{"id":6752,"date":"2025-04-09T14:51:21","date_gmt":"2025-04-09T09:21:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vetsupply.thepethost.com\/?p=6752"},"modified":"2025-04-15T10:16:14","modified_gmt":"2025-04-15T04:46:14","slug":"plaque-vs-tartar-what-is-the-exact-difference","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/vetsupply.thepethost.com\/plaque-vs-tartar-what-is-the-exact-difference\/","title":{"rendered":"Dog Plaque vs. Tartar: What is the Exact Difference?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The difference between plaque and tartar in dogs is one of the most confusing topics in pet dental care. They are yucky dental problems that not only cause stinky breath but may also lead to serious dental diseases if left unchecked. Understanding these two dental terms can help you prevent dental problems in dogs down the road. In this blog, we will unravel the key difference between plaque and tartar to help you keep your dog\u2019s teeth clean, healthy, and sparkling.<\/p>\n

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What Is Plaque?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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Plaque is a soft and sticky coating on your dog\u2019s teeth. It is a combination of bacteria, saliva, and food particles that generally gets accumulated on the teeth after a meal. Plaque is the main cause of bad breath in dogs, and if it goes untreated, it can also build up on your dog\u2019s gum line, causing pain and inflammation.<\/p>\n

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What is Tartar?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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Also known as calculus, tartar is the hardened version of plaque. If you don\u2019t brush your dog\u2019s teeth regularly, the plaque mixes with calcium and other minerals present in your dog\u2019s saliva to harden and eventually turns into chalky tartar. Dog tartar appears as a yellowish deposition on the teeth and may lead to dental diseases.<\/p>\n

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Key Differences between Dog Tartar & Plaque<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Now that you know what tartar and plaque mean, let us go through their major distinctions:<\/p>\n

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