Dental plaque and tartar represent two stages of the same underlying process: the accumulation and hardening of bacteria and their byproducts on tooth surfaces. Both substances are common issues that can compromise oral health, leading to gum disease and decay. Understanding the visual and tactile differences between these two forms of buildup is the first step in managing them. Recognizing the characteristics of each helps a person determine the appropriate steps for removal and prevention.
Plaque: The Soft, Invisible Threat
Dental plaque is a sticky, complex biofilm that constantly forms on the teeth and is the precursor to tartar. This film consists primarily of microorganisms encased in an extracellular matrix that helps the bacteria adhere strongly to the tooth surface. Plaque is generally colorless or appears as a pale-yellow deposit, making it difficult to see with the naked eye in its early stages.
A person often detects plaque not by sight, but by feel, as it gives the teeth a fuzzy or slimy texture when running the tongue over them. This soft deposit is an actively growing bacterial community that metabolizes sugars and carbohydrates from the diet, producing acids as a byproduct. These acids start the process of demineralizing tooth enamel, eventually leading to decay. Plaque readily accumulates in areas where the natural cleansing action of the tongue and saliva is less effective, such as along the gumline and in the tight spaces between teeth.
Plaque formation begins shortly after cleaning when bacteria colonize the tooth surface. They grow into a mature biofilm over a period of hours. Because plaque is soft and sticky, it is easily removed through mechanical action, such as proper brushing and flossing. If this soft film is left undisturbed for as little as 24 to 72 hours, the next stage of hardening begins.
Tartar (Calculus): The Hardened Deposit
Tartar, also known as dental calculus, represents plaque that has mineralized and hardened onto the tooth surface. This hardening occurs when the calcium and phosphate minerals naturally present in saliva precipitate into the plaque matrix. This process of mineralization can begin within a few days of plaque formation, taking 10 to 14 days to fully calcify. The resulting structure adheres firmly to the tooth surface.
Unlike plaque, tartar is visibly noticeable and has a rough, porous texture. The color of supragingival tartar, which forms above the gumline, is typically yellow or brown, but it can darken to black if exposed to blood or certain foods and drinks. Tartar is most commonly observed on the inner surface of the lower front teeth and the outside surface of the upper molars, areas close to the major salivary gland ducts. The rough surface of the calculus allows new plaque to adhere more easily, accelerating the cycle of buildup and gum irritation.
Tartar can also form subgingivally, below the gumline, where it is not visible but can be detected by a dental professional. Subgingival calculus is often darker in color because of the presence of blood products and bacteria that are pigmented black. Once plaque has hardened into calculus, it adheres firmly to the tooth enamel and cannot be removed by simple brushing or flossing. This deposit requires professional intervention.
Removing and Preventing Buildup
Addressing plaque and tartar requires distinct strategies, separating daily home care from professional dental treatment. Because plaque is a soft, non-mineralized film, its removal relies entirely on mechanical disruption during routine oral hygiene. Brushing the teeth for two minutes twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste removes plaque from the broad surfaces of the teeth. Daily flossing is equally important, as it removes the soft film from between teeth and beneath the gumline where brush bristles cannot reach effectively.
Once plaque has transitioned into hardened tartar, its removal requires specialized tools and techniques performed by a dentist or dental hygienist. The procedure, often called scaling, involves using ultrasonic tools and hand instruments to carefully chip and scrape the calculus away from the tooth surface. Attempting to remove tartar at home with sharp objects is discouraged, as it can severely damage the gum tissue and tooth enamel.
Long-term prevention of both plaque and tartar relies on consistent habits and a balanced diet. Limiting the intake of sugary and starchy foods is effective, since these items are the primary fuel source for the acid-producing bacteria in plaque. Staying well-hydrated by drinking water helps to promote saliva production, which naturally cleanses the teeth and neutralizes acids. Regular professional dental visits, typically every six months, allow for the removal of existing tartar and the reinforcement of home care techniques.