Dental calculus is a hardened deposit that gradually accumulates on the teeth. It forms when minerals from saliva embed into soft deposits such as dental plaque and food debris. Although this process can’t be entirely prevented, the harmful effects of calculus can be avoided through regular removal.

Significance and Consequences of Tartar

Despite being commonly overlooked—even by dental professionals—the consequences of calculus are serious. It is a primary cause of periodontal disease. Once it builds up on teeth, calculus exerts mechanical pressure on the gums (gingiva), causing swelling, bleeding, sensitivity, and eventually gum recession, leading to exposed tooth surfaces.

This process is slow and progressive but relentless. Its gradual nature often misleads patients into delaying treatment until the disease is already well advanced. Treating periodontitis is complex, time-consuming, and requires high patient compliance. In many cases, complete healing isn’t possible, and halting disease progression is considered a successful outcome.

By contrast, tartar removal is a simple, painless procedure performed in a single dental visit. The health significance is clear—and so is the aesthetic impact. Teeth look far cleaner and whiter without tartar buildup, especially in smokers, where rough calculus surfaces attract nicotine stains more readily.

Tartar Removal

Importantly, calculus cannot be removed through home oral hygiene practices like brushing or flossing. Only a dental professional using appropriate instruments in a clinical setting can fully remove tartar.

That said, good oral hygiene at home is crucial in slowing its formation. Since tartar develops by mineralizing soft deposits, reducing plaque minimizes calculus buildup. The ideal formula is strong home care combined with periodic professional cleaning.

General recommendation: visit your dentist once or twice a year to remove calculus. However, if a person has a naturally higher concentration of minerals in their saliva, tartar may form more rapidly—even with good hygiene—and may require more frequent cleanings.

Quick Self-Check

Stand in front of a mirror with bright lighting and examine the inner surface of your lower front teeth. If you notice white-yellowish deposits at the junction between the gum and tooth neck, it’s time for tartar removal. In smokers, this will be even more visible due to dark nicotine staining.