What Is Tartar and How to Remove It in Canada
Tartar, also called dental calculus, is hardened plaque. It sticks to teeth like cement, often near the gumline and between teeth. Daily brushing and flossing help prevent it, but once tartar forms, only a dental professional can take it off safely.
What is tartar and how do you remove it?
Tartar is plaque that hardens on teeth above and below the gumline. You can’t brush it off. Dentists remove it during a professional cleaning using scaling tools and, if needed, root planing. Prevention relies on daily brushing and flossing plus regular, personalized checkups.
Plaque vs tartar: the simple difference
Plaque is soft and sticky. It’s a film of bacteria that grows on teeth all day. Tartar is plaque that sat too long and hardened. It often looks yellow or brown and can form both above the gums and under them where you can’t see.
How tartar forms
After you eat or drink, mouth bacteria feed on sugars and make acids. Those acids mix with saliva and minerals, and the soft plaque can harden into tartar in as little as 24–72 hours. That’s why thorough daily cleaning and routine dental visits matter.
What tartar looks and feels like
You may notice rough, grainy areas on the back of lower front teeth or along the gumline. Tartar can be yellow, tan, or brown. When it builds up under the gums, you might not see it, but your gums can look red, puffy, and bleed easily.
Why tartar is a problem
Tartar keeps bacteria close to your gums and tooth roots. Left alone, it can lead to gingivitis (early gum disease), periodontitis (advanced gum disease), and tooth decay. It also traps stains and can cause bad breath. Under the gums, tartar makes pockets deeper and harder to clean, which raises the risk of bone loss and loose teeth over time.
“Only a dental professional can remove tartar once it has formed.” — American Dental Association (ADA)
Who has a higher risk of tartar buildup?
Anyone can get tartar, but certain factors raise your risk:
- Smoking or vaping
- Diets high in sugar or acidic drinks
- Stress and teeth grinding
- Dry mouth (medications, dehydration, sleep apnea)
- Diabetes and other health conditions
- Pregnancy-related gum changes
- Crowded teeth, braces, or hard-to-clean areas
If any of these apply to you, your dentist may shorten the time between cleanings and tailor your home routine to your needs.
Professional tartar removal: what happens at the appointment
Your hygienist will remove tartar using manual instruments and/or an ultrasonic scaler (a tool that vibrates to break deposits apart). If tartar and inflammation are below the gumline, your dentist may recommend scaling and root planing (a deep cleaning) to smooth root surfaces and help gums heal. Polishing removes surface stains, and fluoride or other protective pastes may be used based on your risk level.
Curious why these visits matter even if you brush well? See the top benefits of professional teeth cleaning and how regular cleanings protect gums, prevent cavities, and lower long-term costs.
Your personalized prevention plan (not one-size-fits-all)
The best way to control tartar is a plan that fits your life and risks. Your dentist or hygienist will consider your oral health history, habits, and medical conditions, then help you choose simple changes that stick. A tailored plan may include:
- Checkup and cleaning frequency: every 6 months for many people; every 3–4 months if you have frequent tartar, gum disease, diabetes, or you smoke
- Tools that make cleaning easier: an electric toothbrush, interdental brushes for larger spaces, floss picks or a water flosser
- Prescription toothpaste (higher fluoride) or antimicrobial rinses for gum health
- Diet changes: fewer sugary drinks, smart snacks, and timing tips to reduce acid attacks
- Tongue cleaning for fresher breath and lower bacteria
- Habit tracking: simple reminders or an app to keep you on schedule
For a deeper dive into routine care that lowers hard deposits, explore why professional cleanings matter for gum health and long-term prevention.
At-home steps that actually help
Brushing that targets the gumline
Use a soft-bristled or electric brush with gentle pressure for two minutes, twice a day. Angle bristles at 45 degrees to the gumline and make small circles. Hard brushing doesn’t clean better; it can cause gum recession (gums pulling away from teeth) and sensitivity.
Between-teeth cleaning every day
Floss, interdental brushes, or a water flosser reach where a brush can’t. This removes plaque before it hardens into tartar. If floss is tough to use, ask your dental team to match you with the right tool for your spaces and dental work.
Fluoride toothpaste and smart rinses
Choose fluoride toothpaste to strengthen enamel. If your gums bleed or are often sore, your dentist may suggest a short-term antimicrobial rinse. If you have dry mouth, pick alcohol-free options.
Food and drink habits
Reduce frequent sipping of sugary or acidic drinks (soda, energy drinks, citrus). Drink water with meals and consider chewing sugar-free gum (xylitol can help) to boost saliva. Saliva protects your teeth by washing away food and neutralizing acids.
Want a practical checklist to stop soft plaque before it hardens? Read these practical tips to avoid plaque buildup and protect your smile day to day.
How often should you go for a cleaning?
Many Canadians do well with visits every six months. But if you build tartar quickly, are pregnant, have diabetes, smoke, or have a history of gum disease, your dentist may recommend every 3–4 months for a while. These shorter intervals reduce infection, keep pockets stable, and lower the chance you’ll need more complex treatment later.
Deep cleaning vs a regular cleaning
A routine cleaning removes plaque and tartar above the gumline. A deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) treats buildup below the gums and smooths the roots, which helps irritated gums reattach. Your dentist will recommend the right option after measuring your gum pockets and reviewing X-rays.
Results you can expect
After tartar removal, many people notice less bleeding in 1–2 weeks and fresher breath. Sensitive areas often settle down as inflammation improves. If you had a deep cleaning, you’ll likely return for a recheck to confirm your gums are healing.
Realistic, personalized prevention: why it works
Generic advice is easy to forget. A short, clear plan made for your risks, schedule, and budget is easier to follow. Small changes—like switching to an electric brush and cutting weekday soda—can make a big difference when you stick with them. If you miss a step, don’t stress; ask your dental team to adjust the plan so it’s simpler to keep up.
Conclusion
Tartar is hardened plaque that you can’t remove at home. Professional care is the only safe way to get rid of it. The smartest strategy is prevention with a plan that’s built for you—cleaning on the right schedule, easy tools, focused coaching, and steady habits at home. That’s how you protect your gums, avoid cavities, and keep your smile healthy for years.
FAQ
Can I remove tartar at home?
No. Tartar is firmly attached to teeth and roots. Trying to scrape it yourself can damage enamel and gums. See your dentist or hygienist for safe removal and a plan to prevent it from coming back.
How do I know if I have tartar?
Look for rough spots you can’t brush smooth, yellow or brown crust near the gumline, or bleeding gums. Sometimes tartar hides under the gums with few obvious signs. Regular checkups catch it early.
When is a deep cleaning needed?
If tartar builds up under the gums and pockets are inflamed or deep, your dentist may recommend scaling and root planing. This helps remove bacteria and smooth roots so gums can heal and tighten.
Do electric toothbrushes really help?
Yes. Electric models with timers and pressure sensors remove more plaque, especially along the gumline. They’re also easier for many people to use well, which helps stop plaque from hardening into tartar.
How often should I get professional cleanings?
Most people do well with every six months. If you’re at higher risk (gum disease, diabetes, smoking, pregnancy, dry mouth), every 3–4 months may be best. Your dentist will tailor the schedule to you.
Will removing tartar make my teeth sensitive?
You might feel mild sensitivity for a few days, especially if there was heavy buildup. This usually settles as gums heal. Desensitizing toothpaste and gentle brushing help. Tell your dental team if sensitivity lingers.
