Plaque vs. Tartar: What Your Dental Specialist Wants You to Know

When it comes to maintaining healthy teeth, understanding the difference between plaque and tartar is crucial. While both are common dental concerns, they have distinct characteristics and pose different risks to your oral health. So, let’s take a closer look at what plaque and tartar are, how they affect your teeth, and why keeping them under control is so important for your overall dental well-being.

What Is Plaque?

Plaque is a sticky, colorless film of bacteria that forms on your teeth throughout the day. It starts forming soon after you eat or drink, as food particles and sugars combine with the bacteria naturally present in your mouth. If plaque isn’t removed through regular brushing and flossing, it can lead to various dental issues.

How Plaque Forms:

• Bacteria Build-Up: The bacteria in your mouth feed on the sugars and starches left behind from food. As they consume these sugars, they produce acids that can erode the enamel on your teeth and irritate your gums.


• Sticky Film: Plaque is often a clear, sticky film that adheres to the surface of your teeth, particularly along the gumline. It’s usually not visible unless it hardens into tartar or causes discoloration due to food or drink.

What Happens if Plaque Isn’t Removed:

If plaque is not brushed and flossed away, it can lead to:

• Cavities (Tooth Decay): Plaque creates acids that break down tooth enamel, causing cavities.


• Gum Disease: Plaque can irritate the gums, leading to gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease. If not addressed, it can progress to more severe periodontal disease.


• Bad Breath: The bacteria in plaque can contribute to bad breath due to the acids and food particles trapped in the plaque.

How to Prevent Plaque:

• Brushing: Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.


• Flossing: Floss daily to remove plaque from areas between your teeth that a toothbrush can’t reach.


• Regular Dental Check-ups: Professional cleanings at Omkarananda Dental Care help remove plaque that your toothbrush might miss. For expert teeth cleaning in Bistupur, contact us today

What Is Tartar?

Tartar, also known as calculus, is hardened plaque that has been left on your teeth for too long. If plaque isn’t removed within 24 to 72 hours, it begins to harden into tartar due to the minerals present in your saliva. Unlike plaque, tartar is visible and can only be removed by a dental professional.

How Tartar Forms:

• Plaque Hardens: When plaque is not removed through brushing and flossing, it absorbs minerals from saliva, which causes it to harden and form tartar.


• Deposits on Teeth: Tartar typically forms around the gumline, on the back of your teeth, and in between teeth. It can be yellow or brown in color, depending on the food and drink consumed.

What Happens if Tartar Isn’t Removed:

• Gum Disease Progression: Tartar irritates the gums and can lead to more severe gum disease, such as periodontitis, which can cause tooth loss if left untreated.


• Cavities: As tartar continues to build up, it can make it harder to remove plaque and food particles, contributing to the formation of cavities.


• Stained Teeth: Tartar can cause staining on your teeth, especially if you consume foods and drinks like coffee, tea, or tobacco.

How to Prevent Tartar:

• Daily Brushing and Flossing: Brushing and flossing regularly help prevent plaque from hardening into tartar.


• Professional Cleanings: The only way to remove tartar is through a professional cleaning by your dentist or dental hygienist.


• Use of Tartar-Control Toothpaste: Some toothpastes are specifically formulated to help prevent tartar buildup by reducing plaque.

Plaque vs. Tartar: Key Differences

While plaque and tartar both pose risks to your dental health, there are several key differences between the two:

Why Removing Plaque and Tartar is Essential

If plaque and tartar are not properly managed, they can lead to several oral health problems, including:

1. Gum Disease

Plaque buildup along the gumline can cause gum inflammation, leading to gingivitis. As plaque hardens into tartar, it can cause the gums to pull away from the teeth, leading to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease that can result in tooth loss.

2. Cavities

The acids produced by plaque bacteria can demineralize your tooth enamel, leading to cavities. Tartar can also make it harder to clean the areas between your teeth, increasing the risk of decay.

3. Tooth Sensitivity

If tartar accumulates near the gumline, it can cause gum recession, which exposes the more sensitive parts of your teeth. This can lead to discomfort when eating hot, cold, or acidic foods.

4. Bad Breath

Both plaque and tartar can contribute to bad breath (halitosis) because they harbor bacteria and food particles that produce unpleasant odors.

Conclusion: Keep Plaque and Tartar in Check

Understanding the differences between plaque and tartar is essential for maintaining good oral health. Plaque is a soft, sticky film that can be removed with regular brushing and flossing, while tartar is hardened plaque that requires professional cleaning to be removed.

To prevent plaque buildup, remember to brush and floss at least twice a day, avoid sugary foods, and visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings. Taking these steps will not only keep your smile looking great but also protect you from the risks of tartar buildup and the dental problems it can cause.