Black Tartar on Teeth: A Common Dental Problem Explained (pictures)

Have you ever noticed black buildup on your teeth near the gum line and wondered what it could be? You may have black tartar, a common dental problem that affects many people.

It can be unsightly and lead to more serious oral health issues if left untreated.

However, before assuming it's black tartar, it's important to rule out other oral conditions that may look similar. These include tooth discoloration, black line stains, and cavities.

In this blog post, we will explore what black tartar is, how it forms, its complications, and most importantly, how to prevent and treat it.

How do tartar and plaque form?

Tartar buildup on teeth is a sticky, hard, rough coating that forms on the teeth and around the gum line, and persists even after thorough brushing.

It's often a telltale sign of poor oral hygiene and gum disease. But that’s not always true. Some people naturally form tartar more than others, even if they brush and floss exactly as they should.

But how does tartar form in the first place?

To answer this, we need to go back to the source of tartar: Plaque.

The mouth is a complex ecosystem home to billions of bacteria from many different species. It’s the second most microbe-rich part of the body after the gut!



In order to survive, bacteria create what is called Biofilm or Plaque. It's a soft, thin film that constantly builds up on the teeth' surface and along the gum line. It starts to form after only a few minutes of brushing and flossing.

Plaque is made up of billions of bacteria that feed on the food and drinks we consume. But unlike what you might think, not all of them are bad. Most are friendly and help us with digestion, defense, and fighting harmful microbes.

The problem begins when plaque builds up too much or when the balance between good and bad bacteria is disrupted. It only takes a few days without brushing and flossing for plaque to form and become visible. When it thickens, it looks like a yellowish-white film.

If not removed regularly, dental plaque can absorb minerals from saliva or food and harden to form tartar.

But, it doesn’t always happen—some people are more prone to tartar buildup than others. Those with saliva rich in minerals like calcium and phosphorus tend to form tartar more quickly.

Tartar is much harder to remove than plaque and can darken over time when exposed to pigmented foods and drinks.

Yellow-brown tartar build-up on the teeth

How can tartar turn black?

Tartar can appear in different colors—yellow, brown, or black—depending on how long it’s been there and the type of tartar.

There are two types of tartar: Supragingival and Subgingival.

1. Supragingival tartar:

Supragingival tartar is the one that covers the visible surfaces of your teeth above your gumline. It can turn brownish-black over time due to exposure to certain substances that stain it. These include smoking, coffee, tea, chocolate, and other dark-colored foods and drinks.
It can darken because its rough, porous texture easily absorbs pigments.

2. Subgingival tartar (the black stuff around the gum line)

Subgingival tartar is always darker—usually brown or black—because it mixes with blood pigments from inflamed tissues.

It’s also the stickiest and most stubborn type of tartar, making it very hard to remove. If left untreated, it can widen the gap between your tooth and gum, leading to a severe form of gum disease called periodontitis.

Other conditions that may look like black tartar:

Many dental conditions can look like black tartar, although they are not. These include cavities, black lines, and tooth discoloration.

1. Black tartar vs. Black lines:

Black line stains

2. Black tartar vs. Cavities:

Black tartar vs. Cavities

3. Black tartar vs. Black stains on teeth:

How can tartar affect my oral health?

Tartar can be especially harmful to your gums. The longer it stays, the more damage it can cause and the greater the risk of gum disease.

Some of the dental problems it can lead to include:

• Cavities: It’s true that people with tartar often have less tooth decay. However, that doesn’t mean having tartar is a good thing.
  Because tartar is rough and porous, it can trap even more plaque and food debris.
  The delicate balance that keeps harmful bacteria in check can break at any time.
  When that happens, cavity-causing bacteria can thrive and lead to cavities.


• Discolored teeth: The main concern with black tartar is its unattractive appearance, especially on front teeth that show when you smile. This is often the primary reason patients seek treatment.


• Bad breath: Tartar can harbor bacteria that produce foul-smelling gases. Bad breath may also signal gum disease or other oral infections caused by tartar. This can lead to chronic bad breath that persists even after thorough cleaning.


• Tooth loss: The rough, hard texture of tartar can irritate your gums and cause inflammation. It also provides a breeding ground for aggressive bacteria responsible for gum disease.
  When these bacteria overpower your immune system and friendly bacteria, severe gum disease called periodontitis can develop.
  As periodontitis progresses, it damages the gums, bone, and ligaments that support your teeth. If left untreated, it can ultimately lead to tooth loss.

How to get rid of black tartar?

The best way to fight black tartar is to prevent it from forming in the first place.

With simple at-home oral hygiene habits, you can easily control and remove plaque before it hardens into tartar.

It’s always better and much easier to clean off plaque before it has any chance to turn into tartar.

Once tartar forms, it won’t go away on its own or with regular brushing and flossing. The only way to remove it is through a professional scaling procedure done by your dentist.

If plaque and tartar have worked their way deep beneath your gum line and set the stage for gum disease, your dentist may also recommend a more advanced treatment called root planing.

Root planing cleans and smooths the root surfaces, making it harder for bacteria to attach and helping your gums heal.

Scaling and root planing—often referred to as deep dental cleaning—are the standard treatments for most cases of gum disease.

Here are some tips to control plaque buildup and prevent black tartar from forming:

• Brush twice a day for a full two minutes using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste.


• Alternate with a tartar-control toothpaste up to 3 days per week. But don’t use them daily, as they tend to be too abrasive for your teeth and, over time, may cause wear and sensitivity.


• Use baking soda to brush your teeth. Contrary to common belief, it’s actually a gentler abrasive than those found in most toothpastes. It’s completely safe if you brush gently and limit use to once a day. Just be sure to use it along with your regular toothpaste, not on its own.


• Angle your toothbrush at 45° to clean along and just beneath the gum line, where plaque tends to build up the most. This also helps gently stimulate blood flow.


• Floss once a day or use any interdental cleaning tool you feel comfortable with (interdental brushes or water flosser). The key is to clean between your teeth every day.


• Avoid smoking and tobacco, and limit foods and drinks that stain teeth.


• Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and wash away food particles.


• Chew sugar-free gum between meals to help clean your teeth and remove any food particles that may be stuck.