Tartar is a hard, crusty material which accumulates on your teeth near the gum-line. In severe cases it can even cover the entire tooth. It's basically calcified plaque. The calcium and phosphate salts from the saliva are responsible for calcification of the plaque. It has a very unsightly appearance as it gets stained with foods and beverages.
Tartar becomes a focal point of irritation of the gums.
The irritation attracts deposits and causes continuous irritation of gums. Over a period of time if proper care is not taken tartar can spread below the gum-line and cause extensive damage to the supporting structure of the tooth. Plaque should be removed by meticulous brushing even before there is a chance for tartar to form. There are various oral hygiene aids which are available to help you maintain good oral hygiene. Not only are increasing numbers of toothpastes and mouthwashes making their way to the market, there are also various implements with which you can clean your teeth.