Tartar Removal in Stockholm – Gentle Scaling by Dental Hygienists
Tartar removal in Stockholm at Gloss & Floss Dental Care® is professional dental cleaning that removes hardened plaque, also called calculus, from the teeth and gumline. Once plaque has mineralised into tartar, it cannot be removed effectively with ordinary brushing or interdental cleaning at home.
At our English-speaking dental clinic in Södermalm, our dental hygienists combine clinical gum assessment with ultrasonic scaling, fine hand instruments when needed, polishing and personalised prevention advice. AirFlow may also be added when soft biofilm or external staining is present.
The objective is not simply to make the teeth look cleaner. Professional plaque and calculus control supports healthier gums, easier home cleaning and long-term prevention of gingivitis and periodontal disease.
Gloss & Floss Dental Care® · Ölandsgatan 42, Södermalm, Stockholm · Close to Skanstull
Last updated: August 2026
Quick answer: what is tartar removal?
Tartar removal is a professional cleaning procedure in which a dental hygienist or dentist removes mineralised plaque from the teeth, around the gumline and, when clinically necessary, from areas below the gumline.
- Plaque is soft bacterial biofilm and can usually be removed through effective daily cleaning.
- Tartar is mineralised plaque that has hardened onto the tooth surface.
- Tartar cannot be brushed away at home once it has firmly attached to the teeth.
- Bacterial plaque is the main driver of gum inflammation. Tartar creates a rough, plaque-retentive surface that makes effective cleaning more difficult.
- Ultrasonic and hand instruments are commonly used to remove deposits professionally.
- AirFlow is different from scaling. It is mainly used for soft biofilm and external stains rather than hardened calculus.
What is tartar and why can’t you remove it at home?
Dental plaque is a soft bacterial biofilm that continuously forms on teeth. Effective toothbrushing and interdental cleaning can remove much of this plaque before it causes problems.
When plaque remains on the tooth surface, minerals in saliva can gradually harden it into calculus, commonly called tartar. Once mineralised, the deposit adheres firmly to the tooth and cannot be safely removed with a normal toothbrush, floss, whitening product or home scraper.
Plaque and tartar are related, but they are not the same thing
Bacterial plaque is the primary cause of gingival inflammation. Tartar is important because its hard, irregular surface makes it easier for new plaque to accumulate and makes daily cleaning more difficult. Professional calculus removal therefore helps create surfaces that are easier to keep clean at home.
Tartar commonly develops behind the lower front teeth, around the upper molars, between teeth and along the gumline. Some people accumulate it relatively quickly even when they brush well.
Fixed retainers, crowded teeth, bridges, implants, difficult-to-clean areas, smoking, snus and individual saliva composition can all influence how easily deposits accumulate.
Supragingival and subgingival tartar: what is the difference?
Not all tartar is visible when you look in the mirror. Dental professionals distinguish between deposits above and below the gumline.
| Type | Where it is found | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Supragingival calculus | Above the gumline, where it may be visible or feel rough. | It can retain plaque and make effective home cleaning more difficult. |
| Subgingival calculus | Below the gumline, including within periodontal pockets. | It is particularly relevant when periodontitis or deeper gum pockets are present and may require more detailed periodontal instrumentation. |
This is why a patient can have clinically important deposits even when very little tartar is visible above the gums.
Signs that you may need tartar removal
Tartar is not always easy to see yourself. Changes in the gums or the way the teeth feel may provide the first indication that professional cleaning is needed.
If your gums bleed frequently, feel swollen or you have been told that you have periodontal pockets, read more about our inflamed gums and periodontal treatment .
Tartar removal, plaque, AirFlow, stain removal and whitening: what is the difference?
Patients often use terms such as teeth cleaning, scaling, AirFlow, stain removal and whitening interchangeably. They address different problems and may sometimes be combined during the same treatment plan.
| Concern | What it means | Most relevant approach |
|---|---|---|
| Soft plaque / biofilm | A bacterial film that forms every day on tooth surfaces. | Effective brushing and interdental cleaning, supported by professional preventive guidance when needed. |
| Tartar / calculus | Mineralised plaque that has hardened and attached to the teeth. | Professional scaling with ultrasonic and/or hand instruments. |
| Surface stains | External staining from coffee, tea, tobacco, red wine and other sources. | Polishing or AirFlow treatment when suitable. |
| Tartar plus staining | Hard deposits are present together with external staining or soft biofilm. | Scaling first, with polishing or AirFlow added when appropriate. |
| Natural tooth shade | The tooth itself remains yellow or darker even after professional cleaning. | Professional teeth whitening may be considered after oral-health assessment. |
How tartar removal is performed at Gloss & Floss
The treatment is adapted to the amount and location of calculus, your gum health, sensitivity, existing dental work and whether periodontal disease is present.
-
Assessment of gums and deposits.
The dental hygienist evaluates plaque, calculus, bleeding, gum condition and areas that require particular attention. -
Ultrasonic scaling.
An ultrasonic scaler can efficiently loosen and remove mineralised deposits using controlled vibration together with water. -
Fine hand instrumentation when needed.
Hand instruments can provide precise access between teeth, around restorations and in areas where additional instrumentation is required. -
Polishing or AirFlow when appropriate.
If external staining or remaining soft biofilm is present, polishing or AirFlow may be added according to the clinical situation. -
Individual prevention advice.
Your hygienist can recommend appropriate brushing, interdental cleaning and follow-up according to where plaque and calculus tend to accumulate.
Routine tartar removal or periodontal treatment?
Routine professional cleaning and treatment for established periodontal disease are not always the same procedure.
| Clinical situation | Typical approach |
|---|---|
| Healthy or mildly inflamed gums with mainly visible calculus | Preventive dental hygienist treatment with professional scaling and oral-hygiene guidance may be sufficient. |
| Deeper periodontal pockets and subgingival deposits | More detailed periodontal assessment and subgingival instrumentation may be required. |
| Established periodontitis | A structured periodontal treatment and maintenance plan may be needed rather than a simple cosmetic cleaning appointment. |
Clinical point: If you have deep gum pockets, loose teeth, significant bone loss or previous periodontitis, routine tartar removal alone may not address the underlying periodontal condition.
When AirFlow may be added
AirFlow uses a controlled stream of air, water and fine powder to remove soft biofilm and many external stains. It can be particularly useful around difficult-to-clean areas such as fixed retainers, orthodontic appliances, implants, crowns and bridges when clinically suitable.
AirFlow does not replace scaling when hardened tartar is present. If both calculus and staining are present, the hygienist may combine scaling with AirFlow to address the different types of deposits.
Read more about AirFlow treatment at Gloss & Floss .
Why tartar removal matters for gum health
Gum inflammation begins primarily as a response to bacterial plaque. If plaque is not adequately removed, the gums may become red, swollen or prone to bleeding.
Once plaque mineralises into calculus, the rough deposit creates an additional surface where plaque can accumulate. Removing calculus therefore helps make tooth surfaces easier to keep clean and forms an important part of preventive and periodontal care.
If gingivitis progresses to periodontitis in a susceptible patient, inflammation can affect the supporting tissues and bone around the teeth. That is why professional cleaning should be combined with appropriate periodontal assessment when deeper disease is suspected.
Further patient information: The European Federation of Periodontology provides evidence-based information about plaque, calculus, gingivitis, periodontitis and professional gum care.
How often should you have tartar removed?
There is no universal schedule that is correct for every patient. The appropriate interval depends on how quickly you accumulate deposits, your gum condition, plaque control, previous periodontal disease, restorations, implants and other individual risk factors.
- Lower-risk patients with stable gums: some people may only require professional cleaning at routine intervals, often around every 6–12 months.
- Patients who accumulate deposits quickly: shorter intervals may be useful depending on the clinical findings.
- Patients with previous periodontitis or periodontal maintenance needs: intervals around 3–6 months may sometimes be used as part of an individual supportive-care plan.
These ranges are examples rather than fixed rules. Your dentist or dental hygienist should recommend a recall interval based on your individual periodontal and preventive needs.
Learn more about preventive dental care .
Does tartar removal hurt?
Most patients tolerate professional scaling well. You may notice vibration, water, pressure or temporary sensitivity, particularly if there is significant inflammation, exposed root surfaces or heavier deposits.
Tell your dental hygienist if you have sensitive teeth, dental anxiety, exposed roots or previous difficult experiences. The treatment can often be performed gradually, with the approach adapted to your comfort and clinical needs.
If dental anxiety affects your ability to attend treatment, you can also read about dental fear support .
What should you do after tartar removal?
Professional cleaning gives you a cleaner starting point, but daily plaque control determines how quickly deposits return.
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
- Clean between the teeth with floss, interdental brushes or another recommended interdental aid.
- Pay particular attention to fixed retainers, bridges, implants and crowded areas.
- Follow individual fluoride or preventive recommendations if your cavity risk is increased.
- Do not attempt to remove tartar yourself with sharp home instruments or dental scrapers.
- Attend your next hygienist visit according to your individual recall plan.
How much does tartar removal cost in Stockholm?
The cost depends on the amount and location of tartar, gum condition, treatment time and whether professional scaling is combined with polishing, AirFlow or periodontal treatment.
At Gloss & Floss, dental hygienist treatment currently starts from 1,545 SEK and may include scaling, polishing, AirFlow treatment and personalised advice depending on the treatment need.
For current fees and further details, see our dental care price list .
Prices are subject to the current clinic price list and the individual treatment required. The final fee may differ if periodontal treatment, X-rays or additional procedures are clinically indicated.
Tartar removal for English-speaking patients in Stockholm
If you are new to Swedish dental care, it may not be obvious whether you should book tartar removal, AirFlow, a dental hygienist visit, periodontal treatment or teeth whitening.
Our English-speaking team can explain the difference, assess your gum health and guide you toward the treatment that matches your clinical needs.
Why choose Gloss & Floss for tartar removal in Stockholm?
Book tartar removal in Stockholm
Book a dental hygienist visit if you notice hard deposits, bleeding gums, persistent roughness, staining or simply want professional preventive cleaning and gum-health assessment.
Frequently asked questions about tartar removal in Stockholm
What is tartar?
Tartar, also called dental calculus, is plaque that has mineralised and hardened onto the tooth surface. Unlike soft plaque, established tartar cannot be removed effectively with normal brushing.
Is tartar the same as plaque?
No. Plaque is a soft bacterial biofilm that forms continuously on the teeth and can usually be removed through effective daily cleaning. Tartar is mineralised plaque that has hardened and requires professional removal.
What is the difference between supragingival and subgingival tartar?
Supragingival tartar forms above the gumline and may be visible. Subgingival tartar lies below the gumline, including within periodontal pockets, and is particularly relevant when periodontal disease is present.
Can tartar cause gum disease?
Bacterial plaque is the primary cause of gum inflammation. Tartar contributes because its rough surface retains plaque and makes effective cleaning more difficult. Removing calculus can therefore support plaque control and periodontal health.
Can I remove tartar at home?
Established tartar should be removed professionally. Home scraping with sharp instruments can injure gums or damage tooth surfaces and is not recommended.
Does tartar removal hurt?
Most patients tolerate tartar removal well. Temporary sensitivity, vibration or pressure may be noticeable, especially when gums are inflamed or roots are exposed. Tell your hygienist if you are sensitive so the approach can be adapted.
Does tartar removal damage enamel?
Professional scaling is intended to remove mineralised deposits while preserving the tooth surface. Treatment should be performed by trained dental professionals using appropriate instruments and technique.
What is the difference between tartar removal and AirFlow?
Tartar removal uses scaling instruments to remove hardened calculus. AirFlow mainly removes soft biofilm and external stains with air, water and fine powder. When both types of deposits are present, the methods may be combined.
Does tartar removal whiten teeth?
Tartar removal can make teeth look cleaner and sometimes brighter by removing deposits and external staining. It does not bleach the natural tooth colour in the way professional teeth whitening does.
How often should tartar be removed?
There is no fixed interval for everyone. The recommended frequency depends on how quickly deposits accumulate, gum health, home cleaning, previous periodontal disease, implants and other individual risk factors.
What is deep cleaning?
“Deep cleaning” is a commonly used patient term for more extensive periodontal instrumentation below the gumline. It may be needed when periodontal pockets and subgingival deposits are present. The appropriate treatment is determined after periodontal assessment.
How much does tartar removal cost at Gloss & Floss?
Dental hygienist treatment currently starts from 1,545 SEK. The final cost depends on treatment time, the amount and location of tartar, gum condition and whether additional procedures such as polishing, AirFlow or periodontal treatment are required.
Should I book tartar removal or teeth whitening?
If hard deposits, plaque-related gum inflammation or visible calculus are present, professional cleaning should normally be addressed first. Teeth whitening changes the natural tooth shade and is a separate cosmetic treatment.
Professional tartar removal in Södermalm, Stockholm
Gloss & Floss Dental Care® provides dental hygienist treatment for tartar, plaque, gum-health maintenance and external staining in an English-speaking clinic environment near Skanstull.
Ready to book?
Choose a dental hygienist appointment and we will assess your deposits, gum health and cleaning needs before adapting the treatment to you.
This page provides general patient information and does not replace an individual dental or periodontal assessment.
