Plaque vs. Tartar: What's the Difference and Why It Matters
Posted on 3/4/2025 by Smile More Spokane Family Dentistry |
Keeping your teeth healthy means understanding the two most common threats to your oral health: plaque and tartar. While these terms are often used interchangeably, they are distinct— and knowing the difference can help you take better care of your smile.
What is Plaque?
Plaque is a soft, sticky film that constantly forms on your teeth. It's made up of bacteria, food particles, and saliva. Every time you eat or drink (especially sugary or starchy foods), the bacteria in plaque produce acids that can weaken your enamel and lead to cavities. The good news? Plaque is easy to remove with consistent brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash. Think of it like dust on a countertop— if you wipe it away regularly, it doesn't build up.
What is Tartar?
If plaque isn't removed in time, it hardens into tartar (also called calculus). Tartar is a tough, mineralized deposit that bonds to your teeth, particularly along the gumline. Unlike plaque, which is soft and removable at home, tartar is rough and porous, making it a breeding ground for more bacteria. This buildup over time increases the risk of oral health issues. Once tartar forms, it can't be brushed or flossed away—it requires professional removal by a dental hygienist using specialized tools.
A Visual Approach: Defending Your Smile
Imagine your teeth as a beautiful, pristine castle. Every day, tiny invaders—plaque—try to creep in, forming a sticky film over the walls. These invaders are bacteria that thrive on leftover food particles, producing acids that slowly weaken your tooth enamel. At first, plaque is soft and removable with regular brushing and flossing, like sweeping away dust before it settles. But if left alone, it hardens into tartar, a rough and stubborn buildup that clings to the surfaces of your teeth along the gumline.
Once tartar takes hold, it becomes a fortress for bacteria, making it harder to remove. No amount of brushing or flossing can break the tartar down—it requires a dental hygienist's specialized tools and expertise. This is why we stress the importance of regular professional dental cleanings. Without them, tartar builds over time, leading to inflammation, bad breath, and potential long-term damage.
Why Professional Cleanings Matter
Even with the best brushing and flossing habits, some plaque can be difficult to reach. Dental hygienists use special instruments to remove tartar buildup, helping prevent gum disease, cavities, and bad breath.
Think of your dental cleanings as a reset button for your oral health, restoring your teeth to their natural strength and keeping your smile bright and healthy. At Smile More – Spokane Family
Dentistry, we're here to help you defend your smile against plaque and tartar. Schedule your next cleaning today and keep your teeth in top shape! |
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