Plaque, tartar and how to take care of your teeth

Having unhealthy teeth can knock your confidence and give your dentist real cause for concern. Discoloured, infected and bacteria-ridden teeth look unsightly and can damage other areas of your health.

An untreated buildup of plaque and tartar can lead to tooth loss and dental extractions that are easily avoidable with the right dental care plan in place.

So, we're talking about these two pesky bacterial teeth buildups and the best oral hygiene approach to make sure your teeth are squeaky clean.

What is plaque?

Dental plaque is a sticky and colourless layer that builds up on the tooth surface due to the accumulation of bacteria and food debris.

Among other oral diseases, the accumulation of bacterial plaque is the main cause of cavities and gingivitis, hence its need for its removal.

What is tartar?

Tartar on teeth is simply the calcification of dental plaque, which is why it’s also referred to as dental calculus or calculus teeth.

When we don’t brush our teeth properly, the accumulation of plaque can solidify, creating tartar. As it solidifies, it can accumulate in the molars, other teeth and in the gums, where it is more difficult to remove.

How do plaque and tartar build up on teeth?

The accumulation of food debris on the tooth surface mixes with various bacteria found in the oral cavity that feed on this debris. The combination of food, along with bacteria and other elements, creates the sticky substance known as plaque.

So, tartar vs. plaque: which is easier to remove?

As tartar is the exacerbated level of untreated plaque buildup, we consider tartar trickier to remove. It's always recommended to adopt a great cleaning regime to tackle these dental bacteria, which are sticky, unlike its counterpart, which usually needs to be removed with the help of dental professionals.

Teeth and plaque

Tartar or dental calculus buildup forms when dental plaque is not cleaned. When it comes into contact with saliva, a reaction is created that calcifies the plaque on your teeth, turning it into tartar.

Progressing to this level, also known as dental calculus buildup, should be avoided at all costs. The work to regain full health for your teeth at this stage is much more difficult and requires professional removal.

How to eliminate plaque on teeth

• Brush and floss between meals to get rid of bacteria in your mouth
• Review your oral hygiene routine. Are you brushing for long enough?
• Do you actively schedule time to check your teeth after any food and drink
• Clean your teeth twice a day at a minimum to remove any residue that forms on your teeth
• A soft-bristle toothbrush will help you prevent tartar buildup on your gum line without being abrasive
• Be sure to brush around your gum tissue, the back of your teeth and your tongue
• Book regular appointments with your dentist or dental hygienist for professional cleaning

What causes plaque and tartar on teeth?

The main cause of dental plaque is usually not maintaining good oral hygiene. If the buildup on your teeth is not properly removed by brushing and using floss, it will accumulate and calcify, forming tartar or calculus teeth.

Since both are interrelated, it could be said that poor oral hygiene, or lack of dental care is also the main cause of dental tartar.

Difficulties taking plaque off teeth

There are times when oral hygiene can be difficult to maintain, particularly if you're using fixed orthodontic devices.

We'll cover these topics below, but it's good to introduce interdental brushes for flossing or electric toothbrushes to your oral hygiene practice if you struggle with dexterity or if you use a fixed orthodontic device.

Cleaning your teeth with braces

Plaque caused by wearing braces is relatively frequent, since these devices make it difficult to thoroughly brush the teeth and gums, and may be a breeding ground for the buildup of bacteria on the teeth, and around the device.

Although poor oral hygiene is the main cause of the appearance of plaque and tartar on the teeth, it is not due exclusively to poor oral hygiene. Other factors can influence their development.

For example, if we eat a lot of sugar, the pH of our saliva will be altered, and we’re more likely to create and accumulate dental plaque. On the other hand, there are people who naturally have a more acidic pH, which creates the ideal climate for plaque and other oral diseases such as cavities.

Types of plaque and dental calculus

Depending on where the problem is located, there are different types.

Types of plaque on teeth

Dental plaque can be located in various places in the mouth. Depending on where it accumulates, we can find several types of bacterial plaque on teeth:

• Marginal plaque: this is the one that is on top of the tooth’s surface
• Coronal plaque: we find this type of plaque on the border of the teeth and gums
• Subgingival plaque: this plaque accumulates in the pits of the gingival sulcus and within the periodontal pockets, causing tartar pockets in the gums.

Types of tartar or dental calculus

Tartar or dental calculus can also appear in various places. We could say that there are two types of dental calculus:

• Supragingival tartar: as its name suggests, supragingival tartar is found on the border of the gums and teeth
• Subgingival tartar: this accumulates under the gums, and can form in the periodontal pockets

How to prevent plaque and tartar buildup

Plaque removal

When it comes to the removal of plaque on our teeth, we just need to maintain proper dental hygiene, using a brush and dental floss after each meal. In addition, we can schedule regular clinic visits for professional dental cleaning from time to time.

Tartar removal

If plaque is the easy one, how can we remove tartar from our teeth? Calculus teeth or tartar removal is not as simple as cleaning dental plaque. To remove hard tartar from the teeth, you have to go to your dentist.

During the consultation, the hygienist or dentist will perform a dental cleaning if tartar is found on the dental surface.

Using a professional teeth plaque cleaner

If you’re wondering how to remove tartar from teeth when it’s found under the gums, a tartarectomy or dental curettage is necessary for the removal. With the help of a curette or an ultrasonic cleaner, the professional will help you remove the tartar from your teeth and gums.

How to prevent plaque and tartar build up

Both plaque and tartar buildup are avoidable! Proper hygiene is vitally important. It’s as simple as using your toothbrush with toothpaste and dental floss after meals. This simple routine helps you to avoid the accumulation of plaque, the formation of tartar and the diseases that can come from not taking care of your teeth.

We're experts in clear aligners and oral health

At Impress we are specialists in oral health and removable orthodontics. Our aligners are removable and manageable so you can eat and clean your teeth as usual. Our patients can maintain excellent oral hygiene throughout their treatment, avoiding the accumulation of bacterial buildup, tartar or dental calculus.

If you're ready, why not schedule a free orthodontic evaluation to find out if you're a good candidate for teeth straightening? We’ll perform an exhaustive study of your oral health and determine which type of treatment is best for you.

You can also contact us by calling or texting us on +44 20 3808 1072 or WhatsApp. Discover your nearest Impress clinic!

Updated: June 2025