Most people have heard of plaque and tartar, but the relationship between the two is not always well understood. The distinction between plaque vs tartar is one of the most important concepts in preventive dental care, and understanding how tartar forms can help you take more effective steps to protect your oral health.

In simple terms, tartar — also known as dental calculus — is what happens when plaque is not removed in time. But the process of plaque mineralisation is more nuanced than many people realise. This guide explains what dental calculus is, how it develops, the symptoms to be aware of, and how both professional care and good home habits can help keep your teeth and gums healthy. Whether you are already receiving professional dental hygiene care in London or are simply looking to learn more, this article provides a clear, evidence-based overview.

What Is Plaque? The Starting Point

Plaque is a soft, sticky, colourless film of bacteria that forms on the surfaces of the teeth throughout the day. It is entirely natural — everyone develops plaque, regardless of how well they brush. Within hours of cleaning your teeth, a new layer of plaque begins to form.

Plaque is essentially a bacterial biofilm. It develops when bacteria in the mouth combine with proteins and food particles to create a thin layer that adheres to the tooth enamel. Saliva plays a role here too, as it provides a moist environment that supports bacterial activity.

Key characteristics of plaque include:

• Soft and sticky: Plaque has a film-like texture and clings to the teeth, particularly along the gumline and between teeth
• Colourless or pale: Fresh plaque is usually difficult to see with the naked eye, although disclosing tablets can reveal its presence
• Removable at home: With effective brushing and interdental cleaning, plaque can be removed before it causes harm
• Constantly forming: Plaque begins to reform within minutes of brushing, which is why consistent daily oral hygiene is so important

When plaque is allowed to remain on the teeth, it begins to interact with minerals in the saliva. This is where the process of plaque mineralisation starts — and where the transformation from soft plaque to hardened dental plaque begins.

What Is Dental Calculus? Tartar Explained

So, what is dental calculus? Dental calculus — more commonly known as tartar — is the hard, calcified deposit that forms when plaque is not removed and undergoes mineralisation. Unlike plaque, tartar is rigid, firmly bonded to the tooth surface, and impossible to remove with a toothbrush or floss.

Hardened dental plaque can develop both above and below the gumline:

• Supragingival calculus forms above the gumline and is often visible as yellowish or off-white deposits, typically near the salivary gland openings — behind the lower front teeth and on the outer surfaces of the upper molars
• Subgingival calculus forms below the gumline within the gum pockets. It tends to be darker in colour — often brown or black — due to its contact with blood and gum fluid, and is not visible without professional assessment

The critical difference between soft plaque and tartar is that plaque can be managed at home with good oral hygiene, while tartar requires professional removal. Once plaque has hardened, no amount of brushing will shift it. This is why regular visits to a dental hygienist are so valuable — they can identify and remove calculus that you cannot see or reach yourself. Our guide on early signs of gum disease explains the wider implications of untreated tartar buildup.

Plaque vs Tartar: What's the Real Difference?

The distinction between plaque vs tartar is straightforward once you understand the underlying process. The following comparison table summarises the key differences:

Feature	Plaque	Tartar (Dental Calculus)
Texture	Soft, sticky, film-like	Hard, calcified, rough
Removable at home	Yes — with brushing and flossing	No — requires professional scaling
Colour	Colourless or pale yellow	Yellow, brown, or dark (subgingival)
Risk to gums	Causes irritation if left	Harbours bacteria; contributes to gum disease
Formation speed	Begins within hours of brushing	Can begin mineralising within 24–72 hours

Understanding this distinction is fundamental to good oral health. While plaque is a normal, daily occurrence that can be managed at home, tartar is a sign that plaque has been missed and has progressed beyond what home care can address.

How Tartar Forms: The Science of Plaque Mineralisation

The process of how tartar forms is a fascinating example of biological mineralisation. It occurs in stages and is influenced by several factors.

Stage 1: Plaque Accumulation

Within minutes of brushing, a thin protein layer called the pellicle forms on the tooth surface. Bacteria quickly colonise this layer, and within a few hours, a measurable biofilm — plaque — is established. If this plaque is not removed through brushing and interdental cleaning, it continues to mature and thicken.

Stage 2: Mineral Absorption

Saliva contains dissolved minerals, including calcium and phosphate. As undisturbed plaque remains on the tooth surface, these minerals begin to be absorbed into the biofilm. This is the beginning of plaque mineralisation — the chemical process by which soft plaque starts to harden.

Stage 3: Crystal Formation

Over time, the absorbed minerals form microscopic crystals within the plaque structure. These crystals — primarily hydroxyapatite, the same mineral found in tooth enamel — gradually solidify the biofilm, transforming it from a soft, removable layer into a rigid, calcified deposit.

Stage 4: Hardened Dental Plaque

Once mineralisation is complete, the plaque has become tartar. This hardened dental plaque is firmly attached to the tooth surface and provides a rough, porous surface that makes further plaque accumulation even easier. This creates a cycle: tartar attracts more plaque, which can in turn mineralise into more tartar.

Why Some People Develop Tartar Faster

The speed of tartar formation varies between individuals. Factors that can influence this include:

• Saliva composition: Higher concentrations of calcium and phosphate in the saliva can accelerate mineralisation
• Salivary pH: A more alkaline saliva environment tends to promote faster calculus formation
• Oral hygiene habits: Inconsistent brushing or flossing allows plaque to remain undisturbed for longer
• Diet: Diets high in sugar and starch encourage faster plaque development
• Genetic factors: Some individuals are simply more prone to tartar buildup than others

For more information about how plaque behaves and its wider effects, our blog on how a scale and polish works provides additional context.

Tartar Buildup Symptoms: What to Look For

Recognising tartar buildup symptoms early can help you seek professional advice before the condition progresses. Common signs include:

• Visible deposits: Yellowish or brownish hard deposits along the gumline, particularly behind the lower front teeth
• Rough tooth surfaces: A gritty or rough feeling when you run your tongue along your teeth, even after brushing
• Bleeding gums: Gums that bleed during brushing or flossing, which may indicate inflammation caused by tartar irritation
• Redness or swelling: Gum tissue that appears red, puffy, or tender rather than pale pink and firm
• Persistent bad breath: Ongoing halitosis that does not improve with brushing may be linked to bacteria harboured within tartar deposits
• Gum recession: The gums pulling away from the teeth, sometimes exposing the root surfaces

It is important to note that not all tartar is visible, particularly subgingival calculus that forms below the gumline. This is one of the reasons why regular professional assessments are so valuable — a dental hygienist can detect deposits that you may not be able to see or feel. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, our periodontal treatments page explains the professional care options available.

Can Tartar Be Removed at Home?

This is one of the most common questions patients ask, and the answer is clear: no, tartar cannot be removed at home. Once plaque has mineralised into hardened dental plaque, it is too firmly bonded to the tooth surface to be dislodged by brushing, flossing, or any over-the-counter product.

While some products claim to help with tartar removal, they are generally designed to help slow tartar buildup rather than remove existing deposits. Attempting to scrape tartar off at home with sharp instruments can damage the enamel and gum tissue, and is not recommended.

However, preventing tartar at home is entirely achievable. The most effective strategy is to remove plaque consistently before it has the chance to mineralise. This means:

• Brushing thoroughly twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
• Using interdental brushes or floss daily to clean between the teeth
• Paying particular attention to areas where tartar commonly forms — behind the lower front teeth and around the upper molars

Prevention is always more effective than treatment, and maintaining a good daily routine significantly reduces the amount of tartar that develops between professional appointments.

The Dental Scaling Process Explained

When tartar has formed, the dental scaling process is the professional treatment used to remove it. Scaling is a core part of a dental hygiene appointment and is carried out by a qualified dental hygienist using specialised instruments.

Here is what the dental scaling process typically involves:

• Assessment: Your hygienist will examine your teeth and gums, measuring pocket depths and identifying areas of tartar buildup
• Ultrasonic scaling: An ultrasonic scaler uses rapid vibrations and a stream of water to break up and flush away tartar deposits. This is effective for larger deposits and is generally comfortable for most patients
• Hand scaling: Finer hand instruments called curettes are used to carefully remove remaining deposits and smooth the tooth surfaces, particularly in areas that require a more delicate approach
• Polishing: After scaling, the teeth are typically polished to smooth the enamel surfaces, making it more difficult for new plaque to adhere
• Oral hygiene review: Your hygienist will provide tailored advice on brushing, interdental cleaning, and any areas that may need extra attention at home

The procedure is designed to be thorough yet comfortable. If you have concerns about sensitivity, your hygienist may offer topical anaesthetic to ensure your comfort throughout. For a more detailed look at what to expect, visit our teeth cleaning treatments page. Our blog on Airflow teeth cleaning also explains an alternative polishing method that some patients may find beneficial for surface stain removal.

How to Prevent Tartar at Home

While professional cleaning is essential for removing tartar that has already formed, preventing tartar at home through consistent daily care can significantly reduce the rate at which it accumulates. Here are some practical, evidence-based strategies:

Brushing Technique

Brush twice a day for at least two minutes using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to the gumline and use gentle, circular motions. An electric toothbrush with a timer and pressure sensor can help ensure thorough, consistent cleaning.

Interdental Cleaning

Brushing alone cleans only around 60% of the tooth surface. Daily use of interdental brushes, floss, or a water flosser is essential for removing plaque from between the teeth and along the gumline where tartar commonly forms.

Tartar-Control Toothpaste

Toothpastes formulated with pyrophosphates or zinc citrate can help slow the rate of plaque mineralisation. While they cannot remove existing tartar, they may help reduce the speed at which new deposits form.

Diet Considerations

Limiting sugary and starchy foods reduces the fuel available to plaque-forming bacteria. Drinking water throughout the day helps rinse food particles and bacteria from the mouth, supporting a healthier oral environment.

Regular Professional Visits

Even the most diligent home care cannot prevent all tartar formation. Regular visits to a dental hygienist allow for early detection and removal of any deposits before they can cause harm. Our preventive treatments page outlines the range of professional support available, and our blog on professional dental cleaning frequency can help you determine how often appointments may be beneficial for you.

When Should You Book a Professional Cleaning?

Taking a proactive approach to your oral health is one of the most effective ways to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Regular professional cleaning appointments are recommended for all patients, not just those who are experiencing symptoms.

Consider booking an appointment if:

• It has been more than six months since your last hygiene visit
• You have noticed any visible deposits, gum bleeding, or persistent bad breath
• You have a history of tartar buildup or gum concerns
• You would like personalised advice on improving your oral hygiene routine
• You want to establish a regular preventive care schedule

Your dental hygienist can assess your individual needs, recommend an appropriate cleaning frequency, and provide the professional care that supports long-term oral health. Preventive hygiene appointments are a positive and straightforward step towards maintaining a healthy, comfortable smile. If you have concerns about plaque or tartar buildup, seeking professional dental advice is always a worthwhile first step.