From plaque to tartar: an inevitable process
Bacterial plaque forms continuously on the surface of teeth. It’s an invisible film composed of bacteria and food residue. When removed daily with a toothbrush and floss, it causes no significant harm.
The problem arises when plaque mineralises — through contact with the salts in saliva — and becomes tartar: a hard, porous substance that adheres to the tooth surface and under the gum line. Tartar cannot be removed by any toothbrush or mouthwash: a professional ultrasonic instrument is required.
The rate of mineralisation varies: in some people tartar forms within a few weeks, in others it takes months. This is why the recommended frequency of professional cleaning varies from person to person.
What happens if you don’t go (and why it’s not worth the risk)
Accumulated tartar irritates the gums, first causing gingivitis (redness, swelling, bleeding) and then, if left untreated, periodontitis. Periodontitis is a bacterial infection that progressively destroys the bone supporting the teeth: it is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
Advanced periodontitis is also linked to systemic conditions: diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and pregnancy complications. It’s not just an aesthetic or local problem.
Another effect of neglected tartar is chronic bad breath (halitosis) that does not improve with toothpaste or mouthwash, because the cause is bacterial.
Who is at higher risk?
- Smokers
- Patients with diabetes
- Those with a genetic tendency to form tartar quickly
- Patients with already-diagnosed periodontal disease
- Those wearing dentures or dental implants
What a professional cleaning session includes at our practice
- Initial clinical examination of the gums and periodontal screening
- Removal of supra- and subgingival tartar with ultrasonic instruments and manual curettes
- Polishing with abrasive pastes to remove surface staining (coffee, tea, wine)
- Fluoride treatment to strengthen enamel
- Personalised home oral hygiene instructions (brushing technique, use of interdental brushes, floss, irrigator)
How long it takes and what it costs
A standard session takes 45–60 minutes. In the presence of heavy subgingival tartar or periodontal disease, a more thorough periodontal cleaning session (scaling and root planing) may be needed, usually spread over 2–4 appointments.
The cost is modest compared to the long-term benefit — far less than treating a cavity, and incomparable to the cost of advanced periodontal treatment.
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Professional cleaning and gum health: the direct link
Professional cleaning is the first-line treatment for almost all gum problems. Gingivitis — superficial gum inflammation — resolves in the vast majority of cases with one or two cleaning sessions and a good home routine. If inflammation has already progressed to periodontitis (with involvement of the supporting bone), treatment requires a more thorough approach called subgingival curettage or root planing.
If you notice your gums bleeding when you brush, or that they are swollen and sensitive, don’t wait for it to pass: it’s a signal that your mouth needs professional cleaning. We have written a complete guide on causes, remedies and when to see the dentist for inflamed gums.
Professional cleaning protects implants too
If you have one or more dental implants, cleaning sessions are even more important. Around implants, peri-implantitis can develop — the implant equivalent of periodontitis — which can lead to implant loss if not caught early. The hygienist knows how to clean implant surfaces without damaging them, using instruments specifically designed for implants rather than natural teeth. Prevention here is not optional: it’s the guarantee that your investment in implants lasts over time.
Article written by Dr. Luigi di Bari, Dental Studio in Manfredonia (FG). Last updated: May 2026.
