By Davan 
Giant tartar refers to large buildups of plaque and calculus (hardened tartar) on teeth, usually resulting from poor oral hygiene over time. Tartar forms when plaque—a sticky film of bacteria—hardens on the teeth, and it cannot be removed by regular brushing. If left untreated, tartar can lead to gum disease, tooth decay, and other dental problems. Here’s how giant tartar forms, how it can be managed, and the treatment options.
How Does Giant Tartar Form?
- Plaque Buildup: Plaque is a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth. It consists of bacteria and food particles. If not removed through regular brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into tartar.
- Tartar Formation: Plaque can harden into tartar in 24 to 72 hours if left undisturbed. Over time, if tartar isn’t cleaned off, it builds up and forms giant deposits, often along the gumline or between the teeth.
- Factors Leading to Giant Tartar:
- Poor Oral Hygiene: Inadequate brushing and flossing habits lead to plaque buildup.
- Diet: A diet high in sugary foods and beverages can contribute to plaque buildup.
- Tobacco Use: Smoking or chewing tobacco can accelerate tartar buildup.
- Not Visiting the Dentist Regularly: Tartar needs to be professionally removed by a dentist or hygienist.
Symptoms of Giant Tartar
- Yellow or Brown Discoloration: The tartar may appear yellow or brown, especially near the gumline.
- Bad Breath: Foul-smelling breath, or halitosis, can result from the bacteria trapped in tartar.
- Swollen or Bleeding Gums: In severe cases, tartar can irritate the gums, causing them to swell, bleed, or feel tender.
- Tooth Sensitivity: Large tartar deposits may cause discomfort when consuming hot, cold, or sweet foods.
- Gum Recession: Over time, tartar can contribute to gum disease, causing gums to recede, exposing the tooth roots.
How to Remove Giant Tartar
1. Professional Dental Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing)
The most effective way to remove giant tartar is through professional dental cleaning, which can only be done by a dentist or dental hygienist. The process includes:
- Scaling: A dentist uses special instruments to scrape off tartar from above and below the gumline.
- Root Planing: For severe tartar buildup, the dentist may smooth the surfaces of the roots of your teeth to remove bacteria and promote healthy gum attachment.
Time Frame: The dentist may need multiple visits to remove large tartar deposits, especially if gum disease is present.
Source:
- American Dental Association (ADA): “Tartar and plaque buildup can only be professionally removed through scaling and root planing” (ADA).
2. At-Home Prevention and Management
While professional cleaning is essential to remove giant tartar, you can take steps at home to prevent further buildup:
- Brush Twice Daily: Use a fluoride toothpaste and a toothbrush with soft bristles. Be sure to brush your teeth for 2 minutes.
- Floss Daily: Flossing helps remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth, where tartar can build up.
- Use an Antibacterial Mouthwash: Mouthwashes that contain antibacterial agents help kill bacteria and reduce plaque buildup.
- Dietary Adjustments: Reduce sugary and acidic foods that contribute to plaque formation. Drink plenty of water and eat a balanced diet.
- Electric Toothbrushes: These may be more effective than manual brushing in reducing plaque buildup.
Source:
- WebMD: “Good oral hygiene is the best defense against plaque and tartar buildup” (WebMD).
Additional Treatment Options
If you have giant tartar buildup that causes gum disease or tooth decay, your dentist may recommend:
- Antibiotics: If there’s an infection in the gums, the dentist might prescribe antibiotics or antimicrobial mouthwash to help treat the infection.
- Laser Treatment: In some cases, laser technology can be used to remove tartar and treat infected gums.
Source:
- Mayo Clinic: “Treatment for gum disease, such as antibiotics or laser therapy, may be recommended if tartar buildup leads to further complications” (Mayo Clinic).
When to See a Dentist
You should see a dentist if:
- You notice hard yellow or brown deposits on your teeth.
- Your gums are swollen, bleeding, or you experience pain in the gum area.
- You have persistent bad breath.
- Your teeth become sensitive to temperature or sweet foods.
Regular dental checkups, at least twice a year, are essential for preventing giant tartar and maintaining good oral health.
Conclusion
Giant tartar is a serious dental issue caused by inadequate oral hygiene. It can lead to gum disease, tooth decay, and other oral health problems. The best way to remove large tartar deposits is through professional cleaning performed by a dentist or dental hygienist. In addition to that, maintaining good oral hygiene at home is key to preventing future buildup and ensuring the health of your teeth and gums.
What is Giant Tartar?
Tartar (also known as calculus) is a hard, mineralized substance that forms on teeth when plaque—an accumulation of food particles, bacteria, and saliva—combines with minerals in the mouth and hardens. Giant tartar refers to large or extensive tartar deposits that are difficult to remove with regular brushing and flossing.
Tartar forms when plaque is left on the teeth for more than 24-72 hours. If plaque isn’t removed regularly, it hardens and becomes tartar, which cannot be cleaned away with ordinary brushing. Tartar typically forms around the gum line, but it can also accumulate in other areas such as the between the teeth.
Source:
- American Dental Association (ADA): “Tartar forms when plaque builds up on teeth and combines with minerals in the saliva, causing it to harden” (ADA).
How Does Giant Tartar Form?
- Plaque Accumulation: Plaque forms when bacteria in the mouth feed on food particles and produce acids. If not removed by brushing, plaque builds up.
- Mineralization: Over time, minerals from the saliva interact with the plaque, causing it to harden into tartar. This process typically takes 1-3 days.
- Giant Tartar Formation: If plaque continues to accumulate and harden without being removed, it can build up into large deposits (giant tartar), often along the gumline and between the teeth.
Source:
- WebMD: “Tartar forms when plaque is not removed, and it hardens over time, leading to more plaque buildup” (WebMD)
Factors Contributing to Giant Tartar Buildup
Several factors can contribute to the formation of giant tartar:
- Poor Oral Hygiene: Inadequate brushing and flossing habits are the most common cause.
- Diet: Diets high in sugar and carbohydrates can increase plaque buildup. Sugary foods provide food for bacteria that create plaque.
- Tobacco Use: Smoking or chewing tobacco can speed up tartar formation. Tobacco also contributes to staining and gum disease.
- Infrequent Dental Visits: Regular visits to the dentist (every 6 months) are crucial to prevent the buildup of tartar, especially in hard-to-reach areas.
- Dry Mouth: Reduced saliva flow can result in dry mouth, which means fewer minerals are available to wash away plaque and tartar.
Source:
- Mayo Clinic: “Diet, tobacco use, and poor oral hygiene habits contribute to the buildup of tartar and plaque” (Mayo Clinic).
Symptoms of Giant Tartar
Giant tartar buildup can cause a range of symptoms:
- Visible Hard Yellow/Brown Deposits: Tartar often appears as yellow or brown staining near the gum line.
- Bad Breath (Halitosis): Tartar harbors bacteria that can produce foul-smelling odors.
- Gum Irritation: Swelling, redness, and bleeding of the gums, especially when brushing or flossing, are common signs of gum disease caused by tartar buildup.
- Tooth Sensitivity: Excessive tartar may cause sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods, as it may expose parts of the tooth root.
- Receding Gums: Over time, tartar can contribute to gum recession, where the gums pull away from the teeth, exposing tooth roots.
Source:
- American Dental Association (ADA): “Tartar buildup leads to gum irritation, bad breath, and potential tooth sensitivity” (ADA).
How to Remove Giant Tartar
1. Professional Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing)
- Scaling: This procedure involves using manual or ultrasonic tools to remove tartar from the surface of the teeth and beneath the gum line. The dentist or hygienist scrapes the tartar off the teeth, and this is often the most effective way to remove giant tartar deposits.
- Root Planing: If tartar has accumulated beneath the gums, the dentist may smooth the surface of the tooth roots to remove bacteria and allow the gums to reattach.
Duration: Depending on the extent of the tartar buildup, a dental cleaning appointment can last from 30 minutes to an hour. More severe cases might require multiple visits.
Source:
- Mayo Clinic: “Scaling and root planing are effective ways to remove large tartar deposits and treat gum disease” (Mayo Clinic).
2. Regular Professional Cleanings
It is recommended to visit the dentist every 6 months for a regular check-up and cleaning, especially if you have a history of tartar buildup.
3. At-Home Oral Care
While professional cleaning is required for giant tartar, you can maintain good oral hygiene at home to prevent future buildup:
- Brush Twice a Day: Use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your teeth thoroughly for 2 minutes.
- Floss Daily: Flossing helps remove food particles and plaque from between the teeth, which prevents tartar buildup.
- Mouthwash: Use an antibacterial mouthwash to kill bacteria and help reduce plaque formation.
- Electric Toothbrush: Research shows that electric toothbrushes may be more effective at removing plaque compared to manual brushing, especially around the gum line.
Source:
- WebMD: “Good oral hygiene at home, including brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash, helps prevent plaque and tartar buildup” (WebMD)
Additional Treatment Options for Giant Tartar
- Antibiotics and Antimicrobial Mouthwash: In some cases of gum disease caused by tartar buildup, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics or antimicrobial mouthwashes to reduce inflammation and treat infection.
- Laser Treatment: Some dental practices use laser technology to remove tartar and treat infected gums, making the process less invasive and promoting faster healing.
Source:
- Healthline: “Laser treatments and antibiotics may be used for severe cases of tartar buildup to prevent further infection” (Healthline)
When to See a Dentist
It’s important to see a dentist if:
- You notice yellow or brown tartar deposits on your teeth.
- Your gums are bleeding, swollen, or painful.
- You experience sensitive teeth or discomfort while eating.
- You have persistent bad breath despite regular brushing.
Seeing a dentist regularly (at least every 6 months) is key to preventing tartar buildup and maintaining good oral health.
Source:
- American Dental Association (ADA): “If you notice any signs of gum disease or tartar buildup, visit your dentist immediately” (ADA).
Prevention Tips for Giant Tartar
- Brush and floss regularly.
- Visit the dentist for routine cleanings and checkups.
- Limit sugary foods and drinks, as they contribute to plaque buildup.
- Use fluoride toothpaste to help strengthen enamel and reduce plaque.
- Consider mouthwash with antibacterial properties to reduce bacteria that cause plaque.
Source:
- Mayo Clinic: “Proper daily care and routine dental visits help prevent tartar buildup” (Mayo Clinic).
Conclusion
Giant tartar is a significant dental issue that can lead to gum disease, tooth decay, and other complications if left untreated. The best solution for removing giant tartar is a professional cleaning performed by a dentist or dental hygienist. Regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental visits are essential for preventing tartar buildup and maintaining overall oral health. If you have severe tartar buildup or notice signs of gum disease, it’s important to consult a dentist as soon as possible.
1. Professional Cleaning by a Dentist
A. Scaling and Root Planing
The most effective and professional way to treat giant tartar buildup is through a dental procedure called scaling and root planing. These are performed by a dentist or dental hygienist.
- Scaling: The dentist uses special instruments (manual or ultrasonic) to remove tartar from above and below the gumline. Scaling is essential for removing hard tartar deposits.
- Root Planing: If tartar has accumulated beneath the gumline, the dentist smooths the surfaces of the tooth roots. This helps remove bacteria and promotes healthy gum attachment, preventing further gum disease or decay.
Duration: The procedure may take 30-60 minutes depending on the amount of tartar buildup. More severe cases might require multiple visits.
Benefits:
- Removes hardened tartar
- Treats gum disease
- Prevents tooth decay and gum infection
Source:
- Mayo Clinic: “Scaling and root planing is a key treatment for large tartar buildup and gum disease” (Mayo Clinic).
2. At-Home Solutions for Prevention
While professional cleaning is necessary to remove giant tartar, maintaining good oral hygiene at home can help prevent future tartar buildup.
A. Brushing Your Teeth
- Brush Twice a Day: Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste using a soft-bristled toothbrush for 2 minutes each time.
- Use a Proper Technique: Angle your toothbrush at 45 degrees to the gum line to ensure thorough cleaning of your teeth and gums.
B. Flossing
- Floss Daily: Flossing removes plaque and food particles between the teeth, which prevents tartar buildup in areas that your toothbrush can’t reach.
C. Mouthwash
- Use an Antibacterial Mouthwash: Mouthwashes with antibacterial properties (e.g., containing chlorhexidine or cetylpyridinium chloride) help reduce bacteria and plaque formation.
D. Diet
- Reduce Sugary Foods: Sugary and acidic foods can increase plaque buildup. Opt for a balanced diet, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Drink Water: Water helps wash away food particles and bacteria, reducing plaque buildup.
E. Electric Toothbrush
- Use an Electric Toothbrush: Research shows that electric toothbrushes are more effective in reducing plaque and tartar compared to manual brushing. They help with proper technique and offer better coverage.
Source:
- WebMD: “Maintaining a thorough daily oral care routine is essential to prevent plaque buildup” (WebMD)
3. Regular Dental Checkups
Routine visits to the dentist are essential for tartar prevention. Dentists can identify early signs of tartar buildup and help keep your teeth clean.
- Frequency of Visits: Dentists recommend that you visit for a professional cleaning at least once every 6 months. If you have a history of tartar buildup or gum disease, more frequent visits may be necessary.
Benefits of Regular Checkups:
- Detects tartar buildup early
- Prevents gum disease and tooth decay
- Provides tailored advice for better home care
Source:
- American Dental Association (ADA): “Regular professional cleanings are crucial in preventing tartar buildup and ensuring healthy teeth and gums” (ADA)
4. Antibacterial Treatments for Gum Disease
If tartar buildup leads to gum disease or inflammation, your dentist may prescribe additional treatments to help reduce infection and promote healing.
A. Topical Antibiotics
- Chlorhexidine: A prescription mouth rinse containing chlorhexidine can help reduce bacteria and prevent further tartar buildup, especially if you have gum disease.
B. Systemic Antibiotics
- For severe cases of gum disease or infected tartar, your dentist may prescribe oral antibiotics (e.g., doxycycline or amoxicillin) to reduce inflammation and bacteria.
C. Antimicrobial Mouthwash
- Over-the-counter antimicrobial mouthwashes, like Listerine or Scope, can help kill bacteria in the mouth and reduce plaque buildup.
Source:
- Mayo Clinic: “Antibiotic treatments can be used for infections caused by tartar and gum disease” (Mayo Clinic)
5. Laser Therapy
In some cases, your dentist may recommend laser treatment as an alternative to traditional scaling and root planing. Laser therapy can be used to:
- Remove tartar from the surface of the teeth and beneath the gums.
- Reduce inflammation and bacteria in the gums.
- Promote healing and gum reattachment.
Laser therapy is less invasive than traditional methods and may reduce discomfort and recovery time.
Source:
- Healthline: “Laser treatments can be used to treat tartar buildup and gum disease with reduced recovery times” (Healthline)
6. How to Handle Severe Tartar Buildup
For individuals with severe tartar buildup that has led to extensive gum disease or tooth decay, more aggressive treatment may be necessary:
A. Surgery: In rare cases, surgical intervention may be required to correct severe gum recession or bone loss caused by untreated tartar buildup. Gum grafting or bone grafting can help restore the gums and supporting structures around the teeth.
B. Tooth Extraction: If tartar buildup has caused significant damage to a tooth or if there is severe gum infection, extraction may be necessary.
Source:
- American Academy of Periodontology: “Severe cases of gum disease due to tartar may require surgery or tooth extraction” (AAP)
Prevention Tips for Future Tartar Control
- Brush Twice Daily: Ensure proper brushing with fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss Every Day: Don’t neglect the areas between your teeth where tartar is likely to form.
- Use an Antibacterial Mouthwash: Helps prevent plaque and tartar buildup.
- Limit Sugary Foods: Reducing sugar intake minimizes plaque buildup, preventing tartar.
- Visit the Dentist Regularly: Professional cleanings every 6 months will prevent tartar accumulation and promote good oral health.
Conclusion
Giant tartar buildup can cause serious dental issues like gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath. The best way to manage giant tartar is through professional cleaning, regular dental visits, and at-home oral hygiene practices. If gum disease or infection is present, your dentist may recommend treatments such as antibiotics or laser therapy to reduce bacteria and promote healing. By following good oral hygiene practices and scheduling regular checkups, you can effectively prevent tartar from building up again.