March 7, 2025
Human teeth are quite tough because they are covered with the hardest elements in the body – enamel. This is one of the reasons why our teeth can withstand various wear and tear. However, poor oral health can affect this sturdiness. When you do not clean your teeth daily, it will create a base for plaque accumulation. If you do not treat it in a timely manner, it will turn into tartar. Since tartar is non-reversible, it can adversely affect your oral health and cause several gum diseases. However, it is equally important to learn details aboutplaque vs. tartar to know the targeted solution. Check out this guide for more details.
What is Plaque and its Causes?
Plaque is a thick biofilm caused by the build-up of bacterial infection. There are plenty of reasons for plaque build-up. For instance, not maintaining oral hygiene, eating sticky and sugary food, and not visiting the dental clinic for regular check-ups.
Even though plaque build-up is natural, you must clean it to prevent further complications. In case you already have plaque growth, you can opt for the dental hygiene treatment so that no addiitonal damage can take place.
What is Tartar, and What are its Causes?
Also known as dental calculus, dental tartar is what forms when dental plaque builds up and hardens. Only a dental professional can remove tartar once it has formed. In severe cases, tooth loss may also take place. In this condition, dental crowns and bridges can be used to restore the appearance of your smile.
Poor oral health is one of the biggest reasons. When you do not have flossing and brushing in your routine, the plaque that is built will turn into tartar after combining with various minerals and substances found in the saliva. In case you smoke excessively, have crowned teeth, braces, or dry mouth, you are more prone to the build-up of tartar.
What is the Difference between Tartar and Plaque?
Knowing the difference between plaque and tartar will help you understand the causes, complications, solutions, and other relevant aspects. Below are some pointers that highlight the differences:
Build-up
One of the major differences is created by the way they accumulate on your teeth. When it comes to plaque, it starts building up naturally on your teeth by consuming excessive carbohydrates and sugary foods and beverages. This is easy to remove, but you will need to make flossing and brushing a daily habit.
Dental tartar, on the other hand, is accumulated on your teeth when you do not clean or remove the plaque from the teeth. Over time, this plaque will become hard. This thick biofilm cannot be removed with brushing or flossing. Instead, you will need professional dental hygiene treatment for its removal.
Look and Feel
When you see the plaque, it appears like a slimy layer around or on the teeth. It is soft and thin in texture. In addition to this, plaque is typically pale yellow, white, or completely transparent. When you brush daily, it will come off easily.
When it comes to dental tartar, it looks quite crusty in texture and hard when touched. Due to this, your teeth will also look discoloured. Keep in mind that dental tartar stains do not go away easily, and only professional treatment is required.
Removal Methods and Treatments
Plaque on teeth is a reversible condition. This means you can remove the regular build-up by flossing and brushing twice a day. Furthermore, you can prevent bacterial accumulation by using a fluoride mouthwash.
Unfortunately, this is not the case with dental tartar. Hence, you will need to visit a certified and experienced dentist to get it removed professionally and completely through preventive dentistry or other relevant solutions. Since tartar sticks to tooth enamel strongly, it is not recommended to remove it at home as it can increase the risk of further complications.
Is Tartar the Same as Plaque?
After reading the differences, you will surely learn that they are not similar. Speaking about which condition is worse, tartar is undeniably quite difficult to remove. Additionally, when you do not address it in a timely manner, it will result in various complications, such as tooth infection, gingivitis, and gum disease. In certain cases, the dentist may also remove the affected tooth to prevent further damage. For this, they will also suggest dental crowns and bridges to keep your smile natural.
Closing Remarks
The only way to prevent plaque and tartar on teeth is by maintaining the right oral health regimen — brushing and flossing. Moreover, you should also visit your dentist at Complete Smiles for regular check-ups, dental hygiene treatments, and cleaning to mitigate any potential risk.
Dr. Malavi Sivakanesan (292322)
Dr. Malavi Sivakanesan is the principal dentist and co-founder at Complete Smiles in Harrow, Greater London. She is responsible for establishing the Complete Smiles brand throughout the United Kingdom and Europe and has 5 successful practices under her strong leadership.