The white stuff on your teeth near your gums is most commonly plaque or early-stage tartar (also known as calculus). This buildup is primarily composed of bacteria and can have significant implications for your oral health.
Understanding Plaque and Tartar
While often used interchangeably, plaque and tartar are distinct stages of the same issue.
Plaque: The Soft, Sticky Film
Plaque is a soft, sticky, colorless, or pale white film that constantly forms on your teeth. It's a bio-film made up of bacteria, their byproducts, and food particles. Plaque forms rapidly, especially after eating and drinking. If not removed regularly, it can lead to various dental problems.
Key Characteristics of Plaque:
- Appearance: Usually clear or very pale white; can appear more visible as a fuzzy, white film when it thickens.
- Consistency: Soft and sticky.
- Removal: Can be effectively removed with proper brushing and flossing.
- Composition: Primarily composed of bacteria (nearly 100%) and their waste products.
Tartar (Calculus): The Hardened Buildup
If plaque is not removed promptly, it hardens into tartar. This happens when minerals from your saliva combine with the plaque. Once hardened, tartar creates a rough surface that makes it even easier for more plaque to accumulate, leading to a cycle of buildup. White buildup, especially near the gum line, is often new tartar. Over time, if left untreated, this tartar can absorb stains from food, drinks, and tobacco, turning yellow, brown, or even black.
Key Characteristics of Tartar:
- Appearance: Can range from white (new) to yellow, brown, or black (older, stained).
- Consistency: Hard and crusty.
- Removal: Cannot be removed by brushing or flossing. It requires a professional dental cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist using specialized tools.
- Composition: Formed from hardened plaque, meaning it is also almost entirely made of bacteria.
The Health Implications
The bacteria within plaque and tartar are the primary culprits behind common oral health issues.
- Gingivitis: This is the earliest stage of gum disease, characterized by inflammation of the gums. Symptoms include red, swollen, and bleeding gums, especially during brushing or flossing. Because plaque and tartar are almost 100% bacteria, these bacteria are directly responsible for causing gingivitis.
- Periodontal Disease: If gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to more severe forms of gum disease, collectively known as periodontal disease. This condition involves the destruction of the bone and tissues supporting your teeth, potentially leading to tooth loss. These advanced stages of gum disease are also caused by the persistent presence and activity of the bacteria in plaque and tartar.
- Cavities: The bacteria in plaque produce acids that erode tooth enamel, leading to dental decay or cavities.
- Bad Breath (Halitosis): The bacteria in plaque and tartar release foul-smelling gases, contributing to persistent bad breath.
Plaque vs. Tartar: A Quick Comparison
| Feature | Plaque | Tartar (Calculus) |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Soft, sticky, pale white or colorless | Hard, crusty, white (new) to yellow/brown/black |
| Location | Forms on tooth surfaces, especially near gum line | Forms on teeth, often near gum line and between teeth |
| Composition | Bacteria, food particles, saliva | Hardened plaque (mostly bacteria and minerals) |
| Removal | Can be removed with daily brushing and flossing | Requires professional dental cleaning |
| Risk | Leads to tartar, cavities, gum disease | Causes gum disease, cavities, bad breath |
Prevention and Treatment
Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial for preventing plaque buildup and subsequent tartar formation.
Daily Oral Hygiene Routine:
- Brush Twice Daily: Brush your teeth for at least two minutes, twice a day, using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Pay special attention to the areas near the gum line.
- Floss Daily: Floss at least once a day to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth and under the gum line, where your toothbrush can't reach.
- Consider Mouthwash: An antiseptic mouthwash can help reduce bacteria in your mouth, but it's not a substitute for brushing and flossing.
Professional Dental Care:
- Regular Check-ups and Cleanings: Schedule professional dental cleanings at least once every six months, or more frequently if recommended by your dentist. Dental hygienists use specialized instruments to remove tartar that brushing and flossing cannot. Your dentist will also check for early signs of gum disease or cavities.
By understanding what the white stuff on your teeth is and taking proactive steps, you can maintain a healthy smile and prevent more serious oral health problems.
