What to know about tartar and plaque

Tartar and plaque are two common dental issues that almost everyone faces. They’re usually easy to treat with regular dental checkups and daily cleaning, but too much buildup of either can lead to cavities, gingivitis and other oral health issues.

Plaque forms from bacteria, saliva and food particles. It’s a sticky, colorless film that you can typically feel building up in between brushings. It’s normal for plaque to form, but it can become problematic if it’s not treated with daily brushing and flossing and routine dental cleanings.

Just about everybody gets plaque, but it is possible to prevent tartar. When plaque goes untreated, it hardens and becomes tartar. An important difference between plaque and tartar is that plaque can be managed at home with brushing and flossing, but tartar must be removed with a professional dental cleaning. ²

Like plaque, if tartar is left untreated, it can result in: ²

• Enamel erosion
• Cavities
• Swollen, bleeding gums
• Bad breath
• Stained teeth

We all have bacteria in our mouths. When that bacteria mixes with the starchy, sugary foods we eat, plaque forms on our teeth. It happens to everyone, regardless of how or what we eat.¹ In fact, research has found plaque can be hereditary.³

Yes – poor oral hygiene can result in plaque buildup and tartar, but there are other factors to be aware of. Smoking, eating right, and even your genes can all affect how plaque and tartar build up.

If you don't brush and floss your teeth often, plaque will harden and become tartar. Tartar typically starts off as an off-white or yellow color, but eventually it will take on the color of whatever food or beverage you consume. For example, the following could make your teeth look even darker:¹

• Red wine
• Smoking
• Chewing tobacco
• Coffee
• Tea

If left untreated, tartar may damage the gums at the base of your teeth, cause swelling or even bleeding. This is called gingivitis.⁴ Ongoing gum irritation and swelling can advance into periodontitis, a gum infection that damages the soft tissue around teeth. In rare cases, increased inflammation can weaken your immune system, resulting in other health problems.⁵

Another symptom of tartar is bad breath. Tartar itself has an unpleasant odor, but it can form small pockets between your teeth and gums where bacteria, food and debris get stuck and start to taste bad and smell.²

The good news about plaque and tartar is that it’s easy to treat and prevent. There are ways to avoid plaque buildup that leads to tartar. It’s likely that you’re already doing some of these:⁶

• Brush your teeth for 2 minutes 2 times a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
• Floss between your teeth daily
• Avoid smoking and other tobacco products
• Go to the dentist regularly for exams and cleanings. (Preventive dental visits are typically recommended for twice a year.)

Most people can avoid tartar with routine cleanings every six months. But if you know you’re prone to cavities, gum disease or other oral health issues, you might need cleanings more often. Talk to your dentist to decide on an appropriate cleaning schedule for you.²

Despite our best brushing and flossing efforts, plaque buildup and tartar formation can still happen. If your plaque turns into tartar, a dental hygienist will use special tools to get it out of your teeth. They'll also floss and brush your teeth using fluoride toothpaste.

If tartar gets worse and causes bone loss around your teeth, your dentist may suggest gum disease treatment. This treatment will remove tartar that may get stuck under your gum line.

Common gum disease treatments include:²

• Scaling and root planing
• Osseous surgery (pocket reduction surgery)
• Laser periodontal therapy (using laser energy to kill bacteria under your gums)

Plaque is a part of life. Stay ahead of it by taking good care of your teeth and seeing your dentist regularly. Check your dental benefits to learn about coverage for regular dental checkups. If you don't have dental insurance, check into your options for dental coverage. If you're a UnitedHealthcare member, use our provider search to find a network dentist for your plan.