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Dentistry vocabulary · Gums and Oral Hygiene

Tartar

Meaning in dentistry, with examples

/ˈtɑːrtər/nounCore term

In dentistry, tartar means: Hard, yellow or brown deposits that form when plaque hardens on the teeth. A toothbrush cannot remove it, so it needs professional cleaning.

In Turkish: diş taşı

How it is used

The patient word; dentists and hygienists write calculus. Tartar builds up especially behind the lower front teeth, and it is removed by scaling.

Example sentences

  1. There's quite a lot of tartar behind your lower front teeth.

  2. The hygienist removed the tartar with an ultrasonic scaler.

Common collocations

  • tartar build-up
  • remove tartar
  • tartar-control toothpaste
  • hard tartar
  • plaqueA soft, sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth every day. If brushing and cleaning between the teeth do not remove it, it leads to decay and gum disease.
  • scalingProfessional removal of plaque and tartar from the teeth, above and below the gum line, using ultrasonic and hand instruments.
  • dental hygienistA registered dental professional who cleans teeth, removes tartar and gives prevention advice and, in many countries, also takes X-rays and treats gum disease.
  • gingivitisInflammation of the gums, usually caused by plaque. The gums look red and swollen and bleed easily, but good cleaning can reverse it.

More terms: Gums and Oral Hygiene

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not medical advice.