Should tartar be scraped off?

Dental calculus is a common oral problem, primarily formed by the long-term accumulation of food debris, bacteria, and minerals in the mouth. If left untreated for a prolonged period, dental calculus can not only cause yellowing of the teeth and affect aesthetics but may also irritate the gums, cause inflammation, and even compromise dental health. Therefore, it is very important to regularly remove dental calculus. Generally, it is not recommended to remove dental calculus by oneself, as this may damage the teeth and gums. The proper approach is professional dental cleaning, such as scaling (also known as supragingival scaling), to remove dental calculus. Scaling is a safe and effective process in which dentists use specialized instruments—either ultrasonic devices or manual tools—to remove calculus and dental plaque. Additionally, maintaining good oral hygiene habits, such as regular tooth brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash, can also effectively prevent the formation of dental calculus.