Ever run your tongue over your teeth and felt something fuzzy? Or spotted a hard, yellowish patch near your gumline that no amount of brushing seems to shift? You’re not imagining it, and plenty of people notice the same thing.
Those two things are usually plaque and tartar, but what is the difference between these two?
Knowing the plaque vs tartar basics helps you see what you can handle at home. It also shows what you may need from your dentist in Buderim. So, let’s walk through how each one forms, how they differ and what actually removes them.
What Is Plaque and Where Does It Hide?
Plaque is a soft, sticky film of bacteria that builds up on your teeth all day long. It’s the reason your teeth can feel fuzzy first thing in the morning. When this is left in place, plaque is a common cause of gum problems, which is why cleaning it away each day matters.
Plaque loves the spots that are easy to rush past, including:
- Along the gumline
- Between your teeth
- Around fillings and crowns
- On your back teeth, which are harder to reach
- On the inner surfaces of your teeth, especially the lower front ones
The good news is that soft plaque can be cleaned away at home when you reach the right spots.
What Is Tartar and How Does Plaque Turn Into It?
When plaque isn’t cleaned away, it can harden into tartar, which is also called calculus. Tartar is a hard, crusty deposit that can sit above or below the gumline. It can look yellow or brown, and its rough surface makes it harder to keep your teeth clean at home.
Over time, tartar may irritate your gums and contribute to gum problems. If you’re curious about what gum disease looks like, it actually comes in stages. The early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis, and it’s reversible when caught early. That’s a good reason to keep an eye on what’s happening along your gumline.
Signs you may have tartar build-up include:
- A rough, hard feeling on your teeth that brushing doesn’t shift
- Yellow or brown patches near the gumline
- Gums that look red or puffy, or bleed when you brush
- Bad breath that keeps coming back
- Teeth that look dull or stained
These signs can have other causes, so it’s wise to have our team take a look.
Plaque vs Tartar: The Main Differences
So what’s the real difference between plaque and tartar? It mostly comes down to texture, and to who can remove it. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
- Texture: plaque is soft and sticky, while tartar is hard and crusty
- Colour: plaque is usually pale or creamy white, while tartar can look yellow or brown
- Timing: plaque forms every day, while tartar develops when plaque is left in place
- Where it sits: plaque coats the teeth, while tartar often collects along the gumline and between teeth
- Removal: plaque comes off with thorough brushing and cleaning between your teeth, while tartar needs professional tools
In short, plaque is something you can clear every day, even with just brushing or flossing. On the other hand, tartar is something a dental team or dentist can help clear for you.
How to Remove Plaque From Teeth at Home
Some people would ask if there’s a way to remove plaque even at home, but as mentioned, tartar can only be removed with the help of a dentist. However, there are some habits that you can develop to ensure plaque does not turn into tartar.
Let’s start with the part you control. Learning how to remove plaque from teeth comes down to a few small habits, and they should be done consistently. Healthdirect recommends gently brushing your teeth and gums twice a day with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
Here’s an updated dental routine that you can apply for your day-to-day:
- Brush twice a day with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
- Take your time along the gumline and on your back teeth
- Clean between your teeth once a day with floss or interdental brushes
- Keep sugary snacks and drinks to mealtimes where you can
- Ask our team to check your brushing technique at your next visit
Brushing twice a day and flossing once a day is a good habit to build to ensure tartar and plaque do not spread all over your teeth. A gentle, thorough routine is what counts.
How to Remove Tartar From Teeth Safely
Once tartar has formed, brushing won’t shift it. Tartar bonds firmly to the tooth and can only be removed by a dental professional. That’s why scraping it at home isn’t recommended.
Professional tartar removal is usually part of a scale and clean, and a visit may include:
- A look at your teeth and gums first
- Careful removal of tartar above and below the gumline with special instruments
- Polishing, so the surface of your teeth feels smooth
- Tips on cleaning between your teeth at home
- A chat about how often you may need to come back
Related: 3 Reasons Why Oral Hygiene Is Important
Regular check-ups also let our team spot tartar early, so it’s less likely to build up.
Knowing the Difference Makes Caring for Your Smile Easier
Plaque is soft and can be cleaned at home, while tartar is hard and needs a professional clean. Once you understand plaque vs tartar, it’s easier to spot changes early and look after your gums with confidence.
If you’ve noticed rough patches or bleeding gums, our team at Buderim Family Dental is here to help you with some general dental care in Buderim. A conversation with one of our dentists can help you understand your dental health better.
Get in touch with us or call (07) 5356 9599 to book an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Remove Tartar at Home?
Tartar bonds firmly to your teeth, so brushing and flossing won’t remove it. Scraping at home isn’t recommended because you can easily hurt your gums, which can cause more damage to your oral health.
A professional clean is the safe way to remove it.
Does Everyone Get Tartar?
Not in the same amounts. People vary a lot in how quickly plaque and tartar build up. Our team can look at your teeth and talk you through what’s likely to suit you.
Is Tartar Removal Painful?
Some people notice mild sensitivity, especially if their gums are tender. If you feel nervous or uncomfortable, tell our team, and we can adjust how we work to suit you.
How Often Should I Have a Scale and Clean?
It depends on how quickly tartar builds up for you, along with your gum health and home care. After a check, our team can suggest how often a visit may suit you.
Can Plaque and Tartar Cause Bad Breath?
They can contribute. A build-up of plaque and tartar can irritate your gums, and gum problems are linked to bad breath. If it keeps coming back, it’s worth having it checked.