What Is Tartar? Plaque vs Tartar, Signs, Prevention

Short answer

Tartar is a deposit that forms when bacterial plaque left on the tooth surface hardens with minerals from saliva. Plaque can be removed with a toothbrush; tartar, however, clings firmly and can only be removed by a dentist. Bleeding gums, bad breath and a yellow-brown deposit are common signs. If left untreated, it can lead to gum inflammation and periodontitis.

What is tartar?

Tartar is a deposit that forms when bacterial plaque building up on the tooth surface hardens with calcium and phosphate minerals from saliva. Its medical name is calculus.

Tartar usually appears as a yellowish, brown or dark layer. It can sit above the gum line or settle below the gum on the root surface. Tartar below the gum is often not visible.

Tartar itself is a hard, rough surface. This surface makes it easier for new plaque to stick, so the build-up becomes a self-reinforcing cycle.

What is the difference between plaque and tartar?

Plaque is a soft layer that can be removed by brushing; tartar is hardened plaque and can only be removed by a dentist. The table below summarises the difference.

Feature	Plaque	Tartar (calculus)
Structure	Soft, sticky layer of bacteria	Mineralised, hard deposit
Colour	Usually colourless or whitish	Yellow, brown, dark
Formation	Starts within a few hours of brushing	Forms when plaque that is not removed hardens over days
Removal	Toothbrush, dental floss, interdental brush	Only at the clinic, with special instruments
Prevention	Daily oral care	Regular plaque removal and check-ups

How does tartar form?

Tartar forms when plaque that is not removed gradually hardens with minerals from saliva. The process usually goes in this order:

Within hours of brushing, a thin protein layer and then bacterial plaque form on the teeth.
If the plaque is not removed, minerals start to deposit in it within about 1–3 days.
Within a few days to a few weeks, this layer hardens and clings firmly to the tooth surface.
New layers of plaque are added to the hard surface and the tartar thickens. The part extending below the gum contributes over time to the formation of pockets.

The rate of formation varies considerably from person to person. Some people have noticeable build-up within a few months, while others have very little tartar over the years. Tartar is most often seen on the inner surface of the lower front teeth and on the cheek side of the upper molars. These areas are close to where the salivary glands open into the mouth. Crowded teeth, old filling margins and fixed orthodontic appliances also make build-up easier.

What are the signs of tartar?

The most common signs of tartar are a yellow-brown deposit on the teeth, bleeding gums and bad breath. In the early stages it may cause no symptoms at all.

A hard yellowish or brown layer along the gum line
A rough feeling when you touch it with your tongue, especially behind the lower front teeth
Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
Red, swollen or tender gums
Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
Teeth looking darker and duller
In advanced cases, gum recession and loose teeth

If you have any of these signs, an examination shows what stage the problem is at. Build-up below the gum can only be assessed by examination and, where needed, X-rays; that is why regular check-ups matter even without symptoms.

Does tartar cause bad breath?

Yes, tartar is one of the common causes of bad breath. The rough surface of tartar and the pockets below the gum provide a suitable environment for bacteria that produce foul-smelling sulphur compounds.

Gum inflammation can also make the smell worse. In this case, mouthwash and mints only mask the smell briefly. Lasting improvement requires removing the tartar and allowing the gums to heal.

Tartar is not the only cause of bad breath. Build-up on the surface of the tongue, dry mouth, decayed teeth, tonsils and digestive problems can also cause odour. If the smell continues after cleaning, other causes should also be investigated.

Person covering their mouth because of bad breath, illustrating the link between tartar and bacteria — Bacteria in tartar can produce foul-smelling compounds. · Illustrative AI-generated image; not a patient.

Can tartar be removed at home?

No, hardened tartar cannot be safely removed at home. Tartar clings firmly to the tooth surface, and removing it requires special instruments, good lighting and a clear view.

Scraping tools: Metal tips sold online can injure the gums, scratch the enamel and push tartar below the gum.
Vinegar, lemon and baking soda: These do not dissolve tartar. Acidic mixtures also wear away enamel. For details, see our page whitening with baking soda and activated charcoal.
The hidden part: Tartar below the gum is not visible; it is impossible to reach this area at home.
Tartar-control toothpastes: Can somewhat slow the formation of new tartar but do not remove existing tartar.

The most effective thing you can do at home is remove plaque before it hardens. For tartar that has already formed, a scale and polish is needed.

The link between tartar, gingivitis and periodontitis

Tartar and the plaque on it trigger gum inflammation (gingivitis); if left untreated, this can progress to periodontitis.

Gingivitis: The gums are red, swollen and bleed. This stage can usually be reversed with a scale and polish and good oral care.
Periodontitis: The inflammation spreads to the tissues and bone that hold the tooth. Gum pockets deepen, the gums may recede and teeth may become loose. The bone loss that occurs usually does not come back; treatment aims to stop it progressing.

Periodontitis is one of the main causes of tooth loss in adults. Smoking, diabetes and some medicines can increase the risk. That is why bleeding gums are a warning that should not be ignored.

Close-up of red, swollen gums caused by tartar, signs of gingivitis — Red, bleeding gums are a common sign of gingivitis. · Illustrative AI-generated image; not a patient.

How can you prevent tartar from forming?

The way to prevent tartar is to remove plaque thoroughly every day before it hardens. These habits noticeably reduce build-up:

Brush twice a day for at least 2 minutes with fluoride toothpaste.
Clean between your teeth every day with dental floss or interdental brushes.
Pay particular attention to the inner surface of the lower front teeth and the gum line.
Limit sugary and sticky snacks.
Quitting smoking reduces the risk of both tartar and gum disease.
Have a check-up and cleaning, usually every 6–12 months.

If your teeth do not look lighter after a scale and polish, take a look at our page tooth yellowing and stains for the causes of discolouration.

Frequently asked questions

Does tartar fall off on its own?

Sometimes small pieces may break off, but most tartar stays on the tooth surface. It needs to be removed regularly at the clinic.

Why does tartar form faster in some people?

The mineral content of saliva, oral care habits, diet, smoking and the alignment of the teeth all affect how fast it forms. That is why it varies from person to person.

Does tartar loosen teeth?

Tartar alone does not loosen a tooth, but if the gum disease it causes progresses, the bone holding the tooth can be lost and the tooth can become loose.

Can tartar be brown or black?

Yes. Tartar can be stained by substances such as tea, coffee and tobacco. Tartar below the gum is often dark brown or black because of blood products.

Does tartar cause pain?

It usually does not cause pain, which is why it can progress unnoticed. When gum inflammation develops, tenderness, bleeding and discomfort may occur.

What does tartar look like?

Tartar usually looks like a hard, rough yellowish, cream or brown layer along the gum line; it is most often noticed on the inner surface of the lower front teeth. Tartar below the gum can be dark brown or black; details are on our black tartar page.

What happens if tartar is not removed?

Tartar that is not removed can increase gum inflammation, bleeding and bad breath. Over time it can progress to periodontitis and lead to gum recession and loss of the bone that holds the tooth. For bleeding gums, see our page bleeding gums.

Can tartar be removed at home?

No, hardened tartar cannot be safely removed at home; scraping tools can injure the gums and acidic mixtures can wear away enamel. What you can do at home is remove plaque with daily brushing and flossing before it hardens.