Tartar is a hard, calcified deposit that forms on the teeth when plaque is not removed. It can cause gum disease, tooth decay, and other oral health problems. Regular dental cleanings can remove tartar and help to prevent these problems.
Tartar is formed when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, hardens on the teeth. Plaque is constantly forming on the teeth, and if it is not removed, it can build up and harden into tartar. Tartar is more difficult to remove than plaque, and it can only be removed by a dentist or dental hygienist.