How to Stop Tartar Buildup and Fix Notches in Your Teeth
Maintaining a bright, healthy smile involves more than just a quick brush before bed. Many people struggle with the stubborn accumulation of tartar—those hard, yellowish deposits that won’t budge with a toothbrush—and the appearance of small “notches” or dips along the gumline. While these issues can be frustrating, understanding the science behind them is the first step toward fixing them.
In this guide, we’ll break down the difference between plaque and tartar, the most effective ways to prevent buildup, and how to address structural wear like tooth notches.
What Exactly Is Tartar?
To stop tartar, you first have to understand where it comes from. It starts as plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth. When plaque isn’t thoroughly removed through brushing and flossing, it reacts with the minerals in your saliva. Over time, this process—called mineralization—hardens the plaque into tartar (also known as dental calculus).
Unlike plaque, tartar is essentially a rock-like deposit bonded to your tooth enamel. Once it forms, it cannot be removed with a toothbrush or floss; it requires professional scaling by a dentist or dental hygienist.
Effective Ways to Stop Tartar Buildup
While you can’t “brush away” existing tartar, you can stop new deposits from forming by aggressively managing plaque. Here is the evidence-based approach to tartar prevention:
- Master Your Brushing Technique: Brush twice daily using a fluoride toothpaste. Employ a soft-bristled brush and angle it at 45 degrees toward the gumline to clear out the areas where plaque most frequently accumulates. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), consistent brushing is the primary defense against calculus.
- Floss Daily: A toothbrush cannot reach the tight spaces between teeth. Flossing or using interdental brushes removes the plaque that eventually hardens into tartar in those hard-to-reach gaps.
- Use an Antimicrobial Mouthwash: Therapeutic mouthwashes can help reduce the bacterial load in your mouth, making it harder for plaque to organize and mineralize.
- Adjust Your Diet: Limit sugary and starchy foods, which feed the bacteria that create plaque. Incorporate crunchy, high-fiber vegetables like carrots and celery, which can help mechanically scrub some plaque away during eating.
- Schedule Regular Cleanings: Even with perfect home care, some tartar buildup is inevitable. Professional cleanings every six months ensure that calculus is removed before it leads to gum disease.
Understanding and Fixing “Notches” in Teeth
If you notice small indentations or “notches” near the gumline, you’re likely dealing with one of three common dental issues: abrasion, erosion, or abfraction.
1. Tooth Abrasion
This is often caused by mechanical wear. The most common culprit is brushing too hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush. This “scrubs” away the enamel over time, creating a notch.
The Fix: Switch to a soft or extra-soft toothbrush and use a gentle, circular motion rather than a scrubbing motion.
2. Dental Erosion
Erosion happens when acids dissolve the tooth enamel. This can be caused by frequent consumption of acidic drinks (like soda or citrus juices) or medical conditions like GERD (acid reflux).
The Fix: Use a straw for acidic drinks, rinse your mouth with water after eating acidic foods, and consult a physician if you suspect acid reflux.
3. Abfraction
Abfraction occurs when the tooth flexes under heavy pressure—usually from grinding or clenching your teeth (bruxism). This stress causes the enamel at the gumline to crack and flake away, leaving a notch.
The Fix: A dentist can provide a custom-fitted night guard to prevent grinding and protect the tooth structure.
Professional Treatment Options for Tooth Notches
Depending on the depth of the notch, a dentist may recommend several restorative options to protect the exposed dentin and prevent sensitivity:
- Dental Bonding: A tooth-colored composite resin is applied to the notch and hardened with a special light, effectively “filling in” the gap.
- Crowns: For more severe structural loss, a crown can cover the entire tooth to restore its strength and shape.
- Desensitizing Agents: If the notches are shallow but causing pain, professional fluoride varnishes can seal the area.
Key Takeaways for a Healthier Smile
- Plaque is preventable; tartar is permanent. You must remove plaque daily to prevent it from hardening into tartar.
- Professional care is non-negotiable. Only a dental professional can remove existing tartar safely.
- Be gentle. Notches in teeth are often a sign of over-brushing or grinding; soft bristles and night guards are key.
- Watch the acid. Limit acidic foods and drinks to prevent the chemical erosion of your enamel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove tartar at home with vinegar or baking soda?
No. Attempting to remove tartar with acidic substances like vinegar can erode your tooth enamel, and abrasive substances can scratch the tooth surface. Tartar must be removed via professional scaling to avoid damaging the enamel.
Does tartar cause gum disease?
Yes. Tartar provides a porous surface that allows more plaque to accumulate. This irritates the gums, leading to gingivitis and, if left untreated, periodontitis, which can cause bone and tooth loss.
Will a notch in my tooth fix itself?
No. Tooth enamel does not grow back. Once a notch has formed, it is a permanent change in the tooth’s structure. While you can stop the notch from getting deeper, you will demand a dental filling or bonding to physically close the gap.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a licensed dentist for a diagnosis and treatment plan tailored to your specific oral health needs.