The question of whether you can clean plaque off your own teeth has a nuanced answer that depends entirely on the substance’s state. The soft, sticky film known as dental plaque can be removed at home through consistent mechanical methods. However, if this plaque is left undisturbed, it transforms into a hardened deposit called tartar, or calculus, which then requires professional intervention for removal.
Plaque Versus Tartar
Dental plaque is a biofilm—a colorless to pale yellow, sticky layer composed primarily of bacteria, food particles, and saliva that constantly forms on the tooth surface. This soft film contains hundreds of species of microorganisms that feed on sugars and starches, producing acids that erode tooth enamel and irritate the gums. Because of its soft, non-mineralized nature, fresh plaque can be completely removed from the teeth every day with a toothbrush and floss.
When plaque is not removed, it begins a process of mineralization within 24 to 72 hours. This hardening is caused by the deposition of minerals naturally present in saliva. The result is tartar, a rough, porous, and crusty deposit that attaches firmly to the tooth enamel and root surfaces.
Unlike soft plaque, this hardened substance is too dense and strongly bonded to be scrubbed away by standard brushing or flossing. Tartar provides an ideal, rough surface for new plaque to accumulate, creating a cycle of buildup that accelerates the risk of gum inflammation. This is why the distinction between the two is so important: plaque is manageable at home, while tartar requires specialized tools for removal.
Home Methods for Removing Plaque
Effective plaque removal relies on the consistent, mechanical disruption of the biofilm twice a day. Proper brushing technique is the foundation, requiring a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste. The American Dental Association recommends holding the brush at a 45-degree angle to the gums and using short, gentle, back-and-forth strokes, ensuring the bristles clean the junction between the tooth and the gumline.
Cleaning between the teeth is equally important, as a toothbrush cannot effectively reach the tight spaces where plaque tends to accumulate and harden into tartar. Flossing or using interdental cleaners at least once a day removes plaque and debris from these surfaces, which make up over one-third of the tooth area. The most effective method is to wrap the floss into a “C” shape around the side of each tooth and gently slide it under the gumline before moving it up and down.
Some research suggests that flossing before brushing may be the most effective sequence, as the floss loosens bacteria and debris, allowing the subsequent brushing and rinsing to clear them from the mouth. While not a substitute for mechanical cleaning, an antimicrobial mouthwash can serve as a supplementary tool to help reduce the overall bacterial load. These practices must be thorough because any plaque left behind can begin the hardening process within hours.
When Only a Dentist Can Help
Once plaque has calcified into tartar, its adherence to the tooth surface makes at-home removal impossible without risking damage to the enamel or gum tissue. Tartar must be removed by a dental professional using specialized instruments and procedures known as scaling and root planing. Scaling involves the removal of tartar deposits from both above and below the gumline using hand instruments or powered ultrasonic scalers.
Following scaling, the procedure includes root planing, which smooths the rough surfaces of the tooth roots. This smoothing is necessary because the rough, porous texture of tartar provides a perfect anchor for further bacterial growth. The goal of this deep cleaning is to eliminate the source of irritation and allow the gum tissue to heal and reattach firmly to the now-smooth tooth surface.
Leaving tartar untreated carries significant risks, as its presence constantly irritates the gums, leading to gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease. If the inflammation progresses, it can develop into periodontitis, which involves the destruction of the connective tissue and bone supporting the teeth. Untreated periodontitis can result in gum recession, chronic bad breath, and eventually tooth loss, making regular professional cleanings necessary for long-term oral health.