Tartar Buildup Under Gums: Causes, Risks, and Treatment

Tartar buildup under gums: Last Updated: September 22, 2026 | 7 min read

Tartar buildup under gums, also called submarginal calculus, can develop below the gum line. Because these deposits are difficult to see, people may notice gum problems before they realize tartar is present.

Tartar forms when plaque hardens on the teeth. Once tartar develops, brushing and flossing cannot remove it. A dentist or dental hygienist needs to perform professional cleaning.

When tartar remains below the gum line, it can contribute to gum inflammation and periodontal problems. Early dental evaluation can help identify the condition and determine the appropriate treatment.

Why Tartar Buildup Under Gums Matters

Tartar below the gum line creates a rough surface where plaque and bacteria can remain. This can make daily plaque control more difficult.

1. Bacteria Can Collect Around Tartar

Tartar has a rough surface that can retain plaque. Bacteria in plaque can irritate the gums and contribute to inflammation.

2. Gum Inflammation May Develop

Inflamed gums may become red, swollen, tender, or prone to bleeding. These symptoms can indicate gingivitis or periodontal disease.

3. Gum Pockets Can Become Deeper

As periodontal disease progresses, the gums can pull away from the teeth. This creates pockets where plaque and tartar can accumulate.

Deeper pockets are harder to clean at home and may require professional periodontal care.

4. Advanced Gum Disease Can Affect Supporting Bone

Periodontal disease can damage the tissues and bone that support the teeth. Advanced disease may lead to loose teeth and tooth loss.

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Symptoms of Tartar Buildup Under Gums

Submarginal tartar can be difficult to see. Pay attention to changes in your gums and teeth, including:

Bleeding during brushing or flossing
Red or swollen gums
Gum tenderness
Gum recession
Persistent bad breath
A bad taste in the mouth
Sensitive or loose teeth in advanced cases

These symptoms can have several causes. A dental examination is needed to determine whether tartar or periodontal disease is involved. NIDCR lists bleeding gums, receding gums, sensitive or loose teeth, and persistent bad breath among possible signs of gum disease.

How Tartar Buildup Under Gums Is Treated

Once tartar forms below the gum line, professional treatment is needed. Brushing and flossing remain important for plaque control, but they cannot remove hardened tartar.

Scaling and Root Planing

For periodontal disease, a dentist or dental hygienist may recommend scaling and root planing.

Scaling removes plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line. Root planing smooths affected root surfaces to support periodontal care. The ADA describes scaling and root planing as a deep cleaning procedure used to treat gum disease.

Treatment depends on the depth of the gum pockets and the condition of the supporting tissues. Some patients may need additional periodontal treatment.

Periodontal Maintenance

After periodontal treatment, regular maintenance can help control plaque and tartar. The appropriate interval depends on the patient’s periodontal condition and the dentist’s assessment.

Daily Care After Professional Cleaning

Professional treatment removes existing tartar. Daily oral care then helps control new plaque buildup.

Follow these basic habits:

Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
Clean between your teeth every day.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Brush gently along the gum line.
Follow your dentist’s recommended maintenance schedule.
Attend regular dental examinations.

NIDCR recommends daily brushing and cleaning between teeth as part of good oral hygiene.

Can Dental Pro 7 Support Daily Oral Care?

Dental Pro 7 can be considered as an additional product within a broader daily oral care routine.

Its role should be presented as oral hygiene support rather than professional tartar removal. Hardened tartar requires cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist.

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When to See a Dental Professional

Schedule a dental evaluation if you notice persistent gum bleeding, swelling, recession, bad breath, tooth sensitivity, or loose teeth.

A dental professional can examine the gums, measure periodontal pockets, and determine whether tartar or periodontal disease is present. X-rays may also be used when bone levels need further evaluation.

Early assessment provides an opportunity to address plaque, tartar, and gum inflammation before more advanced periodontal problems develop.

FAQ

Can I see tartar under my gums?

Usually, submarginal tartar is difficult to see directly. A dental professional can examine the gums and use appropriate instruments to identify deposits.

Can brushing remove tartar under the gums?

Brushing helps remove plaque and control new buildup. Once plaque hardens into tartar, professional cleaning is required for removal.

Is tartar under the gums painful?

It may cause few noticeable symptoms at first. Gum bleeding, swelling, tenderness, bad breath, or tooth sensitivity can appear as gum problems develop.

Can tartar under the gums cause tooth loss?

Advanced periodontal disease can damage the tissues and bone supporting the teeth. In severe cases, teeth can become loose and may eventually be lost.

Is scaling and root planing always necessary?

Treatment depends on the condition of the gums and the depth of periodontal pockets. A dentist determines whether routine cleaning, scaling and root planing, or another treatment is appropriate.

Can Dental Pro 7 remove tartar under the gums?

Dental Pro 7 should not be presented as a tartar-removal treatment. Hardened tartar requires professional cleaning. Daily oral care products can instead be used as part of a broader plaque-control routine.

Trusted Dental Health Resources

NIDCR — Periodontal (Gum) Disease — information about causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of gum disease.
NIDCR — Oral Hygiene — guidance on brushing, cleaning between teeth, plaque, and tartar.
American Dental Association — Scaling and Root Planing — explanation of professional deep cleaning below the gum line.
American Dental Association — Periodontists — information about periodontal disease and treatment options.

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Tartar Buildup Under Gums: Causes, Risks, and Treatment