03/24/2026
What IS Tartar, and why is it bad? Plaque is the soft bacteria-laden film that forms on our teeth. When minerals in our saliva come in contact with the plaque, they crystallize and form the hardened coating we call tartar. As tartar accumulates, it becomes more difficult to remove plaque. More plaque leads to more tartar. Plaque becomes embedded in the tartar, so the acids and toxins in the plaque can cause more damage. We see a strong inflammatory response in the gum tissue that progresses into the bone that supports our teeth. This leads to periodontal disease and tooth loss when untreated. Brushing and flossing removes plaque and slows the buildup of tartar. But, nobody’s perfect and all of us eventually develop some tartar. Tartar removal is removed by Registered Dental Hygienists. It is important to see your Hygienist regularly to keep that smile healthy and bright!