The difference between plaque and calculus is that plaque can be removed through regular brushing and oral hygiene, whereas calculus requires professional dental cleaning. Plaque is a gradual build-up of bacteria in the form of a soft film. Calculus is hardened plaque built up after a lack of at-home dental hygiene.
Both can be prevented by brushing your teeth and flossing regularly. However, if you’ve reached the point of having calculus, you’ll need to visit your local dental hygienist to clean it off. The experienced team at Brisbane Paediatric Dentist have put together all the information you need to understand the difference between plaque and calculus and what to do about them.
Key Takeaways
- Plaque is a soft, sticky film of bacteria that’s easily removed with daily brushing and flossing. Ignore it, and it will harden into calculus (tartar) — a rock-like deposit that only your dentist can remove.
- Plaque is pale, nearly invisible, and wipes away with a toothbrush. In comparison, calculus, on the other hand, is rough, yellow or brown, and clings stubbornly to teeth, often lurking near the gumline.
- Stop plaque before it hardens into calculus by brushing twice daily, flossing, using mouthwash, and visiting your dentist regularly. An electric toothbrush can be a game-changer in your oral hygiene routine.
- If calculus builds up, it can trigger gum disease, tooth decay, bad breath, and tooth sensitivity.
How to Tell the Difference Between Plaque and Calculus
You can tell the difference between plaque and calculus by noticing the colour, texture, and stubbornness of each. Plaque is lighter in colour, has a soft sticky texture, and can be removed by brushing regularly. In contrast, calculus is harder, darker in colour, and is more difficult to remove yourself.
| Factor | Plaque | Calculus (Tartar) |
| Texture | Soft and sticky | Hard and rough |
| Appearance | Clear or pale yellow, often invisible | Yellow, brown, or black, visible on teeth |
| Location | Forms on the surface of teeth and gums | Forms near the gumline, often between teeth |
| Removal | Easily removed with brushing and flossing | Requires professional cleaning to remove |
| Composition | Bacteria, food particles, and saliva | Hardened plaque that has mineralised over time |
| Cause of Formation | Poor oral hygiene, sugary or starchy foods | Prolonged plaque build-up without removal |
Identifying which is which with the naked eye isn’t difficult. Calculus is old plaque that has solidified itself on your teeth. Picking at it often smells bad, and can even leave a permanent bad taste in your mouth. It remains visible after much brushing, and can even discolour your gums.
Another way to distinguish between plaque vs calculus is to use dental disclosing solutions or tablets. These substances highlight plaque by staining it with a bright colour. Calculus is too hardened to absorb these substances, and will continue to show dark yellow on your teeth.
What Causes Dental Plaque?
Dental plaque is caused by naturally occurring bacteria that feed off of the sugars in your food. The plaque bacteria eventually eat away at your teeth’s enamel, and saliva contributes to the process by mineralising the plaque and turning it into calculus (tartar) if left for long periods of time.
According to a study done in 2023, 75% of Australians never floss their teeth. Plaque can only occur if it isn’t properly cleaned off the teeth regularly. Neglecting daily brushing and flossing, or missing certain areas with these methods, lets plaque begin to build up and spread. By following these dental habits, you can prevent plaque:
- Brush your teeth twice a day
- Rinse your mouth with water after a meal
- Floss regularly
- Visit your dentist once every 6 months
- Avoid sugary food and drinks
- Chew sugar-free gum
- Using mouthwash
- Using anti-calculus toothpaste
What Causes Dental Calculus?
Dental calculus arises from the hardening of existing plaque on the teeth and gums. When this plaque isn’t removed effectively, it becomes calculus, which is rigid and more difficult to remove. Ultimately, dental calculus is caused by not brushing and flossing regularly.
How to Prevent Plaque
To prevent plaque, make sure you brush your teeth regularly. Studies show that using an electric toothbrush is more effective at removing plaque before it turns into calculus. Also, floss once a day to remove plaque in between your teeth, as this is where calculus usually ends up forming.
What Should You Do If You Have Calculus?
If you or your children have calculus, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible to have it cleaned off your teeth. If calculus isn’t removed, it will eventually spread and can cause gingivitis, periodontitis, tooth sensitivity, bad breath, and tooth decay.
| Issue | How It Happens | When It Occurs |
| Gum Disease (Gingivitis) | Bacteria in calculus irritate and inflame the gums, leading to redness and swelling | Typically develops after weeks of plaque and tartar build-up |
| Periodontitis | Gingivitis progresses into periodontitis, damaging gum tissue, bone, and ligaments | Occurs if gingivitis is left untreated for months or years |
| Tooth Decay | Bacteria in calculus produce acids that weaken tooth enamel, resulting in cavities | Can happen over several months if plaque and tartar aren’t removed |
| Bad Breath (Halitosis) | Bacteria in tartar release foul-smelling compounds that cause persistent bad breath | Can develop as soon as calculus forms, worsening over time |
| Tooth Sensitivity | Gum recession from calculus build-up exposes the tooth roots, leading to sensitivity | Regularly happens after prolonged tartar build-up, often after several months or years |
Our team of dentists at Brisbane Paediatric Dentist are here to help with the maintenance and healthy development of your and your children’s teeth. Phone (07) 3343 4880 to get in touch today.
The Difference between Plaque vs Calculus FAQs
What’s the difference between calculus and tartar?
The biggest difference is that only a dentist or oral hygienist can remove tartar or calculus. There is no other real difference between calculus and tartar. The two terms are used interchangeably between different countries and cultures to refer to hardened plaque that has mineralised and darkened over time.
What’s the proper way to floss my teeth?
The proper way to floss your teeth is to grip the floss tightly and guide it between your teeth. Move the floss in a gentle sawing motion between the teeth in a C-formation for each tooth, making a point to avoid the gums. Always finish off your flossing sessions by rinsing with water.
What do dentists use to soften calculus?
Dentists use ultrasonic instruments to soften calculus and chip it off the teeth. This process is called scaling, and is often followed by manual scaling using handheld instruments. A forceful water spray is then used to rinse the teeth before they are polished until fully clean.
Can baking soda help to remove calculus?
No, baking soda is not effective at helping to remove calculus. While it can help to prevent calculus by removing plaque, calculus requires professional dental cleaning to have it permanently removed. Baking soda is only abrasive enough to remove soft plaque, while specialised instruments are needed for removing calculus.
What’s the best toothpaste for preventing calculus?
The best toothpastes for preventing calculus contain tartar-control or anti-calculus properties that act to prevent soft plaque from hardening. These toothpastes often include ingredients like pyrophosphates, zinc citrate, and sodium hexametaphosphate. Many leading brands in Australia carry these products.
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