Can a Dentist Get Rid of Tartar? A Clear, Friendly Guide to Cleaner, Healthier Teeth
That rough, gritty feeling on your teeth when you run your tongue along the gumline? Or maybe you’ve noticed some stubborn yellow or brown buildup that just won’t budge with regular brushing—sound familiar? If you’re wondering, “Can a dentist get rid of tartar?” you’re not alone. Lots of people ask this, especially when they realize floss and toothpaste aren’t enough.
Let’s look at the answer. Yes, a dentist can take off tartar—fast, safely, and with results that last. Actually, getting tartar off your teeth is one of the most important reasons to see the dentist regularly. If you want to know how it all works and why it really matters, keep reading. This guide is for you. My goal? Walk you through what tartar really is, what happens if you let it grow, and—most of all—how to keep your smile healthy, clean, and feeling good.
In This Article
- What Is Tartar?
- Why Can’t You Remove Tartar at Home?
- How Do Dentists Remove Tartar?
- Does Tartar Removal Hurt? (And What to Expect)
- Real Benefits of Dentist Tartar Removal
- How Often Should You Get Professional Cleanings?
- What Happens If You Don’t Remove Tartar?
- How to Stop Tartar From Coming Back
- Key Takeaways & Next Steps
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Tartar?
Let’s start with the basics: what is tartar, and why does it matter?
Tartar (also called calculus) is just hard plaque. Think of plaque as a soft, invisible film—like cake batter—made of millions of germs. If you leave it on your teeth (by not brushing or flossing even for a few days), it soaks up stuff from your spit. In just 1-3 days, that sticky film gets hard and turns into a rough, yellow-white layer: tartar.
Once tartar forms, it’s like rock stuck to your teeth, especially near the gums and between teeth. Think of it as “barnacles on a boat.” No matter how hard you try to clean at home, tartar stays. And it’s not just ugly—tartar holds in more germs, hurts your gums, and can cause bigger problems like gum swelling and gum disease.
Key points:
- Plaque: Soft, sticky film of germs
- Tartar (Calculus): Plaque that’s become hard
- Mostly shows up: Along your gums, behind lower front teeth, and between teeth
- Looks: Yellow or brown crusty stuff
Why Can’t You Remove Tartar at Home?
If you’ve tried to scratch tartar off with your fingernail—or seen ads for “tartar-removing” toothpaste—let’s set things straight. Once plaque turns into tartar, brushing and flossing alone won’t get it off. Why?
Because tartar is like cement. Home tricks (even brushing super hard, using electric brushes, or poking with toothpicks) just don’t work. Worse, prying tartar off yourself can scrape your teeth or gums—not worth it! The only way to really get rid of tartar is by visiting the dentist, where they have the right tools and know-how.
Think about it:
Trying to scrub baked-on food with just a paper towel. You might clean up a little, but for those hard bits, you need a real scraper. It’s the same with tartar and your teeth.
Don’t risk it:
- Home tricks might scratch your teeth
- Picking at tartar can hurt your gums
- You will probably miss stuff under the gumline
How Do Dentists Remove Tartar?
So, you need a pro’s help. What actually happens at the dentist?
Step 1: The Check
First, your dentist or dental hygienist looks closely in your mouth using a mirror and a small tool. They check for tartar (above and below the gums), measure how deep your gums are, and might take X-rays if things look bad.
Step 2: Scaling the Tartar
This is the main step: scaling. Dentists use two types of tools:
Ultrasonic Scalers
These are like tiny “jackhammers” for your teeth. A metal tip shakes really fast, breaking up the tartar while spraying water to wash it away. It works fast and is used for big, stubborn tartar.
Hand Tools (Curettes & Sickle Scalers)
After the ultrasonic cleaner, your hygienist will use little hand tools to gently scrape away tartar that’s left, especially in tough spots.
Dentists clean up:
- Supragingival calculus: Above the gumline (what you can see)
- Subgingival calculus: Below the gumline (hidden, and more risky for your gums)
Step 3: Root Planing (For Worse Cases)
If gum swelling or deep pockets are there, more steps are needed. Root planing smooths the roots of your teeth—making it harder for germs and tartar to stick. It also helps your gums stick back onto your teeth.
Step 4: Polishing
After scaling, your teeth are polished. A spinning brush with gritty paste shines away stains and leaves your mouth feeling smooth and clean.
Step 5: Extras
- Fluoride: Helps strengthen teeth after cleaning
- Germ-killing rinses: Cuts down bad germs
- Sealants (when suggested): For kids or adults at risk
Fun fact: Dentists can get rid of 100% of the tartar you see and about 90% of what’s hidden below your gums. You just can’t do that at home.
Does Tartar Removal Hurt? (And What to Expect)
Lots of people worry about pain when they see the dentist. But let’s talk about what really happens.
Most cleanings do not hurt. You might feel pressure, shaking, or a scraping feeling, but it shouldn’t be painful. A little bleeding is normal, especially if your gums are sore.
When does it hurt more?
- Lots of tartar: Means more scraping
- Sensitive gums or exposed roots: You may feel a bit more
- Deep pockets or gum problems: Cleaning might go below the gumline
How does the dentist help?
- Numbing gel for sore spots
- Shots (local numbing) for deep cleaning
- Calming medicines for nervous kids or adults
After cleaning: Your mouth might feel a little sore or sensitive for a day, but this goes away fast—then you get that amazing “just-cleaned” feeling!
Real Benefits of Dentist Tartar Removal
It’s not just about a whiter smile (but that’s nice too). The big wins go deeper.
1. Stop Gum Disease Early
Gum problems start with tartar. If you let plaque get hard and stay, your gums can get red and bleed (gingivitis), and later, you can get deeper gum trouble (periodontitis) that messes with your bones. Cleanings help stop all that.
2. Lower Cavity Risk
Tartar is tough and catches food and germs that can lead to holes in your teeth. Taking tartar off cuts your chance of getting cavities, especially near your gums and between teeth.
3. Better Breath
Bad breath usually comes from germs stuck in tartar. Taking tartar off helps your breath smell fresh.
4. Whiter Teeth
Tartar soaks up stains from coffee, tea, wine, and smoking. Once your hygienist scrapes it off, your teeth may look whiter.
5. General Health Benefits
Did you know your mouth affects your whole body? Studies show cleaning your gums and teeth can lower your chance of heart problems and other illnesses. That’s a big win!
Some numbers:
- 68% of adults have tartar (CDC)
- Regular cleanings cut gum disease risk by 30-50%
- Not treating gum disease is the top reason adults over 35 lose teeth
How Often Should You Get Professional Cleanings?
You might wonder, “How often do I need this?”
Simple answer:
Most healthy adults should get their teeth cleaned every 6 months.
But some people need cleanings more often (every 3–4 months):
- If you’ve had gum disease
- You wear braces or have implants
- You smoke
- You have diabetes or some other health concern
- Your dentist sees a lot of tartar or deep gum pockets
Not sure? Ask your dentist at your next visit.
What Happens If You Don’t Remove Tartar?
If you ignore tartar, here’s what can go wrong:
- Gum swelling: Red and bleeding gums
- Gum disease: Deeper infection that can destroy the bone supporting your teeth
- Loose or missing teeth: Lose teeth if the bone is lost
- Cavities: Often near the gums
- Bad breath: From germs in tartar
- Bigger health risks: Untreated gum disease links to heart and other body problems
Think of it this way: Letting tartar build up is like never changing your car’s oil. It might be fine for a while, but sooner or later you get big (and expensive) problems.
How to Stop Tartar From Coming Back
Once your dentist gets rid of tartar, it’s up to you to keep it away. Daily habits are your best defense.
Here’s your tartar-fighting plan:
1. Brush Regularly and Correctly
- Use a soft-brush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Hold your brush at an angle to your gums.
- Brush at least 2 minutes to clean everywhere.
- Electric brushes work even better for most people.
2. Floss Daily
- Floss clears away the plaque brushes miss between teeth.
3. Use Rinses Right
- Use mouthwash that kills germs or has fluoride (if your dentist says so).
4. Watch What You Eat and Drink
- Cut down on sugar and sodas (they feed germs).
- If you can’t brush after eating, rinse with water.
5. Don’t Skip the Dentist
- Go for cleanings twice a year—or more if needed.
6. Watch for Risks
- If you smoke, try to quit (smoke makes tartar and gum problems worse).
- If you have dry mouth or diabetes, ask your dentist about extra steps.
Sticking with these simple habits day after day keeps tartar away and saves your smile. Want to see how technology now helps in dental care? Check out our article about digital dental labs—a cool look at how new tools help keep teeth healthy.
Key Takeaways & Next Steps
Let’s make it easy. Here’s what to remember:
- A dentist can and should remove tartar. Home tricks don’t work after it gets hard.
- Dentist cleanings protect your gums, teeth, and whole body.
- Routine dentist visits spot tartar early and prevent problems.
- Good habits (brushing, flossing, dentist visits) stop tartar return.
- Don’t wait! Putting off tartar removal means more risk of cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss.
If it’s been a while since your last cleaning or you see tartar, take action. Call your local dental office and book a time. For info about dental crowns, bridges, or how dentists use labs, check our guide to a crown and bridge dental laboratory.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can tartar return after cleaning?
Yes—if you don’t keep up good habits, plaque will come back and turn into new tartar. Brushing, flossing, rinsing, and dentist visits keep this from happening.
2. Does dental insurance pay for tartar removal?
Most plans cover cleanings every six months, but check your plan for details about how often and what is covered.
3. How long does a tartar removal take?
A basic cleaning takes about 30 to 60 minutes. If it’s been a long time or you need deep cleaning, it may take longer or two visits.
4. Is deep cleaning the same as normal cleaning?
No. A regular cleaning gets tartar above the gums. Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) is for people with gum trouble, and goes under the gums—sometimes with numbing.
5. How do I know if I have tartar?
Look for rough yellow or brown patches, bad breath, bleeding gums, or shrinking gumlines. If you see this, go see your dentist.
The Bottom Line: Feel Good About Your Smile
Don’t feel bad if you have tartar—it’s common. But the fix is simple: regular dentist cleanings, daily care at home, and open talk with your dentist. You’ll have a cleaner, brighter smile, and stay healthy and confident for years!
Ready to book your next cleaning? Go for it. Your future self (and your teeth) will thank you.
