Do electric toothbrushes help with plaque

Yes. Many people remove more plaque with an electric brush used with gentle pressure.

Will tartar removal damage enamel

No when done by trained staff using safe tools and a light touch.

How often should I get a scale and polish

Many people do well with a visit every 6 months. Some need more often depending on build up.

Teeth Plaque Vs. Tartar: What’s The Difference?

Plaque and tartar are not the same. Plaque is soft and sticky. Tartar is hard and stuck. Knowing the difference helps you keep gums happy and your smile fresh.

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What is plaque

A daily film

Plaque is a thin film of bacteria that forms on teeth and gums each day. It is soft and can be brushed away.

Why it matters

If plaque stays too long it can irritate the gums and turn into tartar. Keep up your daily clean and regular check ups.

What is tartar

Hardened plaque

Tartar, also called calculus, is plaque that has hardened on the teeth. It feels rough and can look yellow or brown.

Why it matters

Tartar traps more plaque and stains. It can lead to sore or bleeding gums. It needs a professional clean to remove.

Plaque vs tartar at a glance

Topic	Plaque	Tartar
Texture	Soft and sticky	Hard and rough
Where it sits	On teeth and along the gumline	Locks on to teeth, often behind lower front teeth and along gums
Can you remove it at home	Yes with good brushing and cleaning between teeth	No. Needs a professional scale and polish
Risk if ignored	Gum irritation and bad breath	Gum disease and more stains over time

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How to remove plaque and tartar

Plaque removal at home

Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
Clean between teeth with floss or tiny brushes.
Brush the gumline with gentle circles.
Swap your brush head every 3 months or sooner if worn.

Tartar removal at the dentist

Tartar is too hard to brush off. Our team uses gentle tools to lift it away then polishes teeth so they feel smooth. Learn about our scale and polish in Ludlow.

If you have sudden pain or swelling, see our emergency dentist in Ludlow.

Simple ways to prevent build up

Keep a steady routine: brush and clean between teeth each day.
Limit frequent sugar snacks and fizzy drinks.
Drink water after meals and snacks.
Use a fluoride toothpaste and a soft brush.
Book regular check ups and hygiene visits.

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FAQs

Plaque can harden in days if it sits on the teeth, especially near the gums. A steady daily clean helps stop this.

No. Mouthwash can freshen breath but it does not remove plaque between teeth. Use floss or tiny brushes for those tight spots.

Yes. Many people find they remove more plaque with a small round electric brush head and gentle pressure.

No when done by trained staff. We use safe tools and a light touch to protect teeth and gums.

Most people do well with a visit every 6 months. Some need more often if they build tartar faster. We guide you after a check.

Bleeding can be a sign of plaque build up. Keep cleaning gently and book a hygiene visit. If bleeding is heavy or you have pain, contact our emergency dentist in Ludlow.