tartar

A tartar is a type of hard deposit that can form on teeth. It's made from bits of food and plaque.

You might hear dentists talk about removing tartar when they clean patients' teeth. This process, called scaling, helps get rid of any built-up tartar that could be causing problems like cavities or gum disease. Some people also use a product to help remove tartar at home, but it's usually best to have a professional do the job for maximum effectiveness.