Deposit on the teeth (6) Crossword Clue
Answer: TARTAR (6 letters)
The answer to the crossword clue "Deposit on the teeth" with 6 letters is "TARTAR".Tartar is a hard, calcified deposit that forms on teeth due to the accumulation of plaque and minerals in saliva. It can lead to dental problems if not removed by regular brushing or professional cleaning, as it provides a surface for bacteria to thrive on.
Why “Tartar” Fits
The clue asks for a single word (6 letters) meaning “deposit on the teeth.” The answer, TARTAR, fits perfectly:
- Deposit on the teeth: Tartar refers to the hardened layer of calcified plaque that forms on teeth due to poor oral hygiene — exactly matching the clue’s definition.
- Direct match: With six letters, tartar fits the clue’s enumeration precisely.
- Precise meaning: The term describes a mineral buildup composed mainly of calcium phosphate and bacteria, which attaches firmly to tooth enamel and must often be removed professionally.
Tartar is a well-established dental and scientific term with historical and chemical roots:
- Origin and usage: Derived from Middle Latin tartarum, it originally referred to a crusty residue found inside wine casks. The term was later extended to mean any hardened crust or sediment, including dental plaque calcification.
- Scientific context: In chemistry, tartaric acid gives the residue its base name; this connection explains why both the culinary and dental uses share the same origin.
Modern application:
- Dentistry: “Dental tartar” (also known as calculus) forms when plaque mineralizes due to prolonged neglect of cleaning.
- Hygiene advice: Once formed, it cannot be removed by brushing alone and requires scaling by a dentist.
Examples:
- “The dentist removed tartar buildup from the back molars.”
- “Good brushing and flossing prevent tartar formation.”
- “Tartar accumulation can lead to gum disease.”
In quick crosswords like “Deposit on the teeth (6),” clues tend to rely on straightforward medical or biological terms rather than wordplay:
- Definition: “Deposit on the teeth” provides the plain meaning with no cryptic component.
- Direct-solving clue: This form of clue appears frequently in quick puzzles, offering accessibility alongside accurate technical vocabulary.
- Elimination method: While words like plaque (6) also fit semantically, only tartar matches the clue’s intended meaning of hardened and mineralized deposit, not the soft bacterial film.
