Untreated plaque hardens into tartar and becomes difficult to remove
Plaqueremoval is important to keep your teeth healthy.
Plaque causes a buildup of tartar on your teeth.
It can lead to cavities, gingivitis, and other dental problems.
Verywell / Jessica Olah
When plaque hardens into tartar buildup, it can only be removed by a dentist.
This article discusses the symptoms and causes of plaque and tartar.
It also covers ways to remove plaque and how to prevent it from becoming tartar buildup.
Verywell / Jessica Olah
What Is Plaque?
Plaqueis a kind of sticky film found on the teeth.
It forms when the bacteria in the mouth is mixed with sugary or starchy food and drinks.
Plaque has to be removed regularly or it can harden into tartar and lead to dental complications.
Some types of plaque can cause cavities while other types of plaque affect the gums.
When consumed, bacteria found in the mouth release a kind of acid to help break down these carbohydrates.
These acids, together with the bacteria and carbohydrates, combine together to form plaque.
Diagnosing Plaque
Plaque can be diagnosed by a dentist in a routine dental checkup.
Depending on the circumstances, the dentist or hygienist may use instruments to inspect the gums.
The dentist or hygienist will be able to identify plaque and tartar just by examining the mouth and gums.
No special tests are needed for this.
Depending on what they find, they may recommend an X-ray to check forcavities.
How to Remove Plaque
Plaque can be removed withgood oral hygiene.
This includes brushing and flossing every day using the proper methods.
By removing plaque, it’s possible for you to prevent tartar from forming.
If tartar does form, your dentist can remove it during your regular appointment.
Proper Brushing
Brushing your teeth twice a day is the first step to removing plaque properly.
This is why flossing at least once a day is important.
Dentists typically recommend using unwaxed floss, as it is thinner and easier to use.
To floss effectively:
A water flosser could also be used in place of floss.
This sprays water between your teeth to flush away plaque and food particles.
Antimicrobial mouth rinses can reduce bacteria, which contributes to plaque.
Flouride mouthwashes can strengthen your teeth to prevent decay from plaque.
Check with your dentist before using.
Children who are 6 years old or younger shouldn’t use a fluoride mouthwash.
Home Remedies
Besides brushing with toothpaste and flossing, other at-home remedies are thought to reduce plaque.
Some are backed by research while others may need more studies to prove the benefits.
Baking Soda
Brushing with baking sodahas been found to help scrub away plaque and bacteria.
One study found that baking soda pastes were effective in removing plaque biofilm.
It’s possible to form a paste using baking soda and water.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has been found to have plaque-fighting benefits.
Some types of herbal toothpaste and mouthwashes contain aloe vera.
Check to ensure that they have the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
Removing Tartar on Teeth
Tartar cannot be treated at home.
It cannot be removed with regular teeth brushing.
Only a dentist can remove tartar.
Treatment for tartar involves a visit to the dentist and a professional oral cleaning.
At a dentist visit, the dentist or hygienist will scrape off plaque and tartar.
They may also suggest other treatment options.
Dental sealants and fluoride treatments are two common options to protect your teeth.
Sealants are often applied on the molars and premolars.
The liquid seal is applied to the teeth where it covers the grooves in each tooth.
It is then cured or hardened using a special kind of light.
This seal protects the enamel of the teeth from bacteria and food.
A fluoride treatment may also reverse early decay in the teeth.
Look for a gum that has the seal of the American Dental Association (ADA).
Complications
When plaque builds up, it can wear away the enamel of your teeth.
Plaque forms a sticky film on the teeth and should be removed through regular teeth brushing and flossing.
If not removed properly, plaque will harden into tartar.
Tartar can only be removed by a dentist.
Both plaque and tartar can be prevented with good oral hygiene.
If you have any concerns about your teeth or oral health, you should speak with your dentist.
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.Plaque: What it is and how to get rid of it.
Humana.Dental plaque: What is it and how to remove it from your teeth.
Mouth Healthy.Your top 9 questions about going to the dentistanswered!
Johns Hopkins Health Plans.How to keep your gums and teeth healthy.
American Association of Orthodontists.Should you brush or floss first?
A guide to optimal oral hygiene.
Academy of General Dentistry.Daily tips for good oral hygiene.
Myneni SR.Effect of baking soda in dentifrices on plaque removal.The Journal of the American Dental Association.
2017;148(11):S4-S9.
doi:10.1016/j.adaj.2017.09.004
American Diabetes Association.Toothpastes.
2020;30(1):1-8. doi:10.1016/j.pdj.2020.01.001
American Dental Association.ADA Seal of Acceptance.
2014;60(05/2014).
2016;17(1):38-41. doi:10.5005/jp-journals-10024-1800
American Academy of Periodontology.What is the difference between plaque and calculus?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Dental sealants.
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.The tooth decay process: How to reverse it and avoid a cavity.
