Taking good care of your teeth and gums is the foundation of good health. When you don’t prioritize your oral health, you set the stage for problems like plaque and tartar buildup.
While people often use the words “plaque” and “tartar” to mean the same thing, they are actually different. This article will explain the differences between plaque and tartar, how each one forms, and what you can do to prevent them.
If you don’t remove plaque and tartar, you can develop cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues.
What is dental plaque?
Plaque is a soft, sticky film that coats your teeth. It’s made up of bacteria, bits of food, and saliva. Plaque starts forming between 4 and 12 hours after you brush your teeth, so it’s pretty much always there.
Plaque is the bad guy when it comes to oral health. If you don’t get rid of it, it’ll harden into tartar, and that’s when the real problems begin.
How plaque forms and builds up
Plaque forms when the bacteria in your mouth feast on sugary and starchy foods. As they eat, they produce acids that wear away at your tooth enamel.
If you don’t brush and floss well enough, plaque builds up, especially in those hard-to-reach spots in your mouth.
What plaque looks and feels like
Plaque is usually colorless or a pale yellow. If you run your tongue over your teeth, plaque feels fuzzy or sticky.
What is dental tartar?
Tartar, which is also called calculus, is essentially hardened plaque.
Once plaque has hardened into tartar, it’s very difficult to remove with just brushing and flossing.
Tartar forms when plaque isn’t removed from the surfaces of your teeth and then mineralizes.
Formation and buildup
If plaque isn’t removed through brushing and flossing, it can harden into tartar in as little as 72 hours.
The minerals in your saliva contribute to the hardening of plaque into tartar.
Appearance and feel
Tartar is usually yellow or brown.
It feels rough and hard when you touch it with your tongue.
Tartar often forms along the gumline, where it can irritate your gums and lead to gum disease.
Plaque vs. Tartar: What’s the Difference?
Both plaque and tartar can cause problems in your mouth, but they’re not the same thing. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences.
Formation and Buildup
Plaque is a soft film that forms quickly on your teeth. Tartar, on the other hand, is hardened plaque. It takes time for plaque to mineralize and turn into tartar.
Appearance and Feel
Plaque is usually colorless or pale yellow, and it feels sticky when you run your tongue over your teeth. Tartar is yellow or brown, and it feels rough.
Removal Methods
You can remove plaque by brushing and flossing regularly. Tartar, however, is much harder to remove and requires a professional dental cleaning. Dentists often use scaling and root planing to remove tartar.
Impact on Oral Health
Both plaque and tartar can lead to oral health problems. However, tartar is more difficult to manage and can cause more severe issues, such as periodontitis (gum disease). Tartar can also cause tooth sensitivity, gum recession, and tooth discoloration. So, regular brushing and flossing are essential to remove plaque before it hardens into tartar.
What causes plaque and tartar buildup?
Plaque and tartar are caused by a few factors, but here are some of the most common:
Diet
Foods high in sugar and starch feed the bacteria in your mouth, which contributes to the buildup of plaque and tartar. That’s why dentists always tell you to limit sugary and starchy foods.
Poor oral hygiene
If you aren’t brushing twice a day for two minutes each time, you’re giving plaque a chance to accumulate. Flossing every day is also important to remove plaque from between the teeth.
Other factors
Some people are more prone to plaque and tartar buildup than others, thanks to:
- Braces. Braces can make it harder to clean your teeth effectively.
- Infrequent dental visits. Regular checkups and cleanings are important to remove plaque and tartar that you can’t remove at home.
- Tooth shape and alignment. If your teeth are crowded or misaligned, it can create areas that are hard to reach with a toothbrush or floss.
- Dry mouth. Saliva helps to wash away food particles and neutralize acids in the mouth. If you have dry mouth, you may be more prone to plaque and tartar buildup.
What happens if plaque and tartar aren’t removed?
When plaque and tartar are allowed to build up on your teeth, it can lead to a variety of oral health problems.
Cavities (tooth decay)
The acids found in plaque erode the enamel that protects your teeth, eventually leading to cavities.
Gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis)
Plaque and tartar irritate your gums, which can cause inflammation (gingivitis). If gingivitis isn’t treated, it can turn into periodontitis, which damages the bones and tissues that hold your teeth in place.
Tooth loss
Periodontitis can cause your teeth to loosen, eventually leading to tooth loss.
Cosmetic effects
Plaque and tartar are often the cause of bad breath (halitosis). Tartar can also stain your teeth and cause discoloration.
Prevention and Treatment Strategies
Plaque and tartar can cause some serious damage to your teeth and gums. Luckily, there are ways to prevent and treat them.
Managing Plaque at Home
- Brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day for at least two minutes. Be sure to use a fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss every day to get rid of plaque between your teeth.
- Consider using an electric toothbrush, which can often remove plaque more effectively.
- Rinse with mouthwash to kill bacteria and freshen your breath.
Professional Tartar Removal
Get regular dental cleanings to remove tartar, especially in hard-to-reach spots. During these cleanings, your dentist will use a procedure called scaling and root planing to remove tartar from your teeth.
Lifestyle Changes
- Cut down on sugary foods and drinks.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Quit smoking, as smoking can lead to increased plaque and tartar buildup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I scrape plaque off my teeth?
Yes, you can remove plaque from your teeth at home! Brushing and flossing are key for disrupting the plaque biofilm. However, once plaque hardens into tartar, it becomes much more difficult to remove on your own. Regular dental cleanings are essential for removing tartar buildup.
What removes 100% more plaque?
No single method removes 100% of plaque. However, a combination of good oral hygiene practices gets you pretty darn close. This includes brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, using an interdental brush or water flosser, and scheduling regular dental checkups. Power toothbrushes may also offer a slight advantage in plaque removal over manual toothbrushes.
Is it normal to have plaque on your teeth?
Unfortunately, yes. Plaque is constantly forming on your teeth. It’s a sticky film of bacteria that builds up throughout the day and night. That’s why consistent oral hygiene is so important to disrupt the plaque before it hardens and causes problems.
How long does it take for plaque to turn into tartar?
Plaque can begin to harden into tartar in as little as 24 to 72 hours! The rate at which it hardens varies from person to person, influenced by factors like saliva composition and oral hygiene habits. This rapid transformation is why daily brushing and flossing are so crucial.
What happens if plaque builds up?
If plaque builds up and isn’t removed, it can lead to a host of problems. These include tooth decay (cavities), gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis), bad breath, and even tooth loss. Long-term neglect can also contribute to systemic health issues. Keeping plaque at bay is essential for both your oral and overall health.
Final Thoughts
Plaque and tartar may both be unwelcome guests in your mouth, but they’re not the same thing. Plaque is that soft, sticky film you can brush and floss away, while tartar is hardened plaque that only a dental professional can remove.
The best way to keep both plaque and tartar at bay is to practice good oral hygiene every day and see your dentist regularly.
Preventing plaque and tartar protects your teeth and gums, reducing your risk of cavities, gum disease, and even tooth loss. A little prevention today can go a long way toward a healthier, brighter smile tomorrow.