When it comes to our oral hygiene, we all face the threat of plaque and tartar . While one is commonly confused for the other, they’re not actually the same thing. Knowing the difference between the two can help you avoid some of the more annoying and expensive trips to the dentist. Below, let’s break down the difference between plaque and tartar.
What is plaque?
Plaque is a soft, removable film that you can manage with daily oral hygiene. Imagine you just had a doughnut, some coffee, maybe a quick sandwich. Within minutes, your mouth will become a buffet for bacteria that consume sugars and carbs, producing acids that form a sticky, colourless film on your teeth known as plaque. It’s soft, so you can usually brush it off pretty easily.
If you skip brushing or don’t do a thorough job, plaque builds up quickly, and can start hardening in 24 to 72 hours. However, plaque can actually damage your teeth. The acid it releases eats away at your enamel (your teeth’s protective shield), and it can creep under your gums, leading to bleeding, inflammation and eventually gum disease.
Plaque can stain your teeth over time, and even after it’s been removed by your dentist, you might still see some brown or yellow discoloration, especially near the gumline or in deep crevices. This is where teeth whitening products can come in. These products can lift those surface stains and bring back that bright, clean look. Just make sure you are not whitening overactive plaque or tartar, it won’t work, and it can irritate your gums.
What is tartar?
Tartar is a hardened deposit that requires professional removal. It is what happens when plaque overstays its welcome. If you leave plaque on your teeth too long, it hardens into a crusty, yellow or brown substance called tartar.
Unlike plaque, tartar is stubborn. No amount of brushing or flossing will get it off. You need a professional cleaning with dental tools and all to scrape it away. Tartar usually builds up around your gum line and in between teeth, basically, all those hard-to-reach places you might miss when brushing. It then becomes a safe haven for even more bacteria.
Tartar protects bacteria from your toothpaste and makes it easier for gum disease to take hold. When you have tartar, it can make your gums red, swollen, and prone to bleeding (gingivitis), which is stage one of gum disease.
How to prevent plaque and stop tartar before it starts
Preventing tartar is all about plaque control. The less plaque hanging around, the less chance it has to turn into the hardened nightmare that is tartar. Here are some simple but effective habits that can keep your mouth in check:
- Brush twice a day, every day: Brushing morning and night with fluoride toothpaste really matters. Brush for two minutes, hit every tooth, including the backs and near the gumline.
- Floss like you mean it: Flossing gets between teeth where your brush can’t reach. It collects food particles and stops plaque from building up in those tight spaces. Do it once a day, even if it’s right before bed.
- Use an antibacterial mouthwash: Mouthwash can rinse away leftover bacteria, reduce plaque, and freshen your breath.
- Eat wisely: Try to limit snacks between meals, and when you do indulge, drink water after rinsing your mouth.
- Don’t skip the dental appointments: Even if your teeth feel clean, regular check-ups and professional cleanings are crucial. Your dentist can catch buildup early and scrape away tartar before it causes more damage.
What if you already have tartar?
Most people get some tartar buildup eventually, so having it means it’s time to schedule a cleaning. Your dental hygienist will use a scaler to physically remove tartar from your teeth and under the gumline.
Can you reverse the damage?
The good news is that you can reverse early gum disease (gingivitis) if you catch it early. If your gums are a little red, swollen, or bleed when you floss, that’s a sign to step up your brushing and flossing game. Add in some mouthwash, and you might be able to bring things back to normal. But if you’ve got tartar buildup and haven’t seen a dentist in years, you’ll need a deep cleaning, sometimes called scaling and root planing. It sounds intense, but it’s just a more thorough cleaning that helps your gums reattach to your teeth.
Endnote
Knowing the difference between plaque and tartar is crucial to maintaining optimal oral health. While plaque is a soft, removable film that you can manage with daily oral hygiene, tartar is a hardened deposit that requires professional removal. Failure to address these issues can lead to more serious dental conditions like tooth decay and gum disease. Consistent brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits are essential preventative measures.
