How often should you get your teeth cleaned if you build up tartar quickly?

If you build up tartar quickly, you may need your teeth cleaned every three to four months instead of the standard twice a year. Tartar is hardened plaque, and once it forms, only a dental professional can remove it. How often you need a cleaning depends on how fast tartar builds up and how healthy your gums are.  

What you will learn in this article: 

• Tartar is hardened plaque, and brushing cannot remove it once it forms. 

• Saliva, smoking and diet can all affect tartar formation. 

• There is no single cleaning schedule for everyone; the right interval depends on your oral health and risk of disease.

• Some people who have been treated for periodontitis may benefit from maintenance visits every three to six months. 

 
If tartar seems to build up quickly, talk with your dental care team about how often you should have your teeth cleaned. You can also schedule an appointment with an Aspen Dental provider to find a cleaning schedule that fits your needs. 

Plaque vs. tartar: What's the difference? 

Plaque is a soft, sticky film that forms on your teeth every day. It's usually colorless or pale, so you may not notice it, but it's building constantly — brushing and flossing can remove it before it causes harm. 

When plaque isn't removed, it absorbs minerals from your saliva and hardens into tartar, usually within a day or two. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), tartar needs to be removed during a professional cleaning.¹ 

That's the key difference: Plaque is something you can manage yourself every day, but once it hardens, only your dental team can take it from there. 

Why some people build tartar faster 

Tartar can form when plaque stays on your teeth long enough to harden. The NIDCR explains that plaque can harden into tartar when it is not removed.¹ The American Academy of Periodontology reports that calculus is more common among people who use tobacco.² A few factors that may contribute include: 

• Plaque left on your teeth. Plaque that is not removed regularly can harden into tartar.  

• Brushing and flossing habits. Cleaning your teeth well each day helps remove plaque before it has a chance to harden.  

• Tobacco use. People who use tobacco have a greater chance of tartar buildup.  

Good brushing and cleaning between your teeth can help keep plaque under control. If tartar still builds up quickly, talk with your dental provider about your home-care routine and how often you may need professional cleanings. 

How often should heavy tartar builders get cleaned? 

There is no single cleaning schedule that fits everyone. The American Dental Association (ADA) notes that research has not found one best visit schedule for preventing cavities or gum disease. Instead, the timing should be based on each person's risk.³ 

If you have been treated for periodontitis, you may need visits more often. The ADA reports that some patients may benefit from maintenance visits every three to six months after periodontal treatment.⁴ 

If your main concern is fast tartar buildup, your dental provider can look at how much buildup returns, your gum health and your health history to recommend the right interval. 

What happens if tartar is left untreated? 

Tartar that stays on your teeth can irritate your gums. The NIDCR explains that if tartar is not removed, early gum inflammation can progress to more serious gum disease.¹ 

Regular cleanings remove tartar that brushing cannot take off at home. 

What a professional cleaning involves 

At a routine visit, your care team removes plaque and tartar and checks your gums for early problems. If you have signs of gum disease, you may need a different type of cleaning. 

Your dental provider will decide what level of cleaning you need and explain it before treatment begins. 

If you’re unsure what type of cleaning you need, talk with your dental provider. They can check your tartar buildup and gum health and explain which type of cleaning is right for you. 

How often should you get your teeth cleaned if you build up tartar quickly? FAQs 

People who build tartar quickly often have more questions than the standard patient. Here are the ones that come up most. 

Can I brush more to avoid tartar? 

Brushing helps remove plaque before it hardens. But once tartar forms, brushing will not remove it. A professional cleaning is needed. 

Does what I eat affect how fast tartar builds up? 

Yes. Sugary and starchy foods feed the bacteria that produce plaque. The more plaque your diet encourages, the faster it can harden into tartar. Cutting back on sugar and drinking more water throughout the day can help slow the process between cleanings. 

How do I know if I need more frequent cleaning? 

Your dental provider can check your tartar levels and gum health at your next visit. They'll let you know if a shorter schedule makes sense for you. It's worth asking directly if you feel like tartar builds up fast for you. 

Sources 

¹ National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research: “Oral Hygiene.” https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/oral-hygiene 

² American Academy of Periodontology: “Gum Health and Tobacco Use.” https://www.perio.org/for-patients/gum-disease-information/gum-health-and-tobacco-use/ 

³ American Dental Association: “Home Oral Care.” https://www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/home-oral-care/ 

⁴ American Dental Association: “Periodontitis.” https://www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/periodontitis