Your dentist keeps mentioning tartar. You've been told to brush better. What's the difference between plaque and tartar — and does it actually matter?

It matters a great deal. Plaque and tartar are not the same thing, and understanding the difference helps you understand why your oral hygiene routine really does make a difference to your dental health.

Plaque is a soft, sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth every day. It starts building up within hours of brushing, which is why you need to brush twice a day — to remove it before it causes problems.

The bacteria in plaque feed on sugar from your food and drink. In the process, they produce acid. That acid is what attacks your tooth enamel and causes cavities. Plaque is also what makes your gums feel inflamed and bleed when you brush.

The good news is that plaque is soft. You can remove it yourself with a toothbrush and floss. It doesn't require a dental visit — just consistent daily cleaning.

Tartar is what happens when plaque is left on your teeth long enough to harden. The minerals in your saliva calcify the plaque, turning it into a hard, rough substance that bonds firmly to your tooth surface.

Once tartar forms, you cannot remove it with a toothbrush or floss. Only a dental professional can clean it away using special instruments. This is why your dentist or hygienist removes it during your regular cleanings.

Tartar that builds up above the gum line is visible — it looks yellow or brown. But tartar also forms below the gum line, where it irritates the gums and contributes to gum disease.

Tartar creates a rough surface that attracts even more plaque. This sets off a cycle: more plaque leads to more tartar, which leads to more plaque. Over time, this causes your gums to pull away from your teeth, creating pockets where bacteria thrive.

This is the start of gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. Early gum disease is called gingivitis — your gums may bleed when you brush and look red instead of pink. If it's left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, which damages the bone supporting your teeth and can lead to tooth loss.

Tartar also stains easily. If you drink tea, coffee, or smoke, tartar absorbs these stains more readily than natural tooth enamel, making your teeth look discoloured.

You can't prevent tartar entirely on your own — it forms regardless of how well you brush. But you can slow it down significantly. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and using an antibacterial mouthwash all help reduce the plaque that eventually turns into tartar.

Regular dental cleanings are essential. Even with excellent brushing, some tartar will form in spots that are hard to reach. Your dentist or hygienist can remove it before it causes serious damage.

Think of it this way: your daily brushing controls plaque. Your dental visits control tartar. Both are necessary for a healthy mouth.