You’re certainly aware that plaque and tartar are terrible for your dental health, but do you know anything more about the sticky coating that can form on your teeth every day? It is natural for plaque bacteria to cover your teeth throughout the day; however, issues can arise when plaque accumulates, hardens, and forms tartar.
What Is Plaque?
Plaque is a sticky biofilm that forms on teeth as a result of bacteria that naturally inhabit the mouth. What you do about it will affect how healthy your teeth and gums are. When left alone, plaque on your teeth hardens into tartar, increasing your risk of cavities and gum disease.
How Can I Tell Whether I’ve Got Plaque Buildup?
Everyone produces plaque because germs are continually growing in our mouths. These bacteria thrive using substances from our meals and saliva. Cavities are caused by plaque acids attacking your teeth after you eat. With repeated acid assaults, the tooth enamel might deteriorate and cavities occur. Plaque that is not removed can irritate the gums around your teeth, causing gingivitis (red, puffy, bleeding gums), periodontal disease, and tooth loss.
What Causes Plaque On Teeth
Your mouth has a large number of germs that accumulate on the surfaces of your teeth and form this bacterial film, which frequently begins at the gumline. An issue arises when bacteria react with sugar to make acids. If you consume a lot of sugary or sweet meals or foods high in simple carbohydrates, the bacteria in your mouth will feed on these sugars if they remain on the surface of your teeth.
How To Remove Plaque From Teeth
Floss: Use floss to eliminate bacteria and food particles from between teeth. Gently ease the floss into position. Do not snap it into place; this might hurt your gums.
Brush your teeth with whatever way seems most comfortable to you, but don’t scrub too hard back and forth. Small circular strokes and quick back-and-forth motions are effective. What’s on your toothbrush is important for preventing decay. Use fluoride toothpaste, which is what protects teeth from decay. Don’t forget to brush your tongue for a refreshing sensation! Remember that food residues, particularly sweets, supply nourishment to the bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease. That is why it is critical to eliminate all food particles from your teeth. Remove plaque twice a day, use mouthwash to stay fresh throughout the day, and floss before bed. A dental pick, which is a thin plastic or wooden tool, can also be used to remove plaque from between teeth. These sticks may be obtained at pharmacies and supermarkets.
How To Prevent Plaque Buildup and Practice Good Oral Hygiene
With appropriate care, you can easily avoid plaque accumulation. Be sure to:
Brush thoroughly at least twice daily to eliminate plaque from all surfaces of your teeth.
Maintain good oral hygiene by flossing regularly and limiting sugary and starchy meals, particularly sticky snacks and schedule frequent dental appointments for expert cleanings and exams.
What Is Tartar?
Tartar, commonly known as calculus, is composed of sticky bacteria that have mineralised. Brushing and flossing are effective ways to eradicate plaque microorganisms; however, any hardened tartar must be removed by a dentist. If left alone, it can swiftly progress to other dental issues such as cavities, receding gums, or gum disease.
Is There a Difference Between Plaque and Tartar
Plaque is typically unnoticeable; however, tartar turns the base of your teeth brown or yellow. Everyone develops plaque; it’s unavoidable and accumulates throughout the day as you eat and drink; however, tartar may be avoided if you practise excellent dental care. Plaque may be readily removed at home with frequent brushing, but tartar, which interacts with the minerals in your teeth to build a hard coating, must be removed by your dentist.
Can Tarter Have An Effect On Teeth and Gums?
A buildup of tartar or plaque bacteria can cause cavities and tooth decay; therefore, the sooner you remove it, the lower your chances of experiencing dental issues in the future! Tartar bacteria may damage or irritate your gums, resulting in gingivitis or gum disease, which causes your gums to become inflamed, swollen, and bleed readily.
How Can You Tell That You Have Tartar Buildup?
Plaque is a white film of germs that forms on your teeth daily, whereas tartar forms as plaque hardens over time. The most typical indicator of tartar accumulation is a yellow or brown hue around the edges of your teeth and along the gumline. Plaque may be readily eliminated by brushing and flossing your teeth, but the only method to identify and remove tartar is to visit your dentist.
Good Dental Care Can Help
Now that you understand what causes tartar, you should be able to avoid and eliminate it more effectively. Plaque elimination requires a good dental care practice that includes fluoride toothpaste and flossing. This, together with regular hygiene visits to the dentist, such as Southside Dental Care, will help keep your teeth clean and healthy. However, once tartar has formed, it can only be removed by a dentist using the tartar removal method called scaling. During scaling, your dentist will use specialised equipment to remove tartar from your teeth, both above and below the gumline.
Visit your dentist every six months for a thorough cleaning to maintain your mouth healthy and tartar-free!
