When it comes to the care of your teeth, you probably have heard your dentist talk about plaque and tartar. Many people get the idea that they are the same thing, but they are not. Understanding the difference can help you keep your smile healthy for years by preventing cavities and gum disease.
What is plaque?
Plaque is a soft, sticky film that forms on your teeth each day.
It is made up of the following: bacteria, food particles, and saliva
Every time you eat or drink anything sweet or starchy, the bacteria in plaque produce acids. Acids attack your tooth enamel and can lead to cavities if plaque is not cleaned away.
Key Features of Plaque:
Soft and sticky
Colourless or pale yellow
Forms daily
Easily removed by brushing and flossing
Why Plaque Is a Problem?
If plaque sits too long on teeth, it can cause: Cavities, bad breath, gum inflammation, and the formation of tartar. Plaque is normal, but it must be cleaned regularly.
What Is Tartar?
Tartar, also called calculus, is hardened plaque.
If this plaque is not removed within a period of 24–72 hours, it starts to mineralise because of the minerals in your saliva. Once plaque becomes tartar, it becomes rough and hard; it also firmly clings to your teeth, especially around the gumline.
Key Features of Tartar:
Hard and rough
Yellow or brown in colour
Cannot be removed by brushing
Needs professional cleaning by a dentist
Why Tartar Is More Serious?
Tartar leads to gum disease, receding gums, sensitive teeth, persistent bad breath, and a breeding ground for more bacteria
Tartar also makes the teeth more difficult to clean, leading to more plaque buildup and resulting in dental problems.
How to Prevent Both Plaque and Tartar?
The good news? You can control plaque and prevent tartar with simple habits:
1. Brush Twice a Day: Use a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque before it hardens.
2. Floss Daily: Floss reaches the spaces a toothbrush can’t, where plaque loves to hide.
3. Avoid sugary and sticky foods: Bacteria feed on sugar. Less sugar = less plaque build-up.
4. Hydrate plenty with water: Water washes the food particles away and also balances the saliva.
5. Visit your dentist regularly: Only a dentist or hygienist can safely and effectively remove tartar.
Why This Matters?
Plaque is something you can control.
Tartar is the result of disregarding plaque. Knowing the difference helps in safeguarding your teeth against decay, gum disease, and long-term dental problems. A few minutes of daily care can save you from pain, discomfort, and expensive treatments later.
Healthy teeth start with a simple habit, and it all begins with knowing what’s happening inside your mouth.
Keeping plaque under control is simple, but once it turns into tartar, only a dental professional can remove it safely. That’s why daily brushing, flossing, and regular check-ups matter so much. At Gentle and Caring Dentistry, you receive the gentle guidance and care needed to prevent buildups and protect your smile. Small, consistent habits today help ensure healthier teeth and gums for years to come.
