What is the definition or description of: tartar?

Buildup on teeth: Soft tartar is the soft film that builds up on your teeth and gums, composed of bacteria, food, and proteins from your saliva. Over time this "plaque" absorbs calcium and starts to calcify to become hard tartar (calculus). Hard or soft, the bacteria in tartar and the waste they give off irritates and burns the gum and bone that supports the teeth leading to bleeding and bone/tooth loss.

Tartar is...: A hard, yellowish deposit on the teeth, consisting of organic secretions and food particles deposited in various salts, such as calcium carbonate. Also called dental calculus.

Calculus: Plaque is the sticky, colorless film that harbors bacteria and constantly forms on your teeth. If not removed, plaque hardens to create calculus, also known as tartar. Once calculus forms, it cannot be removed with a toothbrush and should be removed by a dental professional.

Calculus: Tartar is an old plaque colony. The plaque intaglio starts forming immediately after brushing. If it is not removed in about a day tartar can form. Tartar or calculus is a major component in periodontal disease. It is best to be preventive and do your best home care and see your dentist and hygienist at least twice a year. If you have periodontal disease you may need cleanings four times a year.

Calculus: It is plaques that has absorbed minerals from the saliva and has become a hardened (calcified) mass. Usually can only be removed with hygieine instrumentation.

Calcific fuild up: Some people build tartar due to the calcification of plaque and debris on teeth. It is partially due to lack of removal of plaque and partially due to the mineral content of saliva. Hygiene plays a big part in controlling tartar. Good brushing and flossing habits can help control the problem. Regular dental cleanings are important as the build up of tartar can lead to periodontal problems.