Plaque is a soft, sticky, colourless (when build-up becomes abundant it can appear white) film containing millions of bacteria and is constantly forming on the surfaces of your teeth. Due to plaque accumulation being a constant cycle within the oral cavity, brushing and flossing 2x a day is extremely important in order to disrupt bacterial formation/growth. If plaque is not removed regularly from the surfaces of the teeth, the bacteria continue to grow, causing the gingiva (gums) to become red, swollen, and eventually start to bleed. When the gingiva is in this state, it is also known as gingivitis.
Calculus also known as tartar is a hard, smooth build up on the tooth that appears yellow in colour. Calculus formation occurs over time from the exposure of minerals in your saliva that calcify or harden plaque. Essentially calculus is old plaque that can no longer be removed by tooth brushing or flossing and can only be removed by a dental professional.
Plaque
Soft
Sticky
Appears colourless or white
Calculus
Hard
Smooth
Appears yellow
References
American Academy of Periodontology. (2018). What Is The Difference Between Plaque And Calculus. Retrieved from https://www.perio.org/consumer/difference-between-...
Carlson Biological Dentistry. (2019). How To Remove Tartar Buildup Yourself? Retrieved from https://carlsonbiologicaldentistry.net/how-to-remo...
Mead, A. (2019). Plaque vs. "biofilm" and the research that could change dentistry as we know it. Retrieved from http://meadfamilydental.com/2011/11/plaque-vs-biof...
Riverrunadmin. (2014, August 22). The Difference Between Plaque and Tartar. Retrieved from https://riverrundentalspa.com/difference-plaque-ta...