Plaque and tartar might seem like they are the same thing. Any toothpaste that says it fights plaque also says it fights tartar. And both form on your teeth. So what is the difference between these two, and how does that impact the health of your teeth? Understanding the difference between plaque and tartar is essential for anyone who brushes their teeth. Because you can brush plaque off simply, but no matter how much you brush, you won’t remove tartar unless you visit the dentist’s office. Here is what you need to know about these two.
What is Plaque? Understanding the Definition of PlaqueWhat Is Plaque?
If you run your tongue along your teeth, you may feel a slightly fuzzy surface. This is plaque. It usually blends right in with the colour of your teeth and is hard to see. But you can feel that it is a thin layer of build-up. It may be gross to think about, but this is a layer comprised of a few different ingredients:
Saliva
Bacteria (good and bad)
Food particles
Plaque is normal, but we do need to remove it from our mouths. What happens is the bacteria in the plaque feed on food bits and then secretes acids. The acid can wear down our enamel, which is the thin, white layer of protection on our teeth. If you wear down enamel completely, it cannot remineralize and you don’t get it back. So, it is essential to protect it by removing that layer of plaque.
When you leave plaque in place, it can make many oral health problems that you may already have much worse. It can also create problems of its own. When you ignore plaque, you are risking:
Gum Disease: Both mild gum disease and more severe gum disease can be caused by plaque. Gingivitis and periodontal disease, the two kinds of gum disease, can both cause pain, swelling, infection and more. If you have gum disease, controlling plaque is essential.
Bad Breath: Plaque is a home for bad bacteria and good bacteria. The bad kind that does not support our health can cause bad breath. Clearing out plaque more regularly can keep this under control.
Plaque is always a natural development on your teeth. However, you can accelerate how much develops and how much it feeds bad bacteria by eating more sugary foods and eating them for longer through the day. In essence, you want to cut down on sugars and avoid continuously snacking. Instead, brush your teeth after every meal to remove the sugars which contribute the most to plaque development.
If you do not remove plaque, you get tartar.
What Is Tartar?
Of the two, you should be most concerned with tartar. But only because tartar is what happens when plaque calcifies and hardens. It attaches to your teeth more permanently and is impossible to remove by brushing. In fact, tartar development can prevent you from accessing your teeth properly with your toothbrush or your floss. Tartar is also porous and allows in more bacteria, allowing more of the bad bacteria to grow and potentially causing many other issues.
Tartar can be anywhere on your teeth but tends to form on the chewing surfaces or along the gum line. When left untreated, there are a handful of bad outcomes you might experience, including:
Bad breath
Bleeding from gums
Swollen gums
Gum recession
Gum detachment
Pockets formed in gums
Tooth mobility
Tooth loss
Cavities
Tartar can cause and contribute to many different oral diseases, especially gum disease. It is critical to have tartar removed especially because it may require several treatments to resolve.
Brushing And Flossing For Plaque
You can remove plaque on your own at home without any special tools or instructions. Brushing and flossing your teeth promote the health of your teeth, and one of the most important results of excellent oral hygiene is removing plaque. So, all you need to do is brush and floss properly and regularly.
Proper brushing includes:
Using a soft bristle or an electric toothbrush
Brushing twice per day or more
Brushing for two whole minutes or more
Brushing all areas of your teeth
Choosing the right fluoride toothpaste
Proper flossing includes:
Bending the floss around the whole tooth
Flossing both sides of each tooth
Allowing the floss to dip below the gums
It can help to go into your dentist’s office and take their recommendations about how often you need to brush and how your specific technique can improve. We tend to develop our brushing habits over time and that can result in completely missing sections of our mouth or spots on our teeth when we brush.
How To Remove Tartar?
Once you have developed tartar, you will not be able to get it off at home. A dentist’s office has special tools dedicated to tartar removal, including scalers. These tools are powerful and, in untrained hands, could do serious damage to your teeth and enamel. You need professional attention to ensure your tartar has been removed without damaging your teeth or gums.
Avoiding Plaque And Tartar
You can always avoid the development of more plaque and tartar. The absolute best way to do this is to follow proper brushing and flossing techniques and get in to see your dental hygienist for regular cleanings. However, there are a handful of other things you could consider doing if plaque and tartar have been a problem for you, including:
Make dietary changes: Sugar and other carbohydrates contribute the most to plaque development and provide fuel for bad bacteria. Few people want to cut out carbs entirely but limiting your sugar intake can help. It can also help to avoid frequent sugary snacks and to brush your teeth after you’ve eaten.
Mouthwash: If you use an antiseptic mouthwash which destroys bacteria, you can lower the number of bad bacteria in your mouth.
Avoid smoking: Those who smoke are more likely to have plaque and tartar problems.
Understanding The Difference Between Plaque And Tartar
Doctor Christopher Li, DDS Dr. Chris, as he is affectionately known, is a licensed dentist with over 20 years experience. His caring personality makes even the most tentative person at ease. Patients are constantly commenting about how Dr. Chris is incredible at delivering pain-free freezing, and how he has an amazing chair-side manner. Dr. Chris loves sharing information with his patients and everyone who has teeth about how to care for their teeth, avoid tooth decay, and the treatments available to help them overcome their tooth pain or other dental issues so they can enjoy life and food to its fullest!
Never miss a good story!
Subscribe to our newsletter to keep up with the latest trends!
risk, tooth, disease, hygiene, bacteria, gums, periodontal disease, calculus, bad breath, gingivitis, periodontology, tooth decay, oral hygiene, tooth brushing, dental floss, tooth enamel, orthodontics, therapy, difference between plaque and tartar, mouth, toothbrush, tooth loss, toothpaste, saliva, dental plaque, scaling and root planing, recession, tooth whitening, patient, acid, veneer, xerostomia, brush, inflammation, electric toothbrush, dentures, teeth cleaning, infection, fluoride, crown, surgery, mineral, dental sealant, dental hygienist, signs and symptoms, amalgam, mouthwash, diet, root, temporomandibular joint, cosmetic dentistry, tissue, wisdom tooth, tongue, bleeding, bruxism, dental emergency, risk factor, root canal, tooth discoloration, request an appointment, dental implants, buildup, endodontics, calcium, bridge, mouthguard, laser, blood, cardiovascular disease, healthy diet, restorative dentistry, exam, dental bonding, centers for disease control and prevention, molar, chewing gum, eating, biofilm, tin, sedation, clinic, health professional, jaw, pain, toothache, chewing, stress, inlays and onlays, debris, cleveland clinic, dental plaque vs tartar, plaque vs tartar teeth, plaque vs tartar, plaque vs tartar on teeth, difference between tartar and plaque, life insurance, dental implants dental, health insurance, health care, medicare, dental insurance, starch, prosthodontics, research, dental erosion, juice, pulp, stain, bread, diabetes, vinegar, sedation dentistry, oil, digestion
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between plaque and tartar?
Plaque is the sticky, colorless film that forms on teeth and can be removed by brushing. In contrast, tartar is hardened plaque that cannot be removed by brushing and requires professional dental cleaning to prevent oral health issues.
How can one tell the difference between plaque and tartar?
Plaque is a soft, sticky film that can be brushed off, while tartar is hardened plaque that cannot be removed at home. Plaque feels fuzzy on teeth due to bacteria, saliva, and food particles. Failure to remove plaque leads to tartar buildup, which can cause various oral health problems.
What is plaque versus tartar when considering oral hygiene?
Plaque is a sticky film made up of saliva, bacteria, and food particles that can be brushed off at home. Tartar, on the other hand, is hardened plaque that requires professional removal. Failure to manage plaque can lead to gum disease, bad breath, and other oral health issues associated with tartar buildup.
How can dentists remove tartar buildup?
Dentists use specialized tools like scalers to remove tartar buildup effectively. Regular dental cleanings are essential for tartar removal, as it cannot be removed at home. Proper brushing and flossing prevent tartar formation, promoting overall oral health and preventing serious issues like gum disease.
Can plaque harden into tartar?
Plaque can harden into tartar if not removed. While plaque is easily brushed away, tartar requires a dentist's intervention for removal. Tartar is a more serious issue as it can harbor harmful bacteria leading to gum disease and other oral health problems.
Do pets experience plaque and tartar differently?
Pets experience plaque and tartar similarly to humans. Plaque buildup can lead to tartar formation, causing oral health issues like gum disease, bad breath, and tooth loss in animals. Regular dental care, proper diet, and veterinary checkups are essential for preventing and managing these problems in pets.
What causes tartar development on teeth?
Tartar develops on teeth when plaque is not removed. Plaque, a sticky film, harbors bacteria, food particles, and saliva. If left, it hardens into tartar. Brushing and flossing help prevent plaque buildup and subsequent tartar formation, but professional cleaning is needed to remove tartar.
Are plaque and tartar equally harmful?
Plaque and tartar are not equally harmful. While plaque can lead to gum disease and other oral health issues, tartar is more concerning as it cannot be removed at home and can worsen existing problems, such as bad breath, gum recession, and tooth loss. Regular dental cleanings are essential to remove tartar.
What tools effectively remove tartar?
A dentist’s office has special tools dedicated to tartar removal, including scalers that are powerful yet require expertise to prevent damage to teeth and enamel. Regular brushing and flossing prevent tartar buildup, but once it forms, professional intervention is necessary for effective removal.
How quickly does plaque become tartar?
Plaque can quickly turn into tartar within a matter of days if not properly removed. Brushing and flossing regularly help prevent plaque buildup, avoiding the formation of hard-to-remove tartar. Professional dental cleanings are necessary to remove tartar once it has developed.
Can flossing prevent tartar formation?
Flossing can help prevent tartar formation by removing plaque buildup between teeth that can eventually harden into tartar. Regular flossing alongside brushing can impede the progression of plaque to tartar, promoting better oral health and reducing the risk of tartar-related issues.
Are there stages of plaque and tartar?
Plaque and tartar form in stages, with plaque being the initial stage that can be brushed off but can progress to tartar if not removed. Tartar is a more advanced stage that requires professional removal at a dentist's office.
How do plaque and tartar affect gums?
Plaque and tartar can lead to gum disease, causing issues like swollen gums, gum recession, pockets forming, and even tooth loss. Tartar, especially, allows more bad bacteria to grow, worsening gum problems. Regular brushing and flossing are crucial to prevent these negative effects on gums.
What symptoms indicate tartar presence?
When tartar is present, symptoms may include bad breath, bleeding from gums, swollen and receding gums, formation of pockets in gums, tooth mobility, tooth loss, and an increased risk of cavities. Tartar can contribute to various oral diseases, particularly gum disease, leading to these symptoms.
Can certain foods reduce plaque accumulation?
Yes, certain foods can help reduce plaque accumulation. Cutting down on sugars and carbohydrates can decrease plaque development. Additionally, using an antiseptic mouthwash can lower the levels of harmful bacteria in the mouth, aiding in plaque control.
How does brushing impact tartar formation?
When plaque is not removed through brushing, it hardens into tartar, which cannot be removed at home. Tartar provides a porous surface for more bacteria to thrive, accelerating oral issues like gum disease and tooth decay. Regular brushing prevents plaque buildup and reduces tartar formation.
Is tartar removal painful?
Tartar removal is generally not painful when performed by a professional dentist. Dentists use specialized tools, such as scalers, to effectively remove tartar without causing discomfort. Maintaining regular dental checkups and cleanings can help prevent tartar buildup and reduce the risk of discomfort during removal procedures.
What are common plaque and tartar treatments?
Common plaque and tartar treatments include regular dental cleanings to remove tartar, making dietary changes to reduce plaque buildup, using antiseptic mouthwash to lower bad bacteria, and seeking professional removal of tartar through tools like scalers in a dentist's office.
Can mouthwash combat plaque and tartar?
Mouthwash can help combat plaque and tartar by reducing the number of bad bacteria in the mouth. Antiseptic mouthwashes can destroy bacteria, contributing to better oral hygiene and potentially limiting plaque and tartar buildup. Regular use alongside proper brushing and flossing can be beneficial in preventing these issues.
How to distinguish plaque from tartar visually?
Plaque is a soft, sticky film on teeth that can be brushed off, whereas tartar is a hard, yellow or brown deposit that cannot be removed by brushing and needs professional dental cleaning. Plaque feels fuzzy, while tartar feels rough and may form along the gum line.
Does rinsing help prevent tartar build-up?
Rinsing helps prevent tartar build-up by reducing the number of bad bacteria in the mouth. Using an antiseptic mouthwash can lower the amount of bacteria that contribute to plaque formation, aiding in the prevention of tartar accumulation.
How often should tartar be professionally cleaned?
Tartar should be professionally cleaned by a dentist on a regular basis, typically recommended every six months during your dental check-up and cleaning appointments. Regular cleanings help prevent tartar buildup, which can lead to various oral health issues if left untreated.
Do smokers have more plaque and tartar?
Smokers are more likely to have increased plaque and tartar buildup compared to non-smokers. Smoking can lead to reduced saliva flow, which hinders the natural cleansing of the mouth. This can result in a higher accumulation of plaque and tartar, potentially contributing to oral health issues and complications.
Are plaque and tartar color different?
Plaque is colorless, while tartar typically appears as a yellow or brown buildup on the teeth. This color variation arises from the composition and accumulation of bacteria and other substances on the teeth, distinguishing plaque's translucent nature from tartar's more noticeable coloring.
Can tartar form below the gumline?
Yes, tartar can form below the gumline, leading to various oral health issues such as gum disease. It is crucial to have tartar professionally removed by a dentist to prevent further complications. Regular dental cleanings are essential in maintaining healthy teeth and gums.
What dietary changes reduce tartar buildup?
Making dietary changes by reducing sugar and carbohydrates helps reduce tartar buildup. Additionally, using antiseptic mouthwash can target bad bacteria in the mouth, further aiding in controlling tartar formation. These adjustments can support overall oral health and prevent complications associated with tartar accumulation.
How does saliva influence plaque and tartar?
Saliva contributes to plaque by helping to break down food particles and providing a moist environment for bacteria to thrive, leading to plaque formation. Additionally, saliva helps to buffer acids in the mouth, which can prevent the buildup of tartar by neutralizing acid attacks on the teeth.
Can sugar intake affect tartar development?
Sugar intake can indeed affect tartar development by fueling the growth of bad bacteria in the mouth. This contributes to plaque formation, which if not removed, can harden into tartar. High sugar consumption increases the risk of developing tartar and other oral health issues.
Does tartar affect tooth sensitivity?
Yes, tartar can affect tooth sensitivity by exposing the tooth roots to temperature changes and pressure, leading to discomfort. Tartar buildup can irritate the gums, causing them to recede and expose the sensitive roots of the teeth, making them more prone to sensitivity.
Can children develop tartar as adults do?
Children can develop tartar just as adults do if proper oral hygiene is not maintained. Plaque buildup can lead to tartar formation, which, if left untreated, can cause various oral health issues. Regular dental checkups and proper brushing and flossing are essential for preventing tartar in both children and adults.
tartar and plaque, what is difference between plaque and tartar, is plaque and tartar the same thing, what is plaque and tartar, what is difference between tartar and plaque, platque, tartar plaque difference, is plaque or tartar worse, is plaque and tartar the same, dental plaque tartar, what is plaque, the difference between tartar and plaque, what is the difference between plaque and tartar, plaque vs tartar, tartar vs plague, tartar plaque, how to tell the difference between plaque and tartar, what is the plaque, whats tartar, are plaque and tartar the same thing, plaque and tartar difference, is tartar and plaque the same, is tartar the same as plaque, what are plaque and tartar, what is the difference between tartar and plaque, difference between tartar and calculus, what does tartar look like, what does tartar feel like, tartar or plaque, difference plaque and tartar, tarter on teeth, plaque and tartar on teeth, plaque or tartar, whats the difference between plaque and tartar, the difference between plaque and tartar, cat plaque vs tartar, tartar plaque teeth, difference in plaque and tartar, what is tartar, difference tartar and plaque, what is tartar dental, tartar va plaque, tartar dental, difference between dental plaque and tartar, is tartar and plaque the same thing, what does teeth plaque look like, tartar vs plaque pictures, tartar teeth, what does plaque feel like, plaque tartar on teeth, difference between tartar and plaque, difference between plaque and tartar on teeth, is tartar worse than plaque, gingivitis tartar plaque, what does tooth plaque look like, dental plaque vs tartar, plaque vs tartar teeth, tartar and plaque difference, tartar vs plaque, tartar versus plaque, can tartar be white, dental tartar vs plaque, what does plaque look like on teeth, bad tartar, tartarli, what does plaque and tartar look like, is plaque the same as tartar, what is the difference between dental plaque and tartar, plaque teeth, plaque tartar, what is tartar and plaque, teeth and plaque, difference between debris and plaque, plaque tartar difference, what is tartar teeth, whats the difference between tartar and plaque, tartar vs plaque teeth, tartar and calculus difference, what is tartar vs plaque, difference between plaque and tarter, plaque vs tarter, what is tar tar, plaque vs enamel, plaque and tarter, teeth plaque vs tartar, tartar vs. plaque, what is plaques, plaque va tartar, plaque and plaque difference, plaque it, tartar between teeth, plaque fighting toothbrush, plaquees, plaque between teeth, what does plaque on teeth look like, plaque vs placard, does plaque become tartar, tartar on teeth, what does plaque, plack, what is the difference between plaque and tarter, is tartar plaque, which is worse plaque or tartar, tooth tartar vs plaque, perbedaan plak dan karang gigi, plague vs tartar, tarter vs plaque, difference between tartar and plaque on teeth, plauqe, what colour is plaque, plaque and tartar, mild tartar buildup, what does dental plaque look like, is plaque tartar, what does plaque look like, tartar v plaque, plaque dentist, define plaque, tooth plaque vs tartar, i brush and floss and still get plaque, what does plaque look like on your teeth, can hard plaque be removed, are tartar and plaque the same thing, difference between calculus and plaque, is tartar normal, what does dental tartar look like, plaque versus tartar, tartar color, tartar symptoms, what colour is tartar, plaque in between teeth, plaqie, removing plaque at home, what is the difference between tartar and calculus, is tartar or plaque worse, mouth tartar, is tartar same as plaque, mild tartar on teeth, enamel vs plaque, what is plack, at home plaque removal, how to get rid of hardened plaque at home, is there a difference between plaque and tartar, does tartar cause pain, what is hard plaque
The Importance of Regular Dental Checkups
Regular dental checkups are essential for maintaining good oral health and preventing the buildup of plaque and tartar. During a checkup, your dentist will thoroughly examine your teeth and gums to identify any potential issues early on. They can also remove any tartar buildup that you may not be able to get rid of at home through regular brushing and flossing. By staying on top of your dental checkups, you can ensure that your mouth stays healthy and free of plaque and tartar.
In addition to removing tartar, regular dental cleanings can also help prevent gum disease, cavities, and other oral health issues. Your dentist can provide personalized recommendations for brushing and flossing techniques to ensure that you are effectively removing plaque from your teeth. By following their advice and attending regular checkups, you can maintain a healthy smile for years to come.
Tips for Avoiding Plaque and Tartar Buildup
One of the best ways to avoid plaque and tartar buildup is to practice good oral hygiene habits at home. This includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily to remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth. Additionally, using an antimicrobial mouthwash can help kill bacteria that contribute to plaque formation.
Another important factor in preventing plaque and tartar buildup is watching your diet. Limiting sugary and starchy foods can help reduce the amount of plaque-causing bacteria in your mouth. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can also help rinse away food particles and keep your mouth clean. By combining these habits with regular dental checkups, you can keep plaque and tartar at bay and maintain a healthy smile.
