If you truly have tartar (calculus), then you can do one of two things. Enzymes are the key to loosening it. Be careful not to hurt yourself. On my cat's teeth, I used to use a big needle, but it was thick and would chunk off fairly easily after it got softened with enzymes; Thin tarter is harder to get off. 

Option #1 

Buy some enzyme toothpaste for dogs or cats. here is a good one:

http://www.discountpetdrugs.com/ento39.html

(I have done this years ago and I can tell tell you get the malt flavor and not poultry, and it still ain't tasty)

Also get some spray that is supposed to loosen up the tater first. i recommend it:

http://www.petfooddirect.com/store/product1.asp?pf_id=31340201&affiliateC... 

http://www99.shopping.com/xDN-Personal_Care-Dog%20Toothpaste~r-1~CLT-INTR~RFR... 

You can also get these items at your local veterinarian. 

You may need to use a Dental Scaler: 

http://www.scissorsales.com/dental.html  

http://www.homedental.com/detailscaler.asp  

Order yourself an ionic toothbrush and some Neydent. (Neydent also contains enzymes). 

http://curezone.com/forums/fm.asp?i=811537 

You can also get an ionic toothbrush on ebay (do not get sonic). Neydent has to be ordered overseas, but I have ordered it there for 20 years, no big deal, no prescription needed just fill out the form. 

Ok, now, you take the spray and swish it around a while. Then wait 5 minutes. Take out your trusty dog paste and put some all over your teeth, be liberal. Let it sit at least 5 minutes, 10 if you have a lot of build up. Now, take your ionic toothbrush (make sure you have water on it and on your thumb where the metal on the handle is) and put more doggy toothpaste on it and brush away. You should brush sort of hard, but not too hard. You are going to have to brush slightly under the gum line and your teeth should bleed. Don't brush too hard there, a little more gentle, use your best judgment. Brush for 5 minutes at least. don't swallow any (I know, who'd want to). Don't rinse for a half hour. Repeat this 2 or 3 times until the tartar and plaque is gone. You don't want to use it often, because it makes the teeth sensitive. They will go back to normal later. So for mantenance, you can use it every few months. 

Option #2 

Go to the Dentist and have them cleaned (you might need a deep cleaning). 

Whichever option you choose, use the Neydent toothpaste and ionic toothbrush; Those two items will keep your mouth and teeth cleaner than anything on the market . 

If you chose option 1, it will definitely keep you thinking more about taking better care of your teeth in the future. 

Torrie