Tartar and plaque: causes, symptoms and what to do

What are plaque and tartar?

Cleveland Clinic says plaque is a colorless, sticky bacterial film of bacteria, food remnants and saliva, formed when mouth bacteria feed on sugars and starches and release acids. Tartar is hardened plaque, mostly mineralized dead bacteria and minerals from saliva, on and below the gumline. Unlike plaque, it cannot be removed by brushing or flossing.

Can dental plaque cause bad breath?

Cleveland Clinic lists persistent bad breath as a possible sign of plaque, along with red, swollen gums that bleed when brushed, without explaining the cause of the odor in detail. Our guide on bad breath after brushing covers other causes. Brushing the tongue and cleaning between teeth help.

Does tartar cause bad breath?

Yes. Cleveland Clinic says tartar usually has an unpleasant odor and can create small pockets between the teeth and gums where bacteria and food debris collect, causing bad breath or a bad taste. Why plaque smells is not explained further in the pages we read.

How long does it take for plaque to harden?

The Cleveland Clinic pages do not give a time. They say only that plaque can harden into tartar if it is not removed through proper oral hygiene. New plaque forms daily, including overnight, so cleaning every day matters.

How to remove tartar

Only a dentist or dental hygienist can remove tartar using special instruments, according to Cleveland Clinic, which warns that removing it yourself can damage your teeth and make you more prone to cavities. NIDCR says tartar can only be removed by a professional cleaning. Our guide on how to remove tartar from teeth explains what to expect.

Can oil pulling remove tartar?

Healthline's oil pulling article describes small studies suggesting coconut oil may reduce plaque, says more research is needed and does not address tartar, and notes that the American Dental Association does not recommend oil pulling. It is not a substitute for brushing, flossing or professional cleaning.

Prevention

Cleveland Clinic lists brushing two to three times a day with soft, fluoride toothpaste, flossing or using interdental brushes once a day, an alcohol-free antibacterial mouthwash twice a day, avoiding tobacco and professional exams and cleanings about every six months, or more often if you are prone to decay or gum disease. The ADA recommends cleaning between teeth once a day.

When build-up affects your gums

Plaque and tartar irritate the gums and, if left, can lead to gingivitis and periodontitis. Cleveland Clinic's plaque page lists red, swollen, bleeding gums as a sign. See our guides on gum disease and on what gingivitis looks like.

What causes plaque to build up faster

Cleveland Clinic says mouth bacteria feed on sugars and starches from foods and drinks such as bread, pasta, fruit, milk and juice, releasing acids, and that if you do not brush soon after eating these substances combine into plaque. Plaque also forms overnight, so brushing before bed matters. Smoking and tobacco raise the risk of tartar and gum problems, which is why Cleveland Clinic advises avoiding them. Some people build up tartar faster than others, which is why dentists set different cleaning schedules.

Tools that help at home

Cleveland Clinic suggests a soft-bristled toothbrush, and its plaque page names an electric toothbrush with fluoride toothpaste, together with daily flossing. The ADA says to clean between your teeth once a day with floss or another interdental cleaner such as interdental brushes. These remove plaque from the places that brushing misses, which is where tartar usually starts. Your dentist or hygienist can show you which tools and technique suit your teeth and gums.

Questions to ask your dentist

Ask about your own risk of build-up.

• Where am I building up plaque and tartar?
• Do I need cleanings more often than every six months?
• Is my breath related to build-up or something else?
• Which cleaning tools suit my mouth?
• Are my gums affected?

Guides in this topic

Frequently asked questions