Two terms often used in dentistry are plaque and tartar. Even though they are slightly different, they are frequently used interchangeably. Understanding what they are and how they affect your teeth can help you manage your dental health more effectively.
What Is Dental Plaque?
Dental plaque is a clear sticky biofilm containing bacteria that continually forms over your tooth surfaces. The problem with dental plaque is that the bacteria inside use leftover food particles trapped between your teeth and around your gumline for energy, allowing them to multiply. These bacteria produce acid as a byproduct that weakens and eventually destroys tooth enamel through acid erosion. They also produce toxins that infect your gums, causing inflammation or gum disease in Bowmanville.
Who Is More Likely to Get Plaque?
Everybody has plaque, and if it has been a while since you last brushed your teeth, try running your tongue over them, and if they feel slightly fuzzy, that’s dental plaque. However, you are more likely to develop more plaque than normal if you consume a lot of starchy or sugary foods, especially if you like to snack between meals. The risk is higher if you smoke or have dry mouth or xerostomia in Clarington, a condition where you cannot produce enough saliva. Xerostomia is often a side-effect of medications or health conditions like Sjogren’s syndrome.
It’s essential to regularly remove plaque buildup because, after 24 to 72 hours, it starts to mineralize or harden into tartar.
What Is Tartar?
Tartar, also called calculus, is a hard, crusty substance that sticks to teeth quite strongly. Unlike dental plaque, you cannot get rid of tartar by brushing and flossing your teeth. Instead, tartar must be removed when you have your teeth cleaned professionally in Newcastle. The substance must be scraped off or scaled, using special hand or ultrasonic tools to loosen and remove it.
The problem with tartar is that it makes it easier for more dental plaque to stick to your teeth. The bacteria in plaque and tartar can continue to damage your teeth and gums, all the while they remain on your teeth. Additionally, tartar can easily become stained, so it may look as if you have a yellow, crusty buildup around your gumline.
How to Manage Plaque Buildup
If you brush and floss regularly, most dental plaque is removed, which is why our dentists strongly emphasize the need for a good preventive dental care routine. It’s important to brush twice daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush, cleaning each tooth surface thoroughly. You should also be flossing once a day using dental floss, a water flosser, or interdental brushes to get rid of food and plaque trapped between your teeth. It’s up to you whether you choose to floss before or after brushing, as both will be effective.
However, even if you brush and floss meticulously, it’s inevitable that some dental plaque will remain and turn into tartar or calculus. This is why your dental cleanings are so important, and most people will need to see a hygienist here at West Bowmanville Family Dental twice yearly, usually at the same time as your dental checkup.
Regular dental cleanings eliminate plaque and tartar buildup and are an easy way to keep your teeth and gums in great shape. We can also review your oral care routine with you during these appointments, and you may find this surprisingly helpful. Many people brush their teeth without thinking about how they are cleaning them, but brushing them more methodically and mindfully can help ensure you remove the maximum amount of dental plaque, especially from many hard-to-reach areas.
