Can tartar cause cavities?

Yes, tartar is just hardened plaque, and it acts like a magnet for bacteria which slowly eats away at your enamel to cause cavities. I tried using salt and mustard oil at home, which helped with gum health, but only a dentist can actually scrape off hard tartar. Do get a professional dental scaling done once.

I have some yellowish buildup behind my lower teeth and I was wondering if that is tartar. Can this actually lead to painful cavities if I don't get it removed immediately? I am slightly scared of dental tools and would love some gentle advice.

When I visited the dental department at Fortis, the dentist clearly explained that tartar cannot be removed by normal brushing and will definitely cause cavities and gum disease if left untreated. It is best to schedule a proper scaling session with a dentist rather than waiting for tooth pain to start.

Poor dental hygiene and tartar buildup can lead to infections, which doctors say can even impact your heart health and blood pressure over time. I make sure to go for regular health and dental checkups every six months. Don't ignore tartar; get it cleaned by a professional.