You brush your teeth every day—so everything’s fine, right? Not always. Even with good oral hygiene habits, plaque can still build up on your teeth and harden into tartar, leading to bigger dental problems down the line. Understanding what plaque is and how it becomes tartar is the first step in keeping your smile healthier for longer.
What Is Dental Plaque and How Does It Form?
Dental plaque is a soft, sticky film that forms on your teeth when bacteria in your mouth mix with food particles and saliva. It develops quickly—often just a few hours after brushing—and thrives especially well when you eat foods high in sugar or starch. The bacteria in plaque feed on leftover sugars, producing acids that attack your enamel.
Key facts about dental plaque:
- Begins forming within hours of brushing
- Made up of bacteria, food debris, and saliva proteins
- Feels fuzzy or sticky to the tongue
- Commonly found along the gumline and between teeth
- Easily removed with brushing and flossing
If plaque is not removed regularly, it begins to harden and becomes far more difficult to get rid of.
How Does Plaque Turn Into Tartar?
Tartar, also known as dental calculus, forms when plaque is left to accumulate and combine with minerals in your saliva. This process can begin in as little as 24 to 72 hours. Once plaque mineralises, it becomes a hardened substance that can no longer be removed with brushing or flossing alone.
Stages from plaque to tartar:
- Plaque forms within hours of eating
- Bacteria multiply and colonise the surface
- Saliva mineralises the biofilm
- Tartar builds up, especially near the gumline
- Inflammation of the gums begins (gingivitis)
- Risk of advanced gum disease increases (periodontitis)
What Are the Differences Between Plaque and Tartar?
Here’s a comparison to highlight how plaque and tartar differ:
|
Feature |
Plaque |
Tartar (Calculus) |
|
Texture |
Soft and sticky |
Hard and crusty |
|
Colour |
Colourless or pale yellow |
Yellow to dark brown |
|
Formation Time |
Begins within hours |
Forms in 24–72 hours |
|
Removability |
Removable by brushing/flossing |
Requires professional dental cleaning |
|
Health Risk |
Causes bad breath and tooth decay |
Can cause gum disease and enamel loss |
Why Is Tartar Harmful to Your Health?
Tartar creates a rough surface on your teeth, giving bacteria more room to thrive and hide. It often causes:
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Red or bleeding gums
- Receding gums
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Cavities and tooth loss
Left untreated, tartar can lead to gum disease, which is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. It can also increase your risk of systemic issues like heart disease and diabetes by spreading bacteria through the bloodstream.
How Can You Prevent Plaque and Tartar Buildup?
Good oral hygiene and consistent habits are your best defence. Here are the most effective steps:
- Brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss at least once a day to remove plaque between teeth
- Use an antibacterial mouthwash to control oral bacteria
- Drink plenty of water to help wash away food particles
- Limit intake of sugary and starchy snacks
- Visit your dentist for a scale and clean every 6 months
Staying consistent with these habits makes it harder for plaque to mature and turn into tartar.
Where on the Teeth Is Tartar Most Likely to Form?
Tartar usually develops:
- Along the gumline
- Between the back molars
- Behind the lower front teeth (due to proximity to salivary glands)
- Around dental restorations or braces
It’s not always visible at first, which is why regular dental check-ups are essential.
What Tools Can Help in Managing Plaque Daily?
While daily brushing and flossing are key, tools that improve plaque control include:
- Electric toothbrushes with oscillating heads
- Interdental brushes or water flossers
- Toothpaste containing fluoride or anti-tartar ingredients
- Mouth rinses containing chlorhexidine or essential oils
Keep in mind: no matter how diligent you are at home, professional cleans are necessary to remove tartar.
What Should You Do If You Suspect Tartar Buildup?
If you notice yellow or brown deposits on your teeth, especially near the gumline, it’s time to book a professional dental cleaning. Only a dental professional can remove tartar with specialised tools such as scalers or ultrasonic instruments.
At Tamworth Oral Health and Dental Care, we help patients stay one step ahead of plaque and tartar issues. Our team provides thorough dental exams and professional cleanings designed to remove even the most stubborn tartar buildup. If it’s been a while since your last check-up, or you’re seeing signs of tartar around your teeth or gums, now is the perfect time to prioritise your oral health. We welcome patients of all ages and pride ourselves on delivering gentle, effective care in a comfortable and supportive environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What causes plaque to form so quickly?
Plaque forms rapidly when bacteria mix with food particles and saliva. Sugary and starchy foods accelerate the process.
Q2: Can I remove tartar at home with special toothpaste?
No. Once tartar has formed, it can only be removed by a dental professional during a scale and clean.
Q3: How often should I get a professional clean to prevent tartar?
Most people benefit from a professional clean every six months, but some may require more frequent visits.
Q4: What’s the difference between tartar and plaque in terms of risk?
Plaque causes minor irritation, but tartar increases your risk of gum disease and tooth decay significantly.
Q5: Are electric toothbrushes better for preventing tartar?
Yes. Electric toothbrushes with oscillating or vibrating heads are more effective at removing plaque before it hardens.
Q6: What happens if tartar is left untreated?
Untreated tartar can lead to gingivitis, advanced gum disease, and eventual tooth loss.