Plaque vs Tartar: What’s the Difference

Summary

Plaque and tartar are both forms of bacterial buildup on your teeth, but they differ in texture, appearance, and how easy it is for them to be removed. Plaque is a soft, sticky film that forms from bacteria that feeds on sugars from starchy and carbohydrate-rich foods. The bacteria produces acids that can erode tooth enamel. Plaque can be eliminated with regular brushing and flossing. If plaque isn’t removed, it hardens into tartar, which can only be removed by a dental professional.

What is Plaque?

While many people have heard of plaque, many of them don’t know what it actually is. Plaque is a soft, sticky, colorless film of bacteria that forms on your teeth throughout the day. Visually plaque can be hard to detect as it's usually colorless, however, you might notice a fuzzy or slippery feeling on your teeth, especially after consuming sugary or starchy foods, which would indicate the presence of plaque.

How Plaque Forms

• Bacteria feeds on sugars from starchy and carbohydrate-rich foods
• These bacteria produce acids that can weaken (demineralize) tooth enamel, leading to cavities
• Begins to develop on your teeth just 20 minutes after eating
• Plaque can irritate the gums and cause gingivitis, which is the earliest stage of gum disease

Removing Plaque

• Plaque is soft and can be removed with proper oral hygiene
• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily
• Regular dental checkup, ideally every six months, is crucial
• If not removed through regular brushing and flossing, plaque can lead to tooth decay and gum disease

What is Tartar?

Also known as dental calculus, tartar is hardened plaque that has been left on the teeth for an extended period.

How Tartar Forms

• When plaque is not removed it absorbs minerals from saliva and hardens into tartar
• Develops within 24 to 72 hours of plaque forming on teeth
• Forms both above and below the gumline

Tartar is a Problem

• Tartar is rough and porous. It provides a surface for more plaque to adhere to
• Starts a cycle of plaque and tartar buildup. This increases the risk of gum disease and tooth decay
• Tartar also causes gum irritation, which leads to bleeding and inflammation
• If not addressed, it can lead to more serious dental issues

Removing Tartar

• Once formed, tartar cannot be removed by brushing or flossing
• Can only be removed with professional dental cleaning. A dentist or dental hygienist uses special tools to scale the teeth and remove tartar buildup

Key Differences Between Plaque and Tartar

Tartar is plaque that has been left to harden. So, while they are related, they are not the same. Here are some of the main differences.

Composition/Texture

• Plaque – soft, sticky film of bacteria
• Tartar – hardened plaque from mineral deposits

Color

• Plaque – Colorless or pale yellow
• Tartar – Yellow, brown, or black

Formation Time

• Plaque – Begins forming within 20 minutes of eating
• Tartar – Forms within 24-72 hours if plaque isn’t removed

How to Remove

• Plaque – By brushing and flossing
• Tartar – Only by professional dental cleaning

Health Risks

• Plaque – Tooth decay, gingivitis, gum disease
• Tartar – Advanced gum disease, cavities, tooth loss, bad breath

Preventing Plaque and Tartar Buildup

The best way to avoid tartar forming on your teeth is to prevent plaque buildup. The most effective way to prevent plaque buildup is to maintain good oral hygiene.

Brush Twice Daily

• Brushing with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day, for at least two minutes
• Strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent cavities

Floss Daily

• Helps remove food particles and plaque between your teeth and below the gumline

Regular Dental Check-ups

• See your dentist or dental hygienist regularly, ideally every six months, for professional cleanings and exams
• Allows for tartar removal and for issues to be diagnosed and addressed early, helping to prevent serious problems

Limit Sugary Foods and Drinks

• Reduce the amount of sugary and starchy snacks and beverages you consume
• Sugary substances contribute to acid production by bacteria that forms plaque and leads to tooth enamel weakening (demineralization) and subsequent decay

Avoid Cavities, Tooth Decay and Tartar with Oral-B

Keep your teeth clean and cavity-free. Things like tooth decay and tartar happen when plaque forms on teeth as a sticky film. Plaque contains bacteria that feed on sugar from food and drinks. As these bacteria metabolize sugar, they release acids that can erode tooth enamel. This can lead to cavities and other problems. But help is just a toothbrush away. Here are a few suggestions to help establish a regular, effective routine.

• Try switching to an electric toothbrush, such as the Oral-B iO electric toothbrush, which protects teeth and gums from the leading causes of tooth decay, early signs of gum disease, and tooth loss.
• The right toothbrush head, such as the Oral-B iO Gentle Care brush head, contain dentist-inspired soft bristles and optimized bristle patterns that adapt to the curves of the teeth and gums and provide a gentle clean with maximum comfort.
• Use with Crest Pro-Health Advanced Toothpaste that's made with patented stannous fluoride. It will help strengthen teeth and neutralize plaque bacteria that can lead to tooth decay and tartar.
• Another way to ensure your teeth stay cavity and tartar free, swish with Crest Mouthwash.
• To help prevent tooth decay and reduce your risk of developing gum disease by removing plaque, floss your teeth at least once daily with Oral-B floss, and make sure you get around every tooth. Another easy add-on to help your oral care and prevent cavities from forming is to use an Oral-B water flosser.

There is a connection between oral health and systemic health, so it’s important to treat conditions like tooth decay and gum disease as soon as possible. That’s why Oral-B, in partnership with Crest, is committed to championing oral health for all, conducting research and creating products to help with a wide range of oral health conditions. Oral-B products are scientifically proven to protect teeth and gums from the leading causes of tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss.

Summary

Plaque is a soft, sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth and can lead to dental problems if not removed. Tartar is hardened plaque that forms within 24 to 72 hours of plaque forming. The best way to keep plaque at bay is through regular brushing and flossing. Brush for at least two minutes twice a day. Flossing helps remove food particles and plaque in between your teeth where your brush can’t reach. Tartar needs to be removed by a dental professional so it’s important to maintain a schedule of seeing your dentist or dental hygienist every six months for checkups and cleaning. Limiting consumption of sugary foods and drinks can also help keep plaque from developing. Understanding the difference between plaque and tartar and maintaining good oral hygiene can help you keep your smile healthy and prevent more serious dental problems.