You brush and floss daily, but the yellowish film still finds its way to appear in between your teeth. This is so stubborn that it doesn’t seem to budge, no matter how rigorously you brush. What causes that? How does it impact your oral health?
Can we say poor oral hygiene is responsible? In all cases, no. Generally, plaque mineralizes quickly in some people, and the factors responsible are saliva chemistry, certain medications, or even genetics. So oral hygiene alone is not responsible for causing it!
It often begins as a soft, sticky film and can become a rocky substance clinging tightly to the tooth enamel. It may not seem alarming initially, but beneath the surface, it collects bacteria that gradually impact your oral health adversely.
Tartar in between teeth is the hardened plaque that has calcified over time, and one of the common mistakes by patients is trying to scrape that off at home, which causes gums to bleed. We only recommend deep cleaning your teeth every 6 months to avoid its appearance.
What Causes Tartar In Between Your Teeth?
Tartar doesn’t appear overnight. It begins as plaque: a film of bacteria and food particles that coats the teeth daily. When left undisturbed, it hardens into tartar in between teeth. This mineralized layer adheres firmly, creating rough surfaces that attract even more plaque.
The apparent causes are inconsistent brushing and flossing. Some of the less visible causes include smoking, certain medications that reduce saliva, and diets rich in sugary content and acids. These habits and causes lead to tartar buildup, which cannot be removed by regular oral hygiene maintenance.
These are some of the common warning signs of tartar buildup:
- Yellow or brown deposits that brushing cannot remove
- Gums that bleed easily while flossing
- Chronic bad breath
- Discomfort and sensitivity when chewing
- Food is constantly getting caught in the same spots.
Plaque vs Tartar: Difference Between Plaque and Tartar
Do you think plaque in between teeth and tartar are the same? Although they are used interchangeably, they are not the same. Plaque is a soft, sticky layer that you can remove with regular brushing and flossing. Tartar forms when plaque hardens, often in the spaces between teeth, and cannot be removed at home. Professional deep teeth cleaning is required to eliminate it and protect your gum health.
The table below depicts dental tartar vs plaque:
| Feature | Plaque | Tartar |
| Texture | Soft, sticky film | Hard, rough deposit |
| Color | Clear to light yellow | Yellow-brown to dark |
| Removal | Brushing and flossing | Professional dental tartar removal |
| Health Risk | Reversible irritation | Gum disease, cavities in between teeth |
Effective Ways For Tartar Removal
Can you manage plaque in between teeth at home? Yes, by brushing regularly.
Can you remove tartar yourself? Not at all. In an attempt to do it yourselves, you might end up hurting yourself and causing your gums to bleed. But you can avoid its buildup over time.
To reduce tartar buildup, brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss to reach plaque in between teeth. You can also use an antibacterial mouthwash to lower bacteria that harden into tartar. Brushing along the gumline and using interdental brushes helps prevent buildup before it worsens.
Even after the preventive measures, if you notice it building up and causing oral infections, you should immediately contact a dentist for professional help. Dentists remove the deposits and polish the enamel so plaque does not stick again. Deep teeth cleaning under clinical supervision removes tartar to reduce the chances of bacterial infections impacting the gums.
Some practical tips to remove tartar buildup are listed below:
- You should brush for two whole minutes and cover all surfaces.
- Make it a habit to floss or use interdental brushes daily.
- After meals, you should rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash.
- Schedule professional cleaning every 6 months to remove hardened tartar.
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Role Of Deep Teeth Cleaning In Tartar Removal
Once tartar appears between your teeth, you cannot handle it yourself. To get rid of it, you need professional support. You should visit an experienced dentist near you for deep teeth cleaning service, which is also called scaling and root planing. Only this treatment can remove tartar safely when it extends below the gumline.
The removal of bacterial buildup and inflammation causes gum disease progression to halt. It effectively restores healthier gum tissue and stabilizes the bite. Deep teeth cleaning can create a stronger foundation for long-lasting dental restorations and oral health.
Health Complications Caused By Tartar Buildup
Given their health consequences, plaque and tartar buildup cannot be considered harmless because they expose oral health to various infections and diseases. With timely removal, you can avoid the following health hazards:
Gum Irritation and Bleeding: You may notice your gums becoming tender or bleeding while brushing because tartar traps bacteria along the gumline.
Hidden Cavities Between Teeth: Food and plaque get stuck in tight spaces, creating hard-to-see or reach cavities.
Bone and Gum Damage: Over time, tartar can erode the bone and gum tissue that support your teeth, risking loosening or shifting.
Restoration Wear: Crowns, veneers, or fillings may suffer damage from uneven bite forces caused by tartar buildup.
If you have any dental issues listed above, please explore our range of services to get them treated immediately.
Schedule An Appointment For Deep Teeth Cleaning
If you suspect tartar has already taken hold, brushing harder won’t solve the problem. Professional dental tartar removal at Fancy Smiles Dental Studio is the most effective way to restore your health and protect your smile.
We help you address tartar between teeth early, preserve your dental health, and prevent complications compromising your confidence and overall well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Tartar holds bacteria against enamel, increasing the risk of cavities in between teeth.
Every 6 months, you should schedule an appointment for teeth cleaning. Some people need more frequent visits than others.
No. We advise our patients to be cautious when opting for any home remedies. They are not a practical solution to the problem. Plaque buildup can be managed, but tartar removal requires professional dental work.
The procedure is generally comfortable. Your dentist may use numbing options to ensure ease during treatment.
Because plaque can be controlled daily, but tartar requires intervention to prevent long-term damage.
Yes, plaque is a yellow film that appears on teeth, but tartar is mineralized plaque that becomes rock solid.