Why do I get tartar even though I brush my teeth?
In short
Tartar forms because a toothbrush, even when used well, cannot remove all the plaque: in the spots it misses, minerals in saliva harden the plaque within a few days. Personal factors such as saliva composition, genetics and diet also play a part, which is why some people build up more tartar than others.
How does tartar form?
It all starts with dental plaque, a thin, sticky film made up of bacteria, food debris and saliva. It settles on the teeth constantly, even just a few hours after brushing.
If the plaque is left in place, the mineral salts in saliva, especially calcium phosphate, start to build up inside it. It usually takes one to three days for it to begin hardening. At that point it is no longer soft plaque but a hard, rough deposit: tartar.
Where does it build up most?
Tartar tends to appear where there is more saliva and where the toothbrush has the hardest time reaching:
- on the inner side of the lower front teeth, next to the tongue;
- on the outer side of the upper molars, facing the cheek;
- between the teeth and along the gumline.
The visible, yellowish or brownish kind is supragingival tartar. There is also subgingival tartar, which is darker, forms below the gum margin and cannot be seen in the mirror.
Why do I always have tartar?
It does not always depend on how you brush. The speed at which tartar forms varies greatly from person to person: saliva composition, genetic predisposition, diet and the bacteria in your mouth all have an influence. Some people who are very careful about hygiene still build it up, while others form very little.
There is also a knock-on effect: the surface of tartar is porous and traps new plaque, which in turn mineralises. That is why, once it has appeared, it tends to increase.
What can you do?
Good daily hygiene slows down the formation of new tartar: brushing twice a day, floss or interdental brushes between the teeth, and careful attention to the gumline. Tartar that has already formed, however, cannot be removed with a toothbrush: you need a professional dental hygiene session. You will find more details in our article on how tartar forms and why it should be removed.
How often you need these sessions is decided case by case: we explain this in our answer on how often to have your teeth professionally cleaned.
If you notice that tartar keeps coming back, you can book an assessment visit at our clinic in Via Cesare Pavese 135, Rome EUR: the dentist will check your teeth and gums and advise you on how to organise your cleaning at home and your recall appointments.
