Black Tartar on Teeth: Causes and Symptoms (2024)

ORAL-HYGIENE

Black Tartar on Teeth: Causes and Symptoms (1)Causes of Black TartarSymptoms of Black TartarRemoving Black Tartar

When plaque builds upon teeth and isn’t properly removed it forms into a hard substance known as tartar. Initially, tartar above the gum line has a yellowish hue, however, if left untreated it will turn into green, brown or black tartar. Tartar below the gum line is black in color.

Causes of Black Tartar

Poor oral hygiene is often the leading cause of tartar buildup. For tartar to turn black or form below the gum line, improper brushing and flossing is usually the culprit. Additionally, certain other factors contribute to the rate of tartar formation and can turn it black; these include:

  • Smoking
  • Diets high in starch and sugar
  • Drinking liquids which stain such as coffee and wine
  • Trauma or damage to the tooth’s enamel

When tartar reaches below the gum line, referred to as subgingival tartar, it tears into the blood vessels located within the gum. When blood pigmentation and proteins mix with tartar, they turn it black.

Symptoms of Black Tartar

Signs of black tartar include:

  • Bad breath
  • Dark staining on the surface of the teeth
  • Loose teeth
  • Hard deposits on the teeth
  • Red, swollen, or bleeding gums

If you’re experiencing black tartar on your teeth along with gum issues, it may be a sign of gum disease. If still in the early stages, you can rinse with a fluoride mouthwash to help reverse gum disease and keep your gums healthy.

Removing Black Tartar

All forms of tartar, no matter the color, should only be removed by your dentist or dental hygienist. The cleaning process your dentist will undertake is known as scaling and root planing, where black tartar is scraped off above and below the gum line.Fortunately, tartar buildup can be prevented with a few simple steps:

  • Brush at least twice a day for two minutes at a time
  • If you’re prone to excessive plaque buildup it’s recommended to brush after every meal
  • Switch to a tartar control toothpastewith fluoride to prevent decay and buildup
  • Floss at least once a day to remove any food and bacteria trapped between teeth
  • Visit your dentist twice a year, or as recommended, for professional cleanings and checkups
  • Avoid tobacco products

Black tartar is often an issue for aesthetics; no one wants to have a stained smile. However, in certain cases, it can lead to gum disease. See your dentist right away to properly remove any tartar buildup so your smile stays healthy.

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Black Tartar on Teeth: Causes and Symptoms (8)

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Black Tartar on Teeth: Causes and Symptoms (10)

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When plaque builds upon teeth and isn’t properly removed it forms into a hard substance known as tartar. Initially, tartar above the gum line has a yellowish hue, however, if left untreated it will turn into green, brown or black tartar. Tartar below the gum line is black in color.

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Causes of Black Tartar

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Poor oral hygiene is often the leading cause of tartar buildup. For tartar to turn black or form below the gum line, improper brushing and flossing is usually the culprit. Additionally, certain other factors contribute to the rate of tartar formation and can turn it black; these include:

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  • Smoking
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  • Diets high in starch and sugar
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  • Drinking liquids which stain such as coffee and wine
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  • Trauma or damage to the tooth’s enamel
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When tartar reaches below the gum line, referred to as subgingival tartar, it tears into the blood vessels located within the gum. When blood pigmentation and proteins mix with tartar, they turn it black.\\r\\n

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Symptoms of Black Tartar

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Signs of black tartar include:

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  • Bad breath
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  • Dark staining on the surface of the teeth
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  • Loose teeth
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  • Hard deposits on the teeth
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  • Red, swollen, or bleeding gums\\r\\n
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If you’re experiencing black tartar on your teeth along with gum issues, it may be a sign of gum disease. If still in the early stages, you can rinse with a fluoride mouthwash to help reverse gum disease and keep your gums healthy.

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Removing Black Tartar

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All forms of tartar, no matter the color, should only be removed by your dentist or dental hygienist. The cleaning process your dentist will undertake is known as scaling and root planing, where black tartar is scraped off above and below the gum line.\\r\\n\\r\\n\\r\\nFortunately, tartar buildup can be prevented with a few simple steps:

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  • Brush at least twice a day for two minutes at a time
  • \\r\\n
  • If you’re prone to excessive plaque buildup it’s recommended to brush after every meal
  • \\r\\n
  • Switch to a tartar control toothpastewith fluoride to prevent decay and buildup
  • \\r\\n
  • Floss at least once a day to remove any food and bacteria trapped between teeth
  • \\r\\n
  • Visit your dentist twice a year, or as recommended, for professional cleanings and checkups
  • \\r\\n
  • Avoid tobacco products
  • \\r\\n
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Black tartar is often an issue for aesthetics; no one wants to have a stained smile. However, in certain cases, it can lead to gum disease. See your dentist right away to properly remove any tartar buildup so your smile stays healthy.\\r\\n

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Dental Plaque and Tartar: Causes, Prevention, and Removal
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Black Tartar on Teeth: Causes and Symptoms (2024)

FAQs

What causes black tartar on teeth? ›

Causes of Black Tartar
  • Improper oral hygiene. If you don't brush and floss regularly, you could end up with black stuff on your teeth. ...
  • Bad eating habits. Sugary foods like candy are a huge oral health problem. ...
  • Poor drinking habits. ...
  • Smoking. ...
  • Damage of trauma.
Jun 3, 2022

What foods cause black tartar? ›

Several common foods and beverages can increase plaque buildup and contribute to black tartar on teeth. These include starches like bread and potato chips, as well as citrus and dried fruits. Candy, cakes, soft drinks and other high-sugar foods can also facilitate plaque buildup, which leads to tartar.

What illness can tartar cause? ›

Causes. Dental plaque that is not removed every day can harden and form tartar, and tartar build-up can lead to gum disease. Only a professional cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist can remove tartar. There are several risk factors for gum disease, but smoking is the most significant.

How do you get rid of black tartar on your teeth? ›

If you want to get rid of black tartar, the best thing to do is visit your dentist. He or she will initiate a teeth cleaning process to help you remove it. The cleaning process includes scaling or root planning, where the black plaque on teeth is removed or scraped off from above and below the gum line.

What deficiency causes tartar on teeth? ›

Tartar—or as we know it in the dental world, calculus— may build up on teeth (and retainers and nightguards) because of a vitamin deficiency, vitamin K2. Vitamin K2 directs the calcium in the blood where to go: in the teeth and in the bones.

What drug makes your teeth turn black? ›

Methamphetamine users have black or stained and rotting teeth. Most often these teeth cannot be saved. There are several factors in the use of methamphetamines cause destruction to the oral cavity: The “Buzz” from meth last about 12 hours, during the “buzz” the user will crave sugary substances, like soda and candy.

Why am I getting tartar all of a sudden? ›

If bacteria deposits from plaque on teeth aren't removed through regular brushing and flossing, they can cause tooth decay, gum disease, and tartar buildup.

What is the root cause of tartar? ›

Tartar forms as dental plaque calcifies. When plaque is not removed through daily home care, the bacteria begin to harden into mineral build-up (just like clay hardens into rock in the environment) across the surface of teeth.

How much does it cost to remove black tartar from teeth? ›

Without insurance, the cost of a routine dental cleaning could range from $75 to $200, with an average cost of around $125. This amount may vary based on where you live or the experience and training of the dental professional.

Is tartar related to heart disease? ›

Oral Bacteria May Be the Link to Heart Disease

The main cause of gum disease is harmful oral bacteria found in tooth plaque and tartar. Oral bacteria can travel through the gum tissues into the bloodstream, all over the body, and into the heart valves and heart.

Can tartar enter the bloodstream? ›

When you have tartar on your teeth, the bacteria can enter your bloodstream through your gums and then travel to your heart. Heart conditions can affect your oral health. Diabetes and high blood pressure can increase your risk of developing gum disease.

What bacteria causes tartar? ›

Streptococcus mutans uses the enzyme glucansucrase to convert sucrose into a sticky, extracellular, dextran-based polysaccharide that allows the bacteria to cohere, forming plaque. (Sucrose is the only sugar that bacteria can use to form this sticky polysaccharide).

What does it mean when tartar turns black? ›

When bacteria builds up around the gum line, it creates a layer of plaque – a soft, sticky, colorless film that can be removed by brushing and flossing. Untreated plaque can harden and turn into calculus, which requires professional cleaning to be removed. Tartar turns black as a result of being stained.

Can you scrape tartar off your own teeth? ›

Can I Remove Tartar Myself? Unfortunately, once plaque hardens into tartar, it is not likely a toothbrush and floss will remove it. Scraping tarter off your own with other tools is not a good idea. Because these tools require special training to use properly, you could do more harm than good to your smile.

Why are the backs of my teeth black? ›

Poor oral hygiene

As the tooth gets eaten away, tooth decay sets in. Tooth decay naturally looks black and can give the appearance of a black tooth.

Does black tartar smell? ›

A symptom that can help you know if you have tartar on your teeth, even if it is not in the visible part, is halitosis or bad breath . This is because dental tartar usually smells bad, so you should keep in mind that a bad smell problem in the mouth may be related to tartar.

Why do I wake up with black plaque on my teeth? ›

Because you have twice as much bacteria at work when you sleep as you do during the day! They've coated your teeth, gums, and tongue with plaque by the time you wake up.

How to remove chromogenic bacteria from teeth? ›

Toothbrushing with toothpaste:

Effective toothbrushing twice or three times a day can remove bacteria that causes the staining from accumulating in the oral cavity. However, the use of specific whitening toothpaste is not necessary.

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