“What is the difference between plaque and tartar?”

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“What is the difference between plaque and tartar?”

I am a 21 year old male. I want to know what is the difference between plaque and tartar?

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**Gregory Zabek** Dentist San Franciscol, California · Accepted Answer

Gregory Zabek Dentist San Franciscol, California

Plaque is soft full of dead cells bacteria and food debris. Tartar is hard accretion that develops over time.

**Dr. Diana L. Plahn** Dentist Saint Louis, MO · Accepted Answer

Dr. Diana L. Plahn Dentist Saint Louis, MO

Plaque is food debris that if left over 24 hrs, hardens into tartar or calculus.

**Dipti GP** Dentist Hyde Park, NY · Accepted Answer

Dipti GP Dentist Hyde Park, NY

Plaque is soft. Tarter is hard.