Tartar (calculus)

Tartar is hardened dental plaque. It can form on your teeth both above and below the gumline. If plaque is not removed on a regular basis, it will harden and turn into tartar.

Brushing and flossing cannot remove tartar. Only a professional cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist can remove it. Tartar and plaque contain bacteria that can trigger inflammation. That can damage the gums and the tissue that supports the teeth.

Daily brushing and cleaning between your teeth help keep new tartar from forming. Regular visits let your dental team remove what builds up. See dental plaque and dental cleaning. Our office describes cleanings on its teeth cleaning page.