Tartar and Plaque: Understanding 2 Essential Differences

Maintaining good oral hygiene is critical to preserving the health and appearance of your teeth and gums. Two common dental issues that arise from inadequate oral care are tartar and plaque. These terms are often used interchangeably but refer to distinct conditions requiring different treatments. Understanding the difference between tartar and plaque, how they form, and how to remove them is essential for preventing long-term dental problems.

In this article, we will explore the differences between tartar and plaque, how each develops on your teeth, the best methods to clean them, and the potential negative effects if they are left untreated. We’ll also answer common questions like, what’s the difference between tartar and plaque? and, how do I get rid of plaque? to help you keep your teeth healthy and your smile bright. This guide is brought to you by Rim Point Dental, where your oral health is our priority.

What Is Plaque?

Plaque is a soft, sticky film of bacteria that continuously forms on the teeth. It develops when food particles mix with saliva and bacteria in your mouth. This biofilm is virtually invisible and constantly forms on the surfaces of your teeth, especially after eating sugary or starchy foods.

The bacteria in plaque produce acids that break down carbohydrates in food, leading to the formation of plaque on your teeth. If not removed through regular brushing and flossing, plaque can harden into tartar and cause a range of dental problems, from cavities to gum disease.

How Plaque Forms

Plaque begins forming on the teeth within hours after you eat or drink. Here’s how the process works:

  1. Food and Bacteria Mix: When you eat or drink, particularly foods high in sugar or starches, they interact with bacteria already present in your mouth. This combination creates a sticky layer of plaque on the teeth.
  2. Acid Production: The bacteria in plaque produce acids as they break down carbohydrates. These acids erode tooth enamel, leading to cavities and tooth decay if not properly managed.
  3. Plaque Buildup: If plaque isn’t removed daily, it continues to accumulate, especially in areas where your toothbrush and floss can’t easily reach, such as along the gumline and between teeth.

Negative Effects of Plaque

Plaque may seem harmless initially since it’s nearly invisible, but if left untreated, it can cause significant damage to your oral health:

  • Tooth Decay: Plaque produces acids that wear down tooth enamel, leading to cavities. Cavities, if left untreated, can result in the need for fillings, crowns, or even root canals.
  • Gum Disease: Plaque buildup along the gumline can irritate the gums, causing gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease. If not addressed, gingivitis can progress to more severe gum disease, known as periodontitis.
  • Bad Breath: The bacteria in plaque can also lead to persistent bad breath, or halitosis, as they release foul-smelling compounds.

What Is Tartar?

Tartar, also known as calculus, is hardened plaque that forms on your teeth when plaque is not regularly removed. Unlike plaque, which is soft and can be brushed away, tartar is a calcified substance that can only be removed by a dentist or dental hygienist.

Tartar is usually yellow or brown in color and is often found along the gumline and between teeth. Once tartar forms, it becomes a rough surface that makes it easier for more plaque to adhere, further exacerbating the problem.

How Tartar Forms

Tartar develops when plaque is left on the teeth for too long without being removed. Here’s how the process occurs:

  1. Plaque Hardens: If plaque is not removed within 24 to 72 hours through brushing and flossing, it begins to mineralize and harden into tartar.
  2. Calcium Deposits: Saliva in your mouth contains minerals like calcium and phosphate. These minerals bond with the plaque on your teeth, causing it to harden into tartar.
  3. Buildup: Tartar acts as a barrier to proper oral hygiene, making it more difficult to remove future plaque. It can spread below the gumline and contribute to gum disease and other oral health issues.

Negative Effects of Tartar

While plaque itself is harmful, tartar poses even greater risks to your dental and overall health:

  • Gum Disease: Tartar along the gumline leads to inflammation of the gums, known as gingivitis. If not removed, tartar can cause pockets to form between the gums and teeth, eventually leading to periodontitis. Advanced gum disease can result in tooth loss and other serious complications.
  • Tooth Discoloration: Tartar has a yellow or brown appearance, which can cause noticeable staining on your teeth. Unlike surface stains from food or drinks, tartar cannot be removed by brushing alone and may require professional dental cleaning.
  • Tooth Sensitivity: As tartar builds up, it can erode tooth enamel, leading to increased tooth sensitivity, especially when consuming hot or cold foods and beverages.
A dental model showcasing how Rim Point Dental addresses issues caused by tartar and plaque to restore healthy teeth and gums.

What’s the Difference Between Tartar and Plaque?

While both are harmful to your oral health, they differ in composition, texture, and how they are removed:

  • Plaque is a soft, sticky film that forms on your teeth daily due to bacteria and food particles. It is removable with good oral hygiene practices, including brushing, flossing, and mouthwash.
  • Tartar is hardened plaque that has mineralized on your teeth. It is rough, solid, and cannot be removed by brushing or flossing alone. Tartar requires professional cleaning by a dentist or hygienist.

Plaque is the precursor to tartar. If you don’t regularly remove plaque, it will harden into tartar, which poses a greater risk to your dental health.

How Do I Get Rid of Plaque?

The best way to remove plaque is through consistent oral hygiene practices. Here are steps you can take to get rid of plaque and prevent its buildup:

  1. Brush Twice a Day: Use a fluoride toothpaste and brush your teeth for at least two minutes twice a day. Make sure to reach all surfaces of your teeth, including the gumline.
  2. Floss Daily: Flossing helps remove plaque from between your teeth, where your toothbrush can’t reach. This is crucial for preventing plaque buildup in hard-to-reach areas.
  3. Use Mouthwash: An antibacterial mouthwash can help reduce plaque and bacteria in your mouth, providing an extra layer of protection.
  4. Regular Dental Checkups: Even with good at-home care, it’s essential to see your dentist every six months for professional cleanings. Your dentist can remove plaque and tartar that have built up in areas that are difficult to clean at home.

How Is Tartar Removed?

Since tartar cannot be removed by brushing or flossing alone, it requires professional treatment. Here’s how dentists typically clean tartar from teeth:

  1. Scaling: The process of tartar removal is called scaling. During scaling, your dentist or dental hygienist uses special instruments to scrape away the tartar from the surfaces of your teeth, including areas below the gumline.
  2. Root Planing: In more advanced cases of tartar buildup, root planing may be necessary. This is a deep-cleaning procedure that smooths out rough spots on the roots of the teeth where bacteria can accumulate. Root planing helps gums reattach to the teeth and promotes healing.
  3. Polishing: After scaling and root planing, your dentist may polish your teeth to remove surface stains and smooth the surfaces, making it harder for plaque and tartar to accumulate.

Regular dental cleanings are vital for keeping your teeth tartar-free and preventing more serious dental problems down the road.

What Happens If Tartar and Plaque Are Not Removed?

Failing to remove plaque and tartar can lead to a variety of oral health problems, some of which can affect your overall health:

  1. Cavities and Tooth Decay: Plaque’s acid production can erode tooth enamel, leading to cavities. If untreated, cavities can worsen and cause infections that may require root canals or extractions.
  2. Gum Disease: As plaque and tartar accumulate, they irritate the gums and lead to inflammation (gingivitis). If not treated, gingivitis can develop into periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease that can result in tooth loss and jawbone deterioration.
  3. Systemic Health Problems: Research has linked gum disease, which can be caused by plaque and tartar buildup, to several serious health issues. These include heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections. Inflammation from gum disease can spread to other parts of the body, leading to complications that extend beyond the mouth.

Conclusion

Tartar and plaque are common dental issues, but with the right care and attention, they can be managed and prevented. While plaque is soft and removable through daily brushing and flossing, tartar is hardened plaque that requires professional removal. By maintaining good oral hygiene and visiting our dentist regularly, you can keep both plaque and tartar at bay, preventing more serious oral health issues.

If you’re struggling with tartar and plaque, don’t wait to seek help. Schedule an appointment with Rim Point Dental to receive professional care and ensure your oral health stays in top condition. Our team is dedicated to helping you achieve and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile.

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