Master confusing words with ease
Plaque vs. Tartar
Plaque
/plɑːk/Examples:
The scientist received a plaque for her pioneering research.My dentist noted a buildup of plaque on my teeth.The historic site had a bronze plaque detailing its significance.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
This word has no antonymsTartar
Examples:
She tasted the sharp tang of tartar sauce on her fish.The dentist examined his teeth for signs of tartar buildup.A tartar-like glaze coated the pottery, reminiscent of ancient ceramics.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Ways to tell them apart:
- Tartar is a hardened form of plaque that occurs when plaque is not removed and mineralizes over time.
- Plaque is a soft, sticky film that builds up on your teeth and contains bacteria.
- Tartar cannot be removed by brushing alone and requires professional cleaning by a dentist, while plaque can be removed with regular brushing and flossing.
- Plaque is transparent or pale yellow, making it difficult to see, whereas tartar is harder and can be yellow or brown.
- Think of tartar as tooth rocks, needing a pro to get rid of, while plaque is tooth filth that you can clean yourself.
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