Tartar on teeth: what it is, how it's removed, how to prevent it

Tartar on teeth is plaque that has hardened and stuck to the tooth, usually along the gumline. Once it forms, brushing and flossing will not remove it: only a professional cleaning can. You cannot get rid of it at home, but you can keep more from building up.

If you have noticed a yellow or brown line behind your lower front teeth, it does not mean you are careless. It is very common, and it can be taken care of.

Plaque vs. tartar: what is the difference?

Plaque is a soft, sticky film of bacteria, mucus and food debris that builds up on your teeth, both above and below the gums (MedlinePlus). It forms every day, and brushing and flossing remove it.

Tartar (also called calculus) is that same plaque after it has been left in place and hardened. It gets trapped at the base of the tooth. According to the NIDCR, only a professional cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist can remove it.

• Plaque: soft, hard to see, removed by brushing and cleaning between your teeth.
• Tartar: hard, yellow, brown or even black, and stuck to the tooth. It needs a cleaning at the dental office.

How fast does plaque harden?

Cleveland Clinic explains that plaque left on the teeth for about 24 hours starts to harden. The pace varies from person to person: a scientific paper notes that saliva flow and plaque acidity affect how plaque mineralizes (Jin and Yip, 2002). That is why some people build tartar even when they brush well.

Why tartar matters

Tartar is not just a cosmetic issue. The ADA explains on MouthHealthy that tartar makes teeth harder to keep clean. When it collects above the gumline, the gums can swell and bleed easily. That is gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease.

• Gum disease. If plaque and tartar stay in place, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, which damages the bone that holds your teeth (NIDCR). If your gums already bleed, read bleeding gums when brushing: what to do.
• Bad breath. Bacteria and food debris get trapped in tartar and can cause a bad smell or taste (Cleveland Clinic). More in bad breath: causes and what to do.
• Stains. Tartar often starts out yellowish and darkens over time, picking up color from coffee, tea, wine or tobacco (Cleveland Clinic).

Can you remove tartar at home? The honest answer

Not safely. Cleveland Clinic warns that trying to remove it yourself can damage your teeth and leave them more prone to cavities. Here are the most common "hacks" and why they are a bad idea:

• Metal scrapers sold online. Much of the tartar sits at the gumline or below it, where you cannot see well. It is easy to scratch the tooth or injure the gums.
• Scrubbing with baking soda. On its page about "natural" whitening, MouthHealthy explains that scrubbing with abrasive products like baking soda can wear away enamel, the layer that protects your teeth.
• Vinegar or lemon. Both are acidic. The same ADA page warns that acid can wear down enamel, especially when it stays on your teeth.

None of these replaces a professional cleaning, which is the only way to remove tartar (NIDCR). If it has been a while and you feel embarrassed to go, here is what to expect: haven't been to the dentist in years?

What does help at home: preventing new buildup

You cannot remove the tartar you already have, but you can slow down new buildup. These are the basics recommended by the ADA and the CDC:

1. Brush twice a day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste.
2. Clean between your teeth once a day with floss or another interdental cleaner. The ADA notes that the right method is the one you will actually use.
3. Consider a tartar-control toothpaste. MedlinePlus notes that anti-tartar toothpastes or mouth rinses may be recommended.
4. Keep your checkups, so the buildup your brush misses gets removed.

Not sure about the order? Read floss, brush, rinse: the right order.

Does tartar-control toothpaste work?

It helps prevent tartar, not remove it. A systematic review of 32 reports found that toothpastes with pyrophosphates, zinc compounds or copolymers significantly reduced new tartar compared with toothpaste without those ingredients (Netuveli and Sheiham, 2004). They do not dissolve tartar that is already stuck to your teeth.

What a professional cleaning does

During a dental cleaning, the dentist or hygienist uses instruments to loosen and remove plaque and tartar (MedlinePlus). This step is called scaling. Then the teeth are polished so the surface is smooth.

• Regular cleaning: removes tartar above the gums and right at the gumline. When gingivitis is caught early, a professional cleaning is often enough, along with good home care (MouthHealthy).
• Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing): if the gums have pulled away from the teeth and formed pockets, tartar sits below the gumline, out of your brush's reach. The ADA describes this treatment as a cleaning below the gumline down to the bottom of the pocket, followed by smoothing the roots. We explain when it is needed in deep cleaning: do I need it?

How often should you get a cleaning?

It depends on the person. The CDC recommends seeing a dentist at least once a year. MedlinePlus says many dentists recommend a professional cleaning at least every 6 months, and more often if you are prone to gingivitis. The ADA supports tailoring the interval to each patient's risk. For people with periodontitis, MedlinePlus mentions cleanings every 3 months.

Black tartar: what it can mean

Tartar can form above and below the gumline. Cleveland Clinic explains that when blood mixes with tartar, it can turn black. Gums that bleed are usually inflamed gums.

So a dark line at the gumline, or one peeking out from under it, is a reason to book a visit. It can point to gum disease with tartar below the gums, which often calls for a deep cleaning. Keep in mind that not everything dark is tartar; it could also be a stain or a cavity. Your dentist can tell the difference with an exam and X-rays.

When to book a visit

• You see a hard yellow, brown or black line at the gumline, especially behind your lower front teeth.
• Your gums bleed when you brush or floss, or they look red and swollen.
• You have bad breath or a bad taste that will not go away.
• You notice receding gums or loose teeth.
• It has been more than a year since your last checkup.

When not to wait: if your face or jaw is swollen, or you have a fever, call your dentist the same day; MedlinePlus describes jaw swelling as a very serious symptom. If you have trouble breathing or swallowing, call 911 or go to the emergency room. More in dental emergency in Kendall: what to do.

How we do it at PureSmile

PureSmile Miami opens on November 2, 2026, at 8000 SW 117th Ave, Suite 100, in Kendall. At your first visit, our dentist examines your teeth and gums and walks you through your X-rays to explain whether a regular cleaning is enough or the tartar has already reached below the gumline, and why. We see patients in English or Spanish, verify your insurance for free and give you a written treatment plan before we start.

Join the waitlist or call us at (305) 787-3642.

Related guides

• Deep cleaning: do I really need it?
• Bleeding gums when brushing: what it means and what to do
• Floss, brush, rinse: the right order
• Bad breath: causes and what to do

Frequently asked questions

How do you remove tartar from teeth at home?

You cannot remove it safely at home: once it hardens, only a professional cleaning removes it (NIDCR). What you can do at home is prevent new buildup by brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between your teeth daily.

What is the difference between plaque and tartar?

Plaque is a soft film of bacteria that brushing removes. Tartar is plaque that has hardened and stuck to the tooth; brushing will not take it off.

Why is my tartar black?

Tartar picks up color from what you eat, drink or smoke, and blood from inflamed gums can turn it black (Cleveland Clinic). If you see it at the gumline, schedule a checkup.

What happens if tartar is not removed?

Plaque and tartar irritate the gums and can lead to gingivitis and then periodontitis, which affects the bone that supports your teeth. Tartar is also linked to bad breath and stains.

Does getting tartar removed hurt?

Some people feel discomfort when plaque and tartar are removed (MedlinePlus). Gum bleeding and tenderness usually ease within 1 to 2 weeks with good home care.

General information; not a substitute for an in-person evaluation. Sources: MedlinePlus; NIDCR; MouthHealthy (ADA); ADA; CDC; Cleveland Clinic; Netuveli and Sheiham (Oral Health Prev Dent, 2004); Jin and Yip (Crit Rev Oral Biol Med, 2002). Yoan Suárez Zayas, DMD · FL Lic. DN 21413.