Black tartar on teeth is a hardened form of plaque that has built up over time and turned dark due to staining or mineralization. Unlike regular plaque, which is soft and colorless, tartar (also called calculus) bonds tightly to tooth enamel and can only be removed through professional dental cleaning. Left untreated, black tartar can lead to serious oral health issues, including gum disease, cavities, and persistent bad breath.
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What Causes Black Tartar?
The formation of black tartar starts with plaque—a sticky film of bacteria that accumulates on teeth from food and saliva. Plaque hardens into tartar when it’s not removed through brushing and flossing.
The black color often comes from:
- Staining from foods and drinks – coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco can contribute to dark tartar buildup.
- Iron in saliva – some people have naturally higher iron levels, which can mix with plaque and darken tartar deposits.
- Blood from gum disease – bleeding gums, often caused by gingivitis or periodontitis, can stain tartar black.
- Poor oral hygiene – infrequent brushing and flossing allow plaque to harden into tartar, making it harder to remove.
How to Remove Black Tartar from Teeth
You cannot remove tartar with regular brushing once it’s formed. While home treatments like baking soda or activated charcoal may help reduce staining, they cannot remove hardened tartar. Avoid DIY tools to scrape black tartar, as improper use can damage enamel and gums.
You will need professional treatment to get rid of it effectively:
- Black tartar dental cleaning – a dentist or hygienist uses specialized tools to scrape black tartar from teeth in a process called scaling. This is the safest and most effective way to remove tartar buildup.
- Black tartar removal cost – the cost of professional cleaning depends on the severity of the buildup, but routine dental visits can help prevent costly deep cleanings.
Is Black Tartar Dangerous?
Yes, black tartar is a serious oral health concern. If left untreated, it can cause the following:
- Gum disease -black tartar and gum disease go hand in hand, leading to inflammation, gum recession, and tooth loss.
- Cavities – can black tartar cause cavities? Absolutely. It traps bacteria against tooth enamel, increasing the risk of decay.
- Bad breath -black tartar and bad breath are closely linked because tartar harbors odor-causing bacteria.
Preventing Black Tartar Buildup
Prevention is key to avoiding black tartar formation. Follow these steps to keep your teeth clean:
- Brush twice daily with the best toothpaste for tartar control – look for fluoride toothpaste with anti-tartar properties.
- Floss daily – this removes plaque between teeth before it hardens.
- Use an antibacterial mouthwash – it helps reduce bacteria that contribute to plaque and tartar buildup.
- Get regular professional cleanings for black tartar – dentists recommend checkups every six months for thorough plaque and tartar removal.
- Avoid smoking and limit staining foods – tobacco, coffee, and red wine can darken tartar deposits.
Final Thoughts
Black tartar on teeth is more than just a cosmetic issue; it can severely impact oral health.
Regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings are the best defenses against tartar buildup. If you have black tartar, schedule an appointment with your dentist for proper removal and long-term prevention.
