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  1. Healthline
    https://www.healthline.com/health/plaque-vs-tartar

    Plaque vs. Tartar: Differences, Treatment, Prevention

    • Your teeth are tough. Covered by enamel, the hardest substance in your body, your teeth can handle a lot of wear and tear. But if you allow plaque to build up and harden, you may be at risk of developing tart… See more

    What’s plaque?

    Dental plaque is something we all have on our teeth. This soft, sticky film builds up on your teeth after bacteria mixes with saliva and food.
    According t… See more

    Healthline
    What’s tartar?

    Dental hygiene is key to preventing tartar. If you’re not following a daily protocol of brushing and … See more

    Healthline
    What are the key differences?

    The buildup process is different
    Plaque builds up on your teeth throughout the day after eating or drinking, especially after you’ve eaten carbohydrates or sugary foods or be… See more

    Healthline
    How can you prevent tartar from building up?

    The best way to stop tartar from building up is to get rid of plaque on your teeth. Plaque can harden into tartar in a matter of hours. That’s why it’s so important to have a daily dental hygi… See more

    Healthline
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    Table of Contents
    What’s plaque?
    What’s tartar?
    What are the key differences?
    How can you prevent tartar from building up?
     
  1. Tartar and cavities are different123:
    • Tartar is a hard substance that attaches to the tooth surface.
    • Cavities are actual breakdowns of the tooth, causing holes in the enamel.
    • Tartar makes teeth look discolored and traps plaque, while cavities result from bacteria and acid making it through tiny holes in the enamel.
    Learn more:
    Tartar is a hard substance that attaches to the tooth surface, whereas, a cavity is an actual breakdown of the tooth and causes a whole in the tooth.

    How can you tell the difference between …

    www.healthtap.com/questions/518396-how-can-yo…
    Tartar makes your teeth look discolored, and it traps plaque, making it more difficult to remove. In this way, plaque and tartar work together to remove minerals in your tooth enamel, causing tiny holes in the enamel. Cavities are the result of bacteria and acid making it through those little holes.

    Plaque vs Tartar vs Cavities…What’s the D…

    www.park56dental.com/blog/2022/04/plaque-vs-tar…
    Plaque hardens over time and turns into tartar. Tartar is usually yellow. You sometimes see it at the base of teeth. Bacteria living in plaque and tartar are hard to get rid of. The bacteria thrive on sugar. That's why sugary foods and drinks can lead to cavities.

    Quick Facts:Cavities - Merck Manual Con…

    www.merckmanuals.com/home/quick-facts-mouth-…
  2. People also ask
    What is the difference between dental plaque and Tartar?
    And what's the difference between the two? Dental plaque and tartar are related, but they are not the same thing. That being said, one thing that dental plaque and tartar (calculus) do have in common is that you don't want them staying on your teeth for long.

    Dental Plaque vs Tartar and Removing It From Teeth - Dentaly.org

    dentaly.org
    What is Dental tartar & how does it affect my teeth?
    Dental tartar often originates in the gaps between teeth, around the base of teeth, and below the gumline. Over time, any buildup of tartar on teeth will expand, thicken, and darken in color. It can start to irritate the gums and will eventually lead to gum disease. Tartar buildup bonds strongly to teeth and is very hard to remove yourself.

    Dental Plaque vs Tartar and Removing It From Teeth - Dentaly.org

    dentaly.org
    What is Tartar & how is it treated?
    Tartar, also known as dental calculus, is a hardened form of plaque that forms when plaque is not removed from the teeth. Unlike plaque, which is soft and sticky, tartar is a hard, crusty deposit that cannot be removed through regular brushing and flossing alone.

    Plaque vs Tartar: Understanding the Difference - Shirland Dental

    shirlanddentalpractice.co.uk
    What does Tartar look like?
    Plaque is described as having a fuzzy feeling when you rub your tongue across your teeth. It’s generally colorless, which makes it hard to see. Tartar may feel rough and have a yellow or brown appearance. Plaque can be removed from your teeth with daily brushing and flossing. Tartar on the other hand needs to be removed by a dental professional.

    Plaque vs. Tartar: Differences, Treatment, Prevention - Healthline

    healthline.com
    Can Tartar cause bad breath?
    Yes, tartar usually has an unpleasant odor. It can also cause small pockets to form in the areas between your teeth and gums. Bacteria and food debris can get trapped there, resulting in bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth. What causes mouth tartar? When you don’t routinely remove plaque from your teeth, it can turn into tartar.

    Tartar on Teeth (Dental Calculus): Causes & Removal - Cleveland Clinic

    my.clevelandclinic.org
    Are You at risk of developing Tartar?
    Your teeth are tough. Covered by enamel, the hardest substance in your body, your teeth can handle a lot of wear and tear. But if you allow plaque to build up and harden, you may be at risk of developing tartar. Tartar can wreak havoc on your dental health and lead to gum disease.

    Plaque vs. Tartar: Differences, Treatment, Prevention - Healthline

    healthline.com
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  3. Wikipedia
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calculus_(dental)

    Calculus (dental) - Wikipedia

  4. Dentaly
    https://www.dentaly.org/.../dental-plaqu…

    Dental Plaque vs Tartar and Removing It From Teeth

    Aug 13, 2024 · The main difference is that plaque comes first. If left alone it turns into tartar. Plaque can be removed at home by a toothbrush, but tartar is much harder and must be removed by a dentist or hygienist. It's important to not let …

  5. Cleveland Clinic
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/25102-tartar

    Tartar on Teeth (Dental Calculus): Causes & Removal - Cleveland …

  6. Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/...

    Cavities and tooth decay - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic

  7. Cleveland Clinic
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10953

    Dental Plaque: What Is It & How To Remove From Teeth

  8. lewisdentistry.com
    https://www.lewisdentistry.com/.../plaqu…

    Plaque vs. Tartar: Differences, Prevention, and Treatment

    Tartar is a crusty deposit that traps stains and makes plaque more difficult to remove, creating a shield for bacteria. Unlike plaque, tartar is too tough to be removed by brushing and flossing and requires professional dental cleaning.

  9. Pickett Family Dental
    https://www.pickettfamilydental.com/blog…

    Difference Between Plaque and Tartar - Pickett Family …

    Plaque and tartar are two different substances that can accumulate on the teeth and contribute to oral health problems, such as gum disease and tooth decay. Plaque is a sticky, colorless film of bacteria that forms on the teeth and gums.

  10. brittdental.com
    https://brittdental.com/plaque-vs-tartar-…

    Plaque vs. Tartar: What’s The Difference? - Britt Dental

    Plaque buildup that hardens into tartar can cause more than just cavities. It can cause tooth discoloration and sensitivity as well as gum recession and periodontal disease. To reduce plaque buildup and tartar from forming, make sure you are …

  11. shirlanddentalpractice.co.uk
    https://www.shirlanddentalpractice.co.uk/plaque-vs...

    Plaque vs Tartar: Understanding the Difference