You’ve heard these terms at the dentist’s office. You’ve even felt that fuzzy feeling on your teeth in the morning and seen the white buildup that your hygienist scrapes away. But do you actually know what these terms mean and why they are important for your oral health?

Biofilm, plaque, and tartar are not the same thing. They’re actually three stages of the same ongoing process, and understanding the difference can help you take better care of your smile every day.

What Are Biofilm, Plaque, and Tartar?

Biofilm, plaque, and tartar are not three separate, unrelated problems. They are a progression, and each stage builds on the last. Here is a closer look at what is actually happening in your mouth.

Biofilm

Biofilm is a thin layer of bacteria that forms on the surfaces of your teeth. It develops quickly — within minutes of brushing, bacteria in your mouth begin reattaching to your teeth and organizing into a film. It is completely normal and happens to everyone.

That slightly fuzzy coating you notice on your teeth when you wake up in the morning is biofilm. It is soft and easy to remove, but only if you are brushing and flossing consistently and thoroughly. When you’re not, it progresses into something more problematic.

Plaque

Plaque is what biofilm becomes when it is not regularly removed with adequate oral care. It is a soft, sticky, colorless film that builds up on your teeth, often along your gumline, and between your teeth. And unlike biofilm, plaque is less a “normal” presence, and more a potentially harmful threat to oral health.

The bacteria in plaque feed on the sugars and starches from the foods and drinks you consume, and they produce acid, which attacks your tooth enamel. Over time, this can lead to enamel erosion, cavities, and even gum disease.

Luckily, plaque is still removable at home. Brushing twice a day for two full minutes and flossing daily should be enough to manage it, unlike the next step in the buildup progression: tartar.

Tartar

When plaque is not removed, it absorbs minerals from your saliva and calcifies into a hard deposit on your teeth, also known as calculus, or tartar. Unfortunately, this process can happen in as little as 24 to 72 hours.

Left in place, tartar irritates the gums, accelerates the progression of gum disease, and can build up below the gumline, where it causes bone loss over time. What begins as a simple lapse in your daily routine can turn into a significant dental problem if it goes unaddressed.

Once tartar forms, you cannot remove it at home. Only a dental professional using specialized tools can remove tartar, which is exactly why regular cleanings are essential, even for patients who take excellent care of their teeth at home.

How to Stop Biofilm from Becoming Tartar

The best way to protect your teeth is to stop the progression of biofilm early with consistent oral hygiene. Here is exactly what you should do to maintain a healthy mouth:

• Brush twice a day: Set a cell phone timer for two minutes to ensure you are brushing long enough. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to gently remove plaque.
• Floss daily: Your toothbrush cannot reach the tight spaces between your teeth. Flossing removes the hidden plaque and food particles that quickly harden into tartar.
• Use an antibacterial mouthwash: Rinsing daily helps reduce the overall bacterial load in your mouth, slowing down the formation of biofilm.
• Drink plenty of water: Water naturally washes away food debris and dilutes the acids produced by plaque bacteria.
• Limit sugary foods: Reducing your sugar intake starves the harmful bacteria, preventing rapid plaque growth.
• Get regular dental cleanings: Getting a professional dental cleaning twice per year cleans away plaque and tartar, even from hard-to-reach places.

Don’t Let Dental Build Get Ahead of You

Biofilm, plaque, and tartar are a normal part of life, but the damage they cause is entirely preventable with the right habits and consistent professional care.

If you suspect you see tartar forming on your teeth, or if you’re due for a cleaning, give us a call to schedule your appointment today!