Lots of people ask their dental professional if there’s a difference between plaque and tartar—and it’s a great question. Both plaque and tartar buildup are common dental problems. Significant plaque buildup can result in tooth decay and gum disease. Tartar is calcified plaque. Arming yourself with the facts can help you be smarter about how you care for your teeth.
Plaque is sticky, colorless film containing bacteria that builds up naturally on tooth surfaces, especially along the gum line within four to 12 hours after brushing.
When saliva, sugars in food, and fluids combine with plaque, it produces bacteria deposits that release acids, which collect where the teeth and gums meet.
Plaque contains bacteria, which produces acids that attack your tooth enamel and can damage your gums and create cavities. If not treated, the damage could become permanent. When plaque accumulates and is not removed, it can mineralize, trapping stains and turning into tartar. Plaque is the root cause of many oral health issues. Plaque bacteria can also contribute to gum disease, like gingivitis. Regular brushing and flossing are your most effective tools in the fight against plaque so we recommend using an electric toothbrush. If it’s not removed daily, plaque eventually accumulates and hardens into tartar.
Tartar is tough—it’s a hard, crusty deposit that can trap stains and leads to tooth discoloration. Tartar is formed when residual plaque on the surface of the tooth reacts with minerals in your saliva. Tartar is a yellow or brown colored deposit that forms when plaque mineralizes on your teeth. Susceptibility to tartar buildup varies greatly depending on the individual person. Generally, as you age, you become more prone to having tartar form on your teeth.
Plaque buildup can lead to gingivitis and gum disease, so it is important to take steps for treatment and prevention.
Most Advanced Electric Toothbrush for Plaque Removal
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Only a dentist can remove tartar, but you can proactively prevent it with a good brushing regimen utilizing Oral-B® Electric Toothbrushes.
This blog has been reviewed and approved by Dr Robert Lee, a dental professional of 35 years
Dr Robert Lee
Dr Robert Lee is a dentist with more than thirty years of experience in the industry.
Graduating from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery and from the University of New South Wales with a Master of Business Administration, Robert’s career has taken him all over the world – from Australia to Germany to his current position in Chicago, where he is the founder of Denticus Inc., offering strategic dental consulting.
Robert has previously worked for Procter & Gamble as the Director of Professional Scientific Relations in both the Cincinnati and Sydney offices, being responsible for external relations and scientific exchange with leading professional associations and industry thought leaders. He was also responsible for all technical and scientific training for the professional teams in North America and Australia.
Robert has been assisting the team at Oral-B by fact-checking and reviewing our blogs on dental health. You can find a list of the blogs Robert has approved below:
SEE LESS
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How to Get Rid of Plaque and Remove Tartar Buildup
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