Plaque vs. tartar: What’s the difference?
Dental plaque is a yellowish, sticky film. It develops when bacteria in your mouth feed on sugars in the foods you eat. Plaque feels “fuzzy” on your teeth, but you can remove it with brushing and flossing.
Tartar is hardened plaque. It might be yellowish at first, but it can turn darker over time. Tartar feels like a hard shell on your teeth. Unlike plaque, you can’t remove tartar with brushing and flossing.
Why is tartar breaking off my teeth?
Occasionally, tartar can break off your teeth when you’re eating certain foods or brushing too aggressively. When this happens, it can leave a rough or sharp area behind. It might be tempting to remove more tartar on your own. But doing this can damage your teeth and gums.
Call your dentist if you notice tartar breaking off your teeth. They can remove the remaining tartar safely and effectively.
Why do I have black tartar on my teeth?
Tartar takes on the color of whatever foods and drinks you consume. You might notice black tartar if you:
- Smoke or use tobacco products.
- Drink lots of tea, coffee or red wine.
Tartar beneath your gum line can also cause bleeding. When blood mixes with tartar, it can turn black.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
The best way to prevent tartar is to practice good oral hygiene. But sometimes, tartar can form despite your best efforts. If this happens, schedule a visit with a dentist right away. While tartar buildup isn’t an emergency, it’s best to remove it as soon as possible to avoid issues like cavities and gum disease.
FAQs
Tartar can behave like a trap along the gum line for harmful bacteria. This can irritate the gums and lead to gingivitis, an infection of the gums and the earliest stage of periodontal (gum) disease.
How does tartar affect health? ›
Tartar is hardened dental plaque. Without proper oral hygiene, tartar can build up on your teeth and lead to gum disease and other oral health issues. Only a dentist or hygienist can remove tartar.
What happens if tartar is not removed? ›
Not removing tartar from your teeth early can cause tooth decay as the bacteria eats away at your tooth enamel. It can lead to gum diseases such as gingivitis or more seriously periodontal disease which is when your gums recede or shrink away from your teeth.
What happens after tartar is removed? ›
In some instances, a dense buildup of hard tartar “splints” teeth together, concealing the extent of bone loss and creating the illusion of stability. When this buildup is removed, any existing looseness may become more noticeable. As a result, teeth may feel loose following a deep cleaning.
Is it bad if tartar falls off? ›
You see, when tartar chips off your teeth, it may leave a sharp spot that can harm your soft oral tissues. By doing so, you are damaging your gums and teeth. So, it's best to avoid trying to remove any sharp tartar on your own.
What destroys tartar on teeth? ›
Wet your toothbrush, put baking soda on its bristles, and use it to brush your teeth. Allow it to rest for 10 – 15 minutes before rinsing your mouth. Brushing your teeth daily with baking soda will help remove tartar and whiten your teeth. However, avoid using it in excess as it can harm your tooth enamel.
What does tartar do for your teeth? ›
Tartar is a hard, calcified deposit that forms on the teeth and contributes to tooth decay. Both of these will erode the tooth enamel and lead to dental caries, also known as cavities. You can prevent the formation of both with proper oral hygiene habits.
How long does it take for tartar to destroy teeth? ›
Tartar build-up can start to damage teeth within only a few months. The earlier tartar is removed, the better. If you develop periodontitis because of your tartar, gaps can form between the tooth and gums.
Do your gums grow back after removing tartar? ›
The simple answer is, no.
Is tartar damage permanent? ›
Like plaque, tartar can contribute to developing gingivitis and periodontal disease. But unlike plaque, simple brushing and flossing won't do much to remove tartar. Tartar fuses to the enamel of your teeth, making it a permanent dental issue that only a professional can remove.
Takeaways. Tartar is a hardened plaque film on your teeth. It can cause cavities and gum disease if it's not removed.
Can chunks of plaque come off teeth? ›
Can hardened plaque fall off? If dental plaque turns into tartar, it's very difficult to remove. But sometimes little bits of tartar can break off, especially if you brush too hard. Everyone gets dental plaque.
What does tartar look like when it comes off? ›
Hence, the small tooth-like thing we feel in our mouth is usually not a tooth but tartar. Certain eating styles or brushing techniques can be responsible for the tartar breaking off teeth. One can confirm its tartar by examining the broken piece. Tartar will be brown, dull yellow, and, sometimes, black in color.
What are the long term effects of tartar build up? ›
The Effects of Plaque and Tartar Buildup
Untreated gum disease can develop into an aggressive condition that produces a chronic infection and loosens the roots of teeth from the bone and gums. Advanced gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss. Plaque buildup also weakens teeth.
What are the consequences of tartar? ›
Tartar gives plaque more surface area on which to grow and a much stickier surface to adhere, which can lead to more serious conditions, such as cavities and gum disease.
What happens if tartar enters the bloodstream? ›
This hardened tartar is known as dental calculus. Bits of this calcified tartar may break off and enter the digestive system and further on into the person's blood. This can cause a narrowing of the blood vessels when deposits of calculus begin coating the passage.
How long does it take for tartar to cause damage? ›
Tartar build-up can start to damage teeth within only a few months. The earlier tartar is removed, the better.
