Plaque and tartar: what's the difference, and why does it matter?

They're related, but they're not the same — and knowing the difference changes how you should be brushing.

Patients often ask us what the difference is between plaque and tartar, and whether they're really just the same thing with two names. They're not — but you can't get tartar without plaque coming first, so it's worth understanding both.

What is plaque?

Plaque is a sticky film that forms on your teeth from a mix of bacteria, food particles and saliva. It needs carbohydrates to form — and carbohydrates are in most foods, even healthy ones like fruit and vegetables, though sugary foods and drinks make it worse. Left alone for even a few days, plaque hardens into tartar.

How to prevent plaque

• Brush twice a day, and floss before brushing to clear what's trapped between teeth.
• Cut back on sugary food and drink where you can — you can't eliminate carbohydrates entirely, and you don't need to.

What is tartar?

Tartar (also called calculus) is plaque that has hardened on the tooth. It's more porous than plaque, so it absorbs stains from coffee, tea and tobacco more easily, and it gives bacteria a rougher surface to cling to — increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease.

How tartar affects your gums

Tartar above the gumline can irritate and damage gum tissue, leading to gingivitis — usually reversible with good brushing, flossing, and a hygienist visit to remove the tartar itself. Left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, where pockets form between gum and tooth and become infected, eventually affecting the bone and tissue that hold your teeth in place.

Keeping both in check

• Brush twice a day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss daily — it's the only way to clear plaque between teeth before it hardens.
• Watch your intake of sugary and starchy food and drink.
• Avoid smoking, which increases tartar formation.
• See the hygienist regularly — professional cleaning is the only way to remove tartar once it's formed.

If you're not sure how your gum health is looking, a routine check-up will tell you exactly where you stand — book one in and we'll walk you through it.