footer icon1 footer icon2
Dentistry
footer icon11 footer icon22
Face
Hannah hygienist Portishead

What’s the different between plaque, tartar and calculus?

What is plaque?

Plaque is a soft, sticky film of harmful bacteria that builds up on your teeth and under your gums between brushing. This can easily be removed by brushing for a minimum of 2 minutes, twice a day and using either floss or interdental brushes each day.

If plaque is missed whilst brushing, this can cause your gums too become inflamed and may cause bleeding or decay.

What is tartar?

If plaque stays on your teeth for too long, it can harden, forming tartar, also known as calculus.

Tartar is not easy to remove through brushing or flossing and is usually needed to be removed by a hygienist to ensure that your gums stay healthy.

What happens if plaque and tartar aren’t removed?

If plaque and tartar are not removed, your gums will become inflamed, making it sore and uncomfortable. It can also give you bad breath due to the accumulation of bacteria.

If plaque accumulates on teeth and is not removed regularly, it may move downwards on your tooth until it reaches your bone that hold your teeth in place and starts to destroy the bone. This is a non reversible condition called periodontitis.

Read our CQC report

back to blog

Get in touch

Tooth Whitening & Hygiene Appointment

At Home Whitening With Hygiene

£29.95

Learn more

Dental Health Plan

Options for all treatments

New Patients Welcome

We are accepting new patients, book an introduction call today

Book An Introduction Call
We are on Instagram
It’s never too late to love your smile 💚

Teeth straightening at Evolve is tailored, gentle and designed to fit around real life.
We’ll help you explore the right option for you — with no pressure.

📅 Book a consultation to get started.
🦷 Did you know some early studies suggest hydroxyapatite toothpaste may help reduce the risk of cavities? Carol explains how this natural ingredient can strengthen enamel and support a healthier smile.
It’s an exciting development in daily dental care, and could be a great addition to your routine!
😃 “I feel so much more confident at work now!”

Andy chose Invisalign and composite bonding at Evolve Dentistry, and the results speak for themselves. From straighter teeth to a brighter smile, his treatment has made a real difference — especially in front of the camera!

#EvolveDentistry #InvisalignPortishead #CompositeBondingPortishead #ConfidentSmile #SmileTransformation
🦷 When should your child see an orthodontist? Lisa shares her advice on spotting early signs and knowing the right time for an orthodontic check-up.

Early assessment can help guide the growth of teeth and jaws, making treatment simpler and more effective if needed. Whether it’s just a first consultation or planning for future alignment, we’re here to support your child’s smile at every stage.

#Northsomerset #multiawardwinning #patientsatisfaction #patientsfirst #orthodontist #straighterteeth #straighterteetheveryday #naturalteeth #acceptingnewpatients #nailsea #clevedon #portishead #portisheadmarina #braces #gapsinteeth 
#EvolveDentistry #OrthodonticsPortishead #HealthySmiles #ChildSmiles
Well done Carol, who has almost completed her first day of cycling for Bridge2Aid. Keep on pedalling Carol
footer icon1 footer icon2
Dentistry
footer icon11 footer icon22
Face
google rating