Plaque, Tartar, & Calculus: What Is the Difference?

You know that plaque, tartar, and calculus are all enemies of excellent oral health, but you might not know exactly what they are. Some people even think that all of these elements are exactly the same, but your dentist will tell you that this isn’t the case. Read ahead to learn about the differences between plaque, tartar, and calculus.‍

Plaque‍

If you’ve ever wondered why it’s so important to brush and floss your teeth each day, plaque has a great deal to do with it. Plaque will continuously form on your tooth enamel, so it’s your job to continuously get rid of it. Unaddressed plaque can lead to dental health problems like gum disease, so make sure you stay on top of your dental hygiene.‍

Tartar‍

When you let plaque continue to form on your teeth, you might find yourself dealing with a number of oral health problems. Over time the plaque will harden and turn into tartar, which can then give way to tooth decay and the problems that come along with it. If you have a gum infection, tartar buildup can also stand to make it worse. Keep in mind that you’ll need your dentist’s help if you want to remove tartar, as standard brushing will no longer do the trick.‍

Calculus‍

While plaque and tartar are different, tartar and calculus actually are one in the same. Calculus—or tartar—can have a significant impact on your oral health. Make sure you brush your teeth twice each day and see your dentist routinely to get rid of the buildup, prevent calculus from forming, and preserve your oral health.
Dr. John R. Carson is a Tucson dentist who would be happy to go over the differences between these oral health hazards with you. He can also provide treatments like teeth whitening and root canals, so stop by our website or call our offices at (520) 514-7203 for more information.