---
title: "What Is Tartar (calculus)? Dental Glossary | Town Center Dental"
description: "Tartar, also called calculus, is plaque that has hardened on the teeth. Only a dentist or dental hygienist can remove it."
url: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/tartar-calculus
publisher: Town Center Dental
phone: +1-636-273-5866
quote: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment
---

Conditions

# Tartar (calculus)

Tartar, also called calculus, is plaque that has hardened on the teeth. Only a dentist or dental hygienist can remove it.

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](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-plaque) and [dental cleaning](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-cleaning-prophylaxis). Our office describes cleanings on its [teeth cleaning page](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/teeth-cleaning).

[Town Center Dental can helpTeeth Cleaning](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/teeth-cleaning)

## Related terms

-   [Dental plaque](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-plaque)
-   [Dental cleaning (prophylaxis)](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-cleaning-prophylaxis)
-   [Gingivitis](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/gingivitis)
-   [Scaling and root planing (deep cleaning)](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/scaling-and-root-planing-deep-cleaning)
-   [Dental hygienist](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-hygienist)

## Sources

1.  [Cleveland Clinic: Tartar on Teeth (Dental Calculus): Causes & Removal](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/25102-tartar)
2.  [NIDCR: Periodontal (Gum) Disease](https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/gum-disease)

## Ready when you are

[Request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment)[Call (636) 273-5866](tel:+1-636-273-5866)