Reviewed by Dr. Matthew Young, DDS
Reading time: 3 minutes
The buildup you feel on your teeth at the end of the day is not necessarily the same as the hardened deposits your dentist removes during a cleaning. The difference comes down to what happens when deposits remain on the teeth.
What Is the Difference Between Plaque and Tartar?
The main difference is that plaque is a soft, sticky bacterial film that continually forms on the teeth, while tartar is hardened plaque that has become firmly attached to the tooth surface.
Plaque develops throughout the day as bacteria in the mouth combine with saliva and food particles. Because it is soft, plaque can usually be removed with regular brushing and flossing.
Tartar, also called dental calculus, is harder and more firmly attached to the teeth. It may appear yellow or brown and commonly develops along the gumline or in areas that are difficult to clean.
How Plaque Turns Into Tartar
When plaque remains on the teeth, minerals in saliva, such as calcium and phosphate, begin to harden the soft buildup. This process, called mineralization, can begin within a matter of days.
Once plaque hardens into tartar, it becomes firmly attached to the tooth surface and cannot be removed with regular brushing or flossing. Its rough surface can also collect additional plaque, particularly around the gumline, which may contribute to gum irritation and inflammation.
How Are Plaque and Tartar Removed?
Soft plaque can be removed at home with thorough brushing and daily cleaning between the teeth. Paying close attention to the gumline and areas between teeth helps reach places where plaque commonly collects.
Tartar requires professional removal. During a dental cleaning, specialized instruments are used to remove hardened deposits from the tooth surfaces and around the gumline without damaging the teeth..
How Can You Prevent Tartar Buildup?
Preventing tartar starts with removing plaque before it has an opportunity to harden. Consistent home care is especially important because plaque continually begins forming again after it is removed.
To limit buildup:
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Clean between your teeth daily with floss or another interdental cleaner
- Pay close attention to the gumline when brushing
- Replace your toothbrush or toothbrush head when the bristles become worn
- Keep up with recommended dental exams and professional cleanings
Tartar buildup varies from person to person, so some patients may need professional cleanings more frequently than others.
Schedule a Professional Dental Cleaning in San Francisco
Good oral hygiene at home and regular professional cleanings work together to reduce buildup on the teeth and around the gumline. At Post Street Dental Group, we provide preventive dental care to help maintain oral health and identify concerns before they progress.
To book an appointment at our dental office in San Francisco, call (415) 986-4534 or visit us at 490 Post St #520, San Francisco, CA 94102.
FAQs
Salivary glands have openings near the lower front teeth. The minerals present in saliva can make this area particularly prone to tartar formation when plaque is not thoroughly removed.
Pieces of tartar can sometimes break away, but this does not mean the tooth is completely clean. Remaining deposits should be professionally removed rather than scraped off at home.
Tartar itself provides a rough surface where plaque and bacteria can accumulate. These bacteria may contribute to persistent bad breath, particularly when buildup is present around the gumline.
Tartar formation varies based on saliva composition, oral hygiene habits, tooth position, diet, and other individual factors. Some people naturally accumulate hardened deposits more quickly and may benefit from more frequent professional cleanings.