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease that can result in tooth loss.

• Protection Against Cavities: Tartar traps bacteria and food particles, making it easier for cavities to form.

• Better Breath: Tartar can harbor odor-causing bacteria, leading to persistent bad breath.

• Improved Aesthetic Appearance: Tartar can cause yellow or brown staining, especially around the gum line.

• Long-term Dental Health: Regular removal helps preserve enamel and avoid costly dental procedures in the future.

How Often Should Tartar Be Removed?

General Recommendation

Most dental professionals recommend getting tartar removed every six months during a routine dental cleaning, also known as prophylaxis. This biannual schedule aligns with regular check-ups to ensure early detection of any dental issues.

However, this is a general guideline and may vary depending on individual oral health needs.

Factors That Influence Cleaning Frequency

1. Oral Hygiene Habits:

   • People who brush twice daily, floss regularly, and use antiseptic mouthwash may form tartar more slowly.

   • Those who skip proper brushing or flossing will likely need more frequent cleanings.

2. Diet:

   • High sugar intake and acidic foods can encourage plaque formation, which leads to tartar.

   • A balanced diet with limited sugar can help minimize buildup.

3. Smoking and Tobacco Use:

   • Smokers are more prone to tartar buildup and may require more frequent cleanings—every 3 to 4 months.

4. Existing Dental Conditions:

   • People with gingivitis or periodontitis often need deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) and more frequent maintenance cleanings, typically every 3 to 4 months.

5. Age:

   • Older adults are at a higher risk for gum disease and might benefit from more frequent cleanings.

6. Genetics:

   • Some individuals are genetically predisposed to tartar buildup, regardless of oral hygiene.

7. Dental Appliances:

   • People with braces, bridges, or dentures are more prone to plaque accumulation and might require cleanings more often than those without appliances.

Signs You Might Need a Cleaning Sooner

Even if you’re scheduled for a cleaning every six months, some symptoms may suggest it’s time to visit the dentist earlier:

• Persistent bad breath

• Red, swollen, or bleeding gums

• Visible yellow or brown deposits on teeth, especially near the gum line

• Tooth sensitivity or pain

• Receding gums

Professional Tartar Removal Procedures

During a dental cleaning, a hygienist will use special tools to remove tartar:

• Scaling: This involves scraping off tartar from above and below the gum line using a hand scaler or ultrasonic scaler.

• Polishing: After tartar removal, the teeth are polished to remove surface stains and smooth the enamel.

• Fluoride Treatment (Optional): A fluoride application may be provided to strengthen enamel and prevent cavities.

For severe cases of tartar buildup and gum disease, a more involved procedure called scaling and root planing may be required. This deep cleaning is usually done in quadrants of the mouth and might require local anesthesia.

At-Home Tips to Prevent Tartar Buildup

While only professionals can remove tartar, you can take steps at home to minimize its formation:

• Brush Twice Daily: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Electric toothbrushes are especially effective.

• Floss Daily: This removes plaque from between teeth and along the gum line.

• Use Antiseptic Mouthwash: It helps reduce bacteria in your mouth.

• Limit Sugary and Starchy Foods: These feed the bacteria that form plaque.

• Drink Plenty of Water: Water helps wash away food particles and bacteria.

• Quit Smoking: Smoking increases the likelihood of tartar buildup and gum disease.

Special Considerations: Children and Seniors

• Children: Pediatric dentists recommend tartar removal during regular cleanings every six months. Children with braces or poor hygiene may require more frequent visits.

• Seniors: Older adults often experience dry mouth due to medications, which reduces saliva flow and increases tartar risk. They should closely follow their dentist’s recommendations, which might include cleanings more than twice a year.

The Role of Saliva in Tartar Formation

Saliva plays a vital role in neutralizing acids and washing away food particles. However, it also contains minerals like calcium and phosphate that contribute to plaque mineralization, leading to tartar. Maintaining a balance—by staying hydrated and encouraging healthy saliva flow—is key to oral health.

Final Thoughts

Tartar is a common but preventable dental issue. While brushing and flossing are critical to prevent plaque from hardening into tartar, regular professional cleanings remain essential. For most people, tartar removal every six months is sufficient, but individual needs vary based on oral hygiene, lifestyle, and health factors. Listening to your dentist’s advice and monitoring your own symptoms are the best strategies for maintaining a healthy, tartar-free mouth.

Would you like a follow-up article on how deep cleaning works or the difference between plaque and tartar?