Everything You Need to Know About Plaque and Tartar

We have all heard about plaque and tarter. Is it natural? Yes. Healthy? No.

While plaque and sometimes tartar are two common dental concerns that almost everyone encounters, neglecting build-up can lead to more significant oral health problems, such as cavities or gum disease. But what, exactly, are these dental menaces, why are they so bad, and what can you do about it?

What is Plaque?

Plaque is a soft, sticky biofilm that continually forms on your teeth and gums. It is a mixture of saliva, food particles, and bacteria. Unfortunately, this build-up of bacteria produces acids after feeding on the sugars and starches in the food particles also present in plaque. These acids can weaken your tooth enamel and irritate your gums if plaque isn’t removed regularly.

Plaque can appear colorless or pale yellow, making it easy to miss. It frequently builds up in hard-to-reach areas between teeth and along the gum line and can lead to tooth decay, gum inflammation, and eventually tartar if ignored.

Regular brushing and flossing can remove most plaque, but missing a spot too often increases your risk of dental complications.

What is Tartar?

Tartar forms when plaque isn’t removed quickly enough. In just 24 to 72 hours, minerals in your saliva can harden the plaque into a tough, crusty deposit on your teeth and along the gums. Unlike plaque, tartar cannot be removed with regular brushing or flossing. You’ll need a dentist or dental hygienist to effectively tackle tartar.

Tartar is hard and can be darker in color than plaque. It bonds to tooth enamel and builds up, especially around the gumline. Worse, it allows further plaque to stick easily, compounding your dental issues.

Tartar not only looks bad but also increases your risk of gum disease, cavities, and other dental problems. When tartar becomes extremely severe, it can lead to advanced conditions like periodontitis, a gum infection that can damage tissues and even lead to tooth loss.

Problems Caused by Plaque and Tartar

Plaque and tartar don’t always cause immediate problems or discomfort, which is why it’s easy to overlook. However, catching these issues early can prevent more serious issues down the road. Here are some warning signs to watch for:

Symptoms of Plaque

• Slimy or fuzzy feeling on teeth
• Bad breath despite brushing
• Gums that look red, swollen, or bleed after brushing or flossing

Symptoms of Tartar

• Hard deposits or discoloration near your gums
• Chronic bad breath that doesn’t improve with hygiene practices
• Gums that look inflamed or pull away from your teeth (a sign of gum disease)

How to Remove and Prevent Plaque and Tartar

The good news is that plaque and tartar are largely preventable with the right oral care. By staying consistent, you can avoid complications and maintain a healthy, confident smile.

Tips to Remove Plaque at Home

You can remove plaque before it hardens into tartar with meticulous oral hygiene practices. Here is our list.

Brush Twice a Day

Use a fluoride toothpaste and spend at least 2 minutes brushing. Pay extra attention to spots where teeth meet gums.

Use an Electric Toothbrush

Electric toothbrushes are more effective at breaking up plaque than manual ones. Replace the brush head every three months or sooner if the bristles are frayed.

Floss Daily

Flossing reaches the spaces your toothbrush can’t, clearing out food particles and plaque from between your teeth.

Rinse with Mouthwash

Antimicrobial mouthwashes can kill bacteria lingering after brushing and flossing.

Professional Tartar Removal

Unfortunately, once plaque hardens into tartar, no amount of brushing or flossing can remove it. Tartar bonds strongly to your teeth and must be professionally cleaned using specialized dental tools. Trying to do so at home will not only be ineffective but could cause harm or injury to teeth and gums.

Regular visits to your dentist, typically every six months, ensure that both plaque and tartar are kept under control.

Other Ways to Preventive Steps

Protecting against plaque and tartar goes beyond simple cleaning routines.

Watch Your Diet

The bacteria in plaque like sugary and starchy foods like candy, cake, chips, and soda. Cutting back on these and eating lower-sugar, whole foods can help.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water throughout the day washes away food particles and bacteria, making it harder for plaque to form.

Improve the Health of Your Smile

Plaque and tartar may seem intimidating, but with a solid oral care routine and regular professional cleanings, you’ve got this. If it’s been a while since your last dental checkup, now’s the time to book an appointment with our team and tackle that tartar and plaque build-up.