Education
Overall Oral Health
Plaque and Tartar Control
Patients often confuse plaque and tartar and how they related to each other. Plaque is a sticky film that constantly forms on all areas of your teeth; it is composed of bacteria, bacterial byproducts, and saliva. However, plaque that builds up along the gumline and between the teeth in hard to reach places can be harmful.
Plaque buildup is a primary factor in gum disease. Fighting plaque is a life-long component of oral care. Plaque is constantly forming on teeth after brushing which is why it is so important to brush twice a day and floss daily.
Plaque which is not removed by regular brushing and flossing can harden into unsightly tartar (also called calculus). Minerals in saliva combine with plaque at the tooth surface and harden into rough, unsightly deposits (tartar). Calculus, which is mostly mineral, provides rough surface that makes thorough plaque removal more difficult. Your toothbrush and floss cannot remove tartar once it has formed. Calculus can only be removed by a regular dental cleanings. This crusty deposit creates a cohesive bond that can only be removed by a dentist or hygienist. The prevention of tartar buildup above the gumline has been shown to have a therapeutic effect on gum disease. You can help reduce the formation of tartar by:
- Brushing with a tartar prevention toothpaste.
- Having your teeth professionally cleaned frequently.
Individuals vary greatly in their susceptibility to plaque and tartar. For many of us, these despots build up faster as we age. Fighting tartar is a life-long component of oral care.
back to Education
|