What is Tooth Tartar and Plaque? Simple Tips to Prevent Buildup and Protect Your Teeth

Plaque and tartar buildup are common dental issues that affect many people. Poor dental hygiene can result in plaque that hardens into tartar, causing serious oral health problems, including tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath.

Plaque buildup can damage the tooth enamel, cause gum recession, toothaches, and even result in tooth loss. In this guide, we'll answer the question, "What is tooth tartar and plaque?" and highlight how a proper oral hygiene routine can protect your teeth and prevent tooth decay.

What is a Tooth Plaque?

Tooth plaque is a sticky, colorless film that forms on your teeth throughout the day. According to the American Dental Association, plaque forms due to poor oral hygiene, which leads to the buildup of bacteria, food particles, and saliva. This film harbors plaque bacteria, which feed on sugars and starches from the food you eat, turning them into acids. These acids erode your tooth enamel and can cause tooth decay and cavities. If you don’t remove plaque regularly, it can harden into tartar, which is a more stubborn buildup.

How Plaque Forms

Dental plaque starts forming just a few hours after eating, and can accumulate quickly if you’re not brushing your teeth regularly. It forms when bacteria in your mouth mix with food particles and saliva. Plaque builds up naturally throughout the day from eating and drinking, especially sugary foods and drinks.

Symptoms of Plaque Accumulation

When plaque starts to build up, you may notice:

Red, swollen, and bleeding gums (early signs of gum disease).
Yellowish or white buildup on the teeth, often around the gum line.
Bad breath or an unpleasant odor.

Tartar Vs Plaque: What's the Difference?

Unlike plaque, which is a sticky, colorless film that builds up between brushings, dental tartar is hardened plaque that forms when you don't brush your teeth for too long. It typically starts with an off-white or yellowish tooth color and can absorb stains from food and beverages. Tartar on teeth is stubborn and requires professional cleaning by a dental hygienist.

The Importance of Tartar Removal

Tartar can make your teeth look yellow, brown, or black, and contributes to gum disease and bad breath. Without professional cleanings, it can irritate your gums, leading to more serious problems, including periodontal disease, receding gums, and tooth loss. Tartar buildup also makes it difficult to remove plaque and maintain clean teeth. That's why tartar breaking requires dental professionals with specialized instruments and advanced training.

Signs of Tartar Buildup

The following are some of the early signs of tartar buildup:

Black, yellow, or brown deposits near the gumline, especially on the back of the teeth.
Inflamed or bleeding gums occur when tartar irritates the gum tissue.
Difficulty removing black tartar (also called dental calculus) by brushing after it has hardened.

Remove tartar promptly to prevent further damage to your gums and teeth. You’ll need regular dental checkups to prevent tartar buildup.

Effects of Plaque and Tartar on Oral Health

Impact on Gum Health

Plaque and tartar buildup can cause irritation and inflammation of the gums, leading to gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease. Gingivitis can progress into periodontal disease, causing more severe damage to the gums and even tooth loss.

Plaque and tartar provide a breeding ground for bacteria that irritate the gum tissue, causing swelling, redness, and bleeding. According to the article published by Chan (2024) in the Universal Library of Medical and Health Sciences journal, chronic inflammation from gum disease, often caused by tartar, is also linked to severe systemic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and cognitive decline.

Plaque’s Link to Tooth Decay

Plaque bacteria produce acids that attack tooth enamel, leading to cavities. As plaque hardens into tartar, it continues to contribute to tooth decay. When plaque and tartar stay on your teeth for a long time, they'll damage your tooth enamel and increase the risk of cavities and root decay.

Bad Breath

Both plaque and tartar are major contributors to bad breath (halitosis). The bacteria that grow in plaque and tartar emit foul-smelling gases, which cause an unpleasant odor. This can negatively impact your social life and confidence.

How to Avoid Tooth Tartar and Plaque Buildup

Daily Brushing and Flossing

The foundation of any good oral care routine is brushing your teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent plaque buildup. Brush for at least two minutes, paying special attention to the gumline where plaque is most likely to form.

Regular brushing and flossing are your best defense against plaque buildup to maintain fresh breath and prevent other oral health issues. Flossing regularly helps remove plaque between your teeth and areas where a toothbrush can’t reach.

For advanced cleaning, consider the Cheeky Water Flosser, designed to provide gentle, effective care for your gums and offer an alternative to traditional string floss. It helps remove thick buildup and debris, especially from hard-to-reach areas, without causing pain or discomfort.

Choosing the Right Toothbrush

Using the right tools can make a big difference. A soft-bristled toothbrush cleans effectively without irritating your gums. For even better results, try using an electric option like Cheeky’s Electric Toothbrush, which removes up to 99% of plaque, including in hard-to-reach areas. This electric toothbrush will help prevent tartar buildup and keep your mouth fresh.

Hydration and Rinsing

Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps wash away food particles and bacteria, preventing plaque from forming. You can also use an antiseptic mouthwash to kill bacteria that contribute to plaque and tartar buildup. This step helps freshen your breath and promote gum health.

Diet and Oral Health

Your diet plays a significant role in oral health. Sugary foods and drinks feed the bacteria in plaque, leading to more plaque formation. To reduce the risk of dental plaque buildup and tartar formation, limit your consumption of sugary foods. Note that eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and calcium-rich foods supports strong teeth and gums.

Regular Dental Checkups and Cleanings

Even with diligent brushing and flossing, plaque can build up in hard-to-reach areas. That’s why you should visit a dentist regularly. A professional dental cleaning is the only effective way to remove hardened dental plaque (tartar). A dental hygienist will use special tools to remove tartar during a professional cleaning. Dental cleaning every six months can help prevent tartar buildup on your teeth.

How to Remove Plaque and Tartar Buildup

Professional Cleaning

If you notice signs of tartar buildup, the best course of action is to schedule a professional cleaning with your dental professional. Your dentist will perform a thorough cleaning to remove plaque and tartar, preventing further damage to your gums and teeth. In some cases, if the tartar has caused gum disease, treatments such as scaling and root planing or laser periodontal therapy may be necessary to remove tartar buildup.

At-Home Care for Mild Plaque Buildup

To remove plaque before it becomes tartar, use a flosser (such as Cheeky’s Water Flosser) or the LED Whitening Kit at home. These tools effectively clean between your teeth and along your gumline, areas where plaque tends to form. Using these advanced tools alongside consistent brushing will help you manage plaque buildup effectively at home.

Gum Disease Treatment

If plaque and tartar buildup have caused gum disease, treatments may include scaling and root planing, and, in advanced cases, pocket reduction surgery. In such cases, early intervention can prevent further damage to your gum tissue and maintain healthy teeth.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know If It's Plaque Or Tartar?

Plaque and tartar are related but different. Plaque is a sticky film of mouth bacteria that builds up on your teeth throughout the day. It's soft and can be removed with regular brushing and flossing. Tartar, on the other hand, is calcified bacteria that forms when plaque isn’t removed and hardens over time. Tartar buildup on your teeth is harder to remove and requires a professional dental cleaning. If you notice yellow or brown buildup on your teeth, it could be tartar.

What Happens If Tartars Aren't Removed?

If tartar isn't removed, it can lead to gum disease, bad breath, and tooth decay. Tartar irritates the gums, leading to gingivitis, and can cause receding gums and periodontal disease. Over time, tartar can even damage tooth enamel and contribute to cavities and tooth loss. This is why you should consider professional cleanings to remove tartar buildup and prevent these issues.

What Removes Plaque Naturally?

While brushing with fluoride toothpaste and flossing regularly are the most effective ways to remove plaque buildup, some natural remedies can also help. Using a baking soda and water mixture can remove some plaque, but it won’t address deeper plaque on your teeth. Practicing good oral hygiene and visiting a dentist regularly are the best ways to manage plaque.

Can Mouthwash Remove Tartar?

Mouthwash, especially one with antimicrobial properties, can help kill plaque bacteria and freshen your breath, but it can't remove tartar. Tartar is calcified bacteria that has hardened on your teeth, and only professional dental cleaning can remove it. However, regular use of mouthwash can help reduce plaque buildup, preventing it from hardening into tartar.

Is Tooth Plaque Genetic?

While tooth plaque isn’t directly genetic, certain factors influenced by genetics can make you more susceptible to plaque buildup. For example, some people have more mouth bacteria or less saliva, which can contribute to plaque formation. Additionally, poor oral hygiene habits that affect gum health can make it more challenging to control plaque.

Final Thoughts

Preventing plaque and tartar buildup can help you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile. Brushing your teeth regularly, using fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist for regular cleanings can protect your teeth from decay, gum disease, and bad breath. With the help of products like Cheeky’s Electric Toothbrush and Water Flosser, you can take control of your oral health and prevent tartar from forming in the first place.

Through these simple yet effective habits, you can help prevent plaque buildup and tartar formation while keeping your mouth healthy and fresh. If you take charge of your oral health now, you'll enjoy a lifetime of healthy teeth.

References

American Dental Association. (2014). The relationship between periodontal disease and systemic disease: A review of the literature. Journal of the American Dental Association, 145(11), 893-902.
Chan, W. S. H. (2024). The role of oral health in the prevention of systemic diseases. Universal Library of Medical and Health Sciences, 1(1).