OUR RESPONSE TO COVID-19     Learn More
close
close
For a better experience on crest.com, please enable JavaScript in your browser.
  • PART OF THE P&G FAMILY:
  • Oral B
  • dentalcare.com
  • P&G Good Everyday
USA - English
Please select a location
  • Canada - English
  • Canada - French
  • USA United - English English
Login   Register
LOG OUT CONFIRMATION
Would you like to logout now? LOG OUT
Contact Us
Crest
Search
  • TOOTHPASTE
  • WHITESTRIPS
  • MOUTHWASH
  • KIDS
  • LEARN
      • Why crest
      • Why Crest
      • Crest Toothpaste
      • Crest Whitestrips
      • Crest Mouthwash
      • Stannous Fluoride Protection
      • Oral Hygiene
      • Crest Recycling
      • FAQ
      • Crest Mouthwash Usage Guidelines
      • Conditions
      • Conditions
      • Bad Breath
      • Cavities & Tooth Decay
      • Gum Health
      • Plaque & Tartar
      • Teeth Sensitivity
      • Teeth Stains
      • Tooth Enamel
      • Toothache
      • Wisdom Teeth
      • Life Stages
      • Life Stages
      • Kids
      • Braces
      • Adults
      • Infants
      • Pregnancy
    • VIEW ALL ORAL CARE TOPICS
  • REWARDS
  • SHOP
    • View All Products
  • Toothpaste
    • View All Toothpaste Products
  • Mouthwash
      View All Mouthwash Products
  • Whitestrips
  • Sensitivity
    • View All Sensitivity Products
  • Kids
    • View All Kids Products
  • By Need
  • By Collection
  • Home >
  • Black Tartar on Teeth: Causes and Symptoms
Print This

Black Tartar on Teeth: Causes and Symptoms

Recommended 0 times Recommend This
Share :

YOU'RE NOW LEAVING CREST.COM

We recommend you review the third-party site’s privacy policy, as their privacy practices may differ from P&G.

Any personal information you provide on the third-party’s website will be managed in accordance with their privacy policy.

Thank you for visiting Crest.com.

Please click the link below to

Share on

Email Thisemail

SHARE THIS BY EMAIL

Black Tartar on Teeth: Causes and Symptoms

THERE ARE (#) ERRORS ON THIS PAGE.
   
   
   
   
SEND
CANCEL

EMAIL SENT SUCCESSFULLY

Your email has been successfully sent to the recipient.

Continue

Causes of Black Tartar
Symptoms of Black Tartar
Removing Black Tartar

When plaque builds up on 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 toothpaste with 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.

 
 
 

What Causes Bad Breath?
Gum Disease: Symptoms, Causes and Treatments

What is Gum (Periodontal) Disease? Learn the differences between periodontitis and gingivitis, and the signs, symptoms, causes and treatments of gum disease

Related Articles

What Causes Bad Breath?

Gum Disease: Symptoms, Causes and Treatments

What is Gum (Periodontal) Disease? Learn the differences between periodontitis and gingivitis, and the signs, symptoms, causes and treatments of gum disease

Related Products

  • QUICK VIEW

    Crest Gum Detoxify Gentle Whitening Toothpaste

    Detoxify around the gum line for clinically proven healthier gums, plus gentle whitening.

    rating stars
    RatingStars on
    ( 67 )
  • QUICK VIEW

    Crest Gum Detoxify Deep Clean Toothpaste

    Activated foam formula penetrates hard to reach areas to remove plaque bacteria and helps reverse gingivitis.

    rating stars
    RatingStars on
    ( 1533 )
  • QUICK VIEW

    Crest Gum Care Mouthwash

    Alcohol-free formula reduces gum disease, inflammation, and bad breath germs.

    rating stars
    RatingStars on
    ( 56 )
  • CONNECT WITH US
  • Visit Crest on Facebook
  • Follow Crest on Twitter
  • Visit Crest's YouTube Channel
SIGN UP
SAVE ON HEALTHY SMILES Sign up to get the emails with savings on Crest Toothpaste, oral hygiene products, expert advice and more reasons for a healthy smile.

SHOP

  • Toothpaste
  • Mouthwash
  • Whitestrips
  • Kids
  • Our Ambition
  • Sustainability
  • Ingredients

Help & Support

  • Contact Us
  • RELATED SITES
  • P&G Brands
  • OralB.com

Dental Professional?

  • Visit dentalcare.com
  • bbb logo
  • SmartlabelIcon For ingredients and more, select a product.
    • Better Business Bureau
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy
  • CA Privacy
  • Careers
  • AdChoices Ad Choices
  • Site Map
  • © 2021 Procter & Gamble
  • Do Not Sell My Personal Information

This website uses cookies and other technologies to provide you with a tailored experience and to understand how you and other visitors use our site. Click here for more information.