Plaque vs. Tartar: What’s Really Going On in Your Mouth?

Plaque and Tartar: The Hidden Villains of Oral Health

Even if you brush twice a day and floss regularly, you’ve probably noticed that your teeth don’t always stay squeaky clean. That’s because plaque and tartar have a way of sneaking in, and they’re not just cosmetic concerns.

At Exclusively Flossed, we help clients understand what’s really happening in their mouths so they can protect their smiles for life.

What is Plaque?

Plaque is a soft, sticky film that forms on your teeth every single day. It’s made up of bacteria, food debris, and minerals from your saliva.

If it’s not removed regularly, plaque can harden within 12 to 24 hours, turning into something much tougher called tartar or calculus.

What is Tartar?

Once plaque hardens, brushing and flossing alone can’t remove it. Tartar acts like a cemented layer, clinging to your teeth and creeping under the gumline. This buildup irritates the gums, leading to gingivitis, bad breath, and, if untreated, periodontitis (bone loss).

The longer tartar remains, the more damage it does, making regular professional cleanings essential.

The Role of Professional Cleanings

You can’t see every spot in your mouth, and that’s okay. That’s why professional cleanings are crucial. Using specialized instruments, we gently remove tartar, polish your teeth, and restore your gums to a healthy state.

At Exclusively Flossed, we bring these professional tools and techniques directly to you. No office, no waiting room. Just a clean, safe, and comfortable setting.

How to Keep Plaque from Returning

While you can’t avoid plaque completely, you can manage it with daily care and smart habits:

• Brush twice daily using a fluoride toothpaste. 

• Floss once a day because flossing removes the debris that brushing can’t reach. 

• Rinse with water after coffee, tea, or sugary drinks. 

• Eat a balanced diet low in sticky or processed sugars.

• Get a professional cleaning every six months.

Plaque Prevention = Smile Protection

The cleaner your mouth stays between visits, the easier your professional cleanings will be, and the healthier your gums and bone will remain.

Plaque and tartar might be invisible enemies, but they’re no match for consistency, education, and compassionate care.

Schedule your professional cleaning today with Exclusively Flossed and experience the difference of a gentle, mobile dental hygiene service that keeps your smile bright and your gums healthy.