What Happens If Plaque Turns Into Tartar? A Don Mills Dentist Explains
Most people have heard the terms plaque and tartar, but many don't realize they're not the same thing.
Plaque forms on your teeth every day. If it isn't removed through proper brushing, flossing, and regular professional dental cleanings, it hardens into tartar—a substance that can only be removed by a dental professional.
If you're looking for a dentist in Don Mills or searching for a dental cleaning in North York, understanding the difference between plaque and tartar can help you protect your teeth and gums for years to come.
At Teeth & Beauty Toronto, we help patients prevent cavities and gum disease by removing plaque and tartar before they cause more serious dental problems.
What Is Plaque?
Plaque is a soft, sticky film made up of bacteria, food particles, and saliva.
It begins forming on your teeth within hours after brushing.
Although plaque is invisible in its early stages, the bacteria within it feed on sugars from the foods and drinks you consume.
These bacteria produce acids that gradually weaken tooth enamel and increase your risk of cavities.
Fortunately, plaque can usually be removed at home by:
Brushing twice a day
Flossing daily
Using fluoride toothpaste
Maintaining regular dental cleanings
What Is Tartar?
When plaque remains on your teeth for too long, minerals found in your saliva cause it to harden.
Once this happens, it becomes tartar, also known as dental calculus.
Unlike plaque, tartar bonds tightly to the surface of your teeth and cannot be removed with a toothbrush or dental floss.
Professional instruments used during a dental cleaning are required to remove it safely.
Why Is Tartar a Problem?
Many patients assume tartar is simply a cosmetic issue.
In reality, tartar creates an ideal environment for bacteria to accumulate around your teeth and gums.
Over time, this can lead to:
Gum inflammation
Persistent bad breath
Gum disease
Tooth sensitivity
Bone loss around the teeth
The longer tartar remains on your teeth, the greater your risk of developing more serious dental conditions.
Where Does Tartar Usually Build Up?
Tartar commonly forms in areas that are more difficult to clean, including:
Behind the lower front teeth
Along the gumline
Between the teeth
Around older dental restorations
Even patients with good brushing habits can develop tartar in these areas, which is why professional cleanings remain so important.
Can Tartar Cause Gum Disease?
Yes.
Tartar traps bacteria against the gums, causing irritation and inflammation.
Early gum disease, known as gingivitis, may cause:
Red gums
Swollen gums
Bleeding while brushing
Tender gums
Bad breath
If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, which can damage the bone supporting your teeth and increase the risk of tooth loss.
Can You Remove Tartar at Home?
Unfortunately, no.
Many products claim to dissolve or remove tartar, but once plaque has hardened, it cannot be safely removed at home.
Attempting to scrape tartar yourself can damage your enamel and gums.
Professional dental hygienists use specialized instruments to remove tartar thoroughly while protecting your teeth.
How Can You Prevent Tartar?
The best way to prevent tartar is to remove plaque before it hardens.
Simple habits make a big difference:
Brush twice daily for two minutes
Floss every day
Limit sugary foods and drinks
Drink plenty of water
Visit your dentist for regular professional cleanings
Most patients benefit from dental cleanings every six months, as we explain in our guide on how often you should get a dental cleaning.
What Happens During a Dental Cleaning?
During a professional dental cleaning, your hygienist will:
Examine your teeth and gums
Remove plaque and tartar
Polish your teeth
Discuss your oral hygiene routine
Identify any areas that may require additional attention
Removing tartar regularly helps reduce your risk of cavities, gum disease, and future dental treatment. Learn what happens during a professional dental cleaning and why removing tartar is one of the most important parts of the appointment.
Why Preventative Dental Care Matters
Regular comprehensive dental exams and preventative care are among the most effective ways to maintain a healthy smile.
By removing plaque and tartar before they cause damage, routine dental cleanings help you avoid more complex treatments such as fillings, root canals, crowns, and periodontal therapy.
Investing in preventative care today can save both time and money in the future.
Choose a Trusted Dentist in Don Mills for Preventative Care
Whether it's been six months or several years since your last appointment, it's never too late to improve your oral health.
At Teeth & Beauty Toronto, we provide gentle, thorough dental cleanings designed to remove plaque and tartar while helping patients maintain healthy teeth and gums.
If you're searching for a dentist in Don Mills, North York, or the surrounding Toronto area, our experienced team is here to help you achieve a healthier smile.
If deeper stains remain after your cleaning, professional Zoom teeth whitening can dramatically brighten your smile.
Book Your Dental Cleaning Today
Plaque is easy to remove—but once it hardens into tartar, professional treatment is needed.
Regular dental cleanings are one of the simplest ways to protect your oral health and reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease.
Book your dental cleaning at Teeth & Beauty Toronto today and let our team help keep your smile healthy for years to come.