Plaque vs. Tartar: Difference and Prevention

Plaque vs. tartar—is there a difference? The short answer is yes. But let’s start with the basics. Your teeth are covered by a tough substance called enamel, designed to handle plenty of wear and tear. Even if you take great care of your teeth at home, you still have bacteria in your mouth.

When bacteria, proteins, and other food byproducts mix, it forms a sticky film called dental plaque. Over time, dental plaque begins to form on top of the enamel. If dental plaque builds up and hardens, it may develop into tartar.

Both plaque and tartar can increase the risk of cavities and other oral health issues. That’s why it’s crucial to know the signs and symptoms and how to prevent both to ensure your dental health.

Plaque vs. Tartar

What Is Plaque?

Plaque is a sticky, colorless, bacteria-containing film that builds up naturally on your teeth when bacteria mixes with saliva. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), plaque contains more than 500 species of bacteria, some beneficial and others detrimental to your oral health.

Whenever you eat or drink, especially sugary foods and beverages, the harmful bacteria in your mouth produce acids that erode your tooth enamel and cause cavities. Plaque can harden and turn into tartar when left unaddressed, causing your gums to swell and become tender.

Common foods that contribute to plaque formation include cakes, fruit, and sweets.

Common symptoms of plaque include:

·      Tender, swollen, or red gums that may bleed when brushed

·      A fuzzy feeling on the teeth

·      Chronic bad breath

What Is Tartar?

If you do not remove plaque and allow it to sit on your teeth longer than it should, it combines with calcium and other minerals in your saliva, causing it to harden. Dentists call hardened plaque buildup tartar or calculus. Tartar can stain your teeth and lead to tooth discoloration.

Tartar forms a hard coating on the exterior of your teeth or settles below the gum line, making it more challenging to clean your teeth. Once it spreads above or below the gum line, a dental professional needs to remove it promptly to prevent gingivitis or periodontal disease.

During the early stages, gingivitis exhibits symptoms such as swollen, bleeding, or red gums. If left untreated, gingivitis can worsen and become periodontitis, causing receding gums and gum disease. In more advanced cases, it may even result in tooth decay and tooth loss.

Susceptibility to tartar buildup varies from one person to another. Generally, people become more prone to such buildup forming on their teeth as they age.

The common symptoms of tartar include:

●     Swollen gums

●     Gums that bleed easily

●     A rough feeling on the teeth

Prevention and Treatment

Tooth plaque and tartar can be dangerous. You need to remove plaque to prevent tartar. Plaque removal requires no more than regular brushing and flossing your teeth daily. Staying on top of your oral health and preventing plaque buildup on your teeth is the best way to prevent tartar. However, once tartar has formed, tartar removal requires thorough cleaning by a dental professional.

Here are a few tips on how to prevent tooth plaque and tartar buildup:

●     Proper brushing and flossing are essential to keeping your teeth free of plaque bacteria deposits that cause plaque. Brush your teeth for at least two minutes, twice daily, every day.

●     However good you are at brushing your teeth, don’t overlook the flossing. Floss daily to remove food particles and plaque between teeth. Brushing and flossing daily can work wonders.

●     If possible, choose tartar control toothpaste with fluoride. Fluoride treatment helps to repair enamel damage.

●     Minimize your sugary foods and drinks intake, and don’t forget to brush your teeth after enjoying sugary treats.

●     Rinse with a mouthwash that helps fight plaque. This will help kill plaque bacteria and prevent plant regrowth.

●     Visit your dentist every six months for a routine checkup and professional dental cleaning.

●     Consider getting an electric toothbrush, and remember to replace the head every three months or so. A recent study found that an electric toothbrush can clean teeth better than a manual toothbrush. Alternatively, get a quality toothbrush and replace it every three months or as soon as the bristles look worn.

●     Avoid smoking to lower the risk of increased plaque and tartar.

●     Maintain a healthy diet. Well-balanced meals will help keep your teeth and gums healthy.

●     In addition to proper dental hygiene and professional cleanings, a dental practitioner may recommend other options like fluoride treatments and dental sealants. Always visit your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings every six months to evaluate your oral health.

●     If you’re particularly prone to cavities, consider consulting with your dentist about dental sealants. A dental sealant is a thin coating designed to protect your teeth against cavities for a couple of years.

Tartar bonds firmly to enamel, and as mentioned above, you must hire a dental professional to remove tartar, which is why it’s so crucial to take proactive measures by removing plaque before it becomes a problem. If you notice any signs of tartar buildup, be sure to seek help from a dental professional right away.

The Bottom Line

Don’t let plaque sit on your teeth for too long as it damages your tooth enamel and increases your risk of developing gum disease. Fortunately, regular brushing and flossing can help you prevent plaque and tartar from building up on your teeth and gums. In addition to brushing and good oral hygiene, always schedule routine dental checkups and cleanings every six months. With a few simple tips, you can prevent plaque buildup and tooth decay.

Dr. Silman Smile Spa provides top-notch dental care in a comfortable and welcoming environment. Learn more about us and find out why we stand out. Call (732) 577-1515 to book your next appointment. If you still need to find out more about plaque vs. tartar, don’t hesitate to contact us.