Plaque vs. Tartar: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters
Understanding the Foundations of Your Oral Health
We all know that brushing and flossing are important—but do you know why? Much of it comes down to preventing two common culprits: plaque and tartar. These two are often confused, yet understanding the difference between them is key to protecting your teeth and gums.
At Brighter Smiles Dapto Dental, we believe informed patients make healthier choices. So, let’s break down the difference between plaque and tartar, how they affect your oral health, and what you can do to keep them under control.
What is Plaque?
Plaque is a soft, sticky film made up of bacteria, food particles, and saliva. It constantly forms on your teeth—within hours of brushing. Although it’s mostly invisible, you can sometimes feel it as a fuzzy or slippery layer when you run your tongue over your teeth.
How Does Plaque Form?
When you eat or drink (especially sugary or starchy foods), the bacteria in your mouth feed on those sugars. This produces acids that can:
- Erode tooth enamel (leading to cavities)
- Irritate the gums (causing gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease)
Plaque also harbours millions of bacteria that thrive in hard-to-reach areas like between your teeth, under the gumline, and around dental work like fillings or crowns.
What is Tartar?
Tartar (also called calculus) is what happens when plaque is allowed to sit on your teeth for too long. It hardens and becomes a rough, yellowish or brown deposit that bonds strongly to the tooth’s surface.
How Does Tartar Form?
Plaque begins to harden into tartar in as little as 24 to 72 hours if not removed. Once it mineralises, brushing and flossing alone won’t get rid of it—you’ll need a professional dental clean to remove it safely.
Tartar tends to build up in certain areas more than others, such as:
- Behind the lower front teeth
- Along the gumline
- Between teeth
- Around braces or dental appliances
Why the Difference Matters
Understanding the plaque-tartar progression helps you prevent more serious dental issues. Here’s how they affect your oral health differently:
Plaque Tartar
| Soft and sticky | Hard and crusty
| Forms continuously | Forms from hardened plaque
| Removable at home with brushing/flossing | Only removable by a dental professional
| Causes cavities and early gum inflammation | Increases risk of gum disease and tooth loss
| Colourless or pale | Often yellow or brown
Health Risks of Plaque and Tartar
Unchecked plaque and tartar can lead to a domino effect of dental problems:
- Tooth Decay
Acids from plaque bacteria erode the enamel, eventually causing cavities. These may start painlessly but worsen over time.
- Gingivitis
This early stage of gum disease is triggered by plaque at the gumline. Symptoms include:
- Red, swollen gums
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing
- Bad breath
- Periodontitis
If gingivitis isn’t treated, it can progress into periodontitis—a more severe form of gum disease. Tartar buildup creates deep pockets between the gums and teeth, leading to:
- Gum recession
- Loose teeth
- Bone loss
- Tooth loss
- Stained Teeth
Tartar is porous and can absorb pigments from coffee, tea, wine, and smoking—leading to yellow or brown stains that are hard to hide.
- Bad Breath (Halitosis)
Both plaque and tartar trap bacteria and food particles, which can result in persistent bad breath that doesn’t go away with mouthwash alone.
What You Can Do About Plaque and Tartar
The good news? Both are entirely preventable with the right habits and support from your dentist.
At-Home Prevention (For Plaque)
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste for at least 2 minutes
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and replace it every 3 months
- Floss daily to clean between teeth where plaque hides
- Consider a water flosser or interdental brushes for hard-to-reach spots
- Use anti-bacterial mouthwash to reduce bacterial buildup
In-Clinic Care (For Tartar)
Only a dental professional can remove tartar safely. At Brighter Smiles Dapto Dental, we perform a scale and clean to:
- Gently remove tartar above and below the gumline
- Polish your teeth to remove minor stains
- Check for early signs of decay or gum disease
“Even if your teeth look fine, tartar can build up below the gums where you can’t see or feel it. That’s why regular dental visits are so important—even for patients with great home care.”
How Often Should You Get a Scale and Clean?
Most patients benefit from a professional clean every six months. However, you may need more frequent visits if you:
- Are prone to tartar buildup
- Have gum disease
- Smoke
- Wear braces or dentures
- Have diabetes or a compromised immune system
We personalise your care schedule to suit your needs—your smile is as unique as you are!
Do Children Need to Worry About Plaque and Tartar?
Absolutely. Plaque builds up just as quickly on baby teeth as adult teeth. Teaching good brushing and flossing habits early helps set your child up for lifelong oral health.
Tip from Brighter Smiles: Bring your child for a dental visit every 6–12 months. We make check-ups fun and fear-free!
What If You Already Have Tartar?
Don’t worry—you’re not alone. Most adults will experience tartar buildup at some point. The key is to:
- Book a professional clean to remove it safely
- Maintain good daily habits to stop it from coming back
- Get regular check-ups so we can catch issues early
Left untreated, tartar will continue to build and can lead to permanent gum damage—so don’t delay your visit.
In Summary: Plaque vs. Tartar
Plaque Tartar
| Forms when? | Constantly, after eating/drinking | When plaque hardens (24–72 hours)
| Texture | Soft and sticky | Hard and crusty
| Appearance | Colourless or pale | Yellow or brown
| Removable? | At home with brushing/flossing | Only by dentist (scale and clean)
| Health risks | Cavities, gum inflammation | Gum disease, tooth loss, bad breath
Ready for a Clean, Healthy Smile?
Whether you’re due for a clean or just want to make sure you’re doing everything right at home, the team at Brighter Smiles Dapto Dental is here to help. We offer gentle, professional cleans in a friendly, welcoming environment—so you can feel confident and comfortable with every visit.
📞 Call us today on 02 42615264
📍 Visit us at: Brighter Smiles Dapto Dental, 54 Baan Baan St, Dapto, NSW 2530.
🌐 Book online: brightersmilesdaptodental.com.au
Let’s keep your smile brighter, cleaner, and plaque-free—together!
June 2025
