There are so many tips and tricks to remember when it comes to ensuring that your mouth is in the healthiest state it can be. From eating the right food to drinking beverages that don’t stain the teeth, remembering how best to keep your teeth well can be hard. One of the frequent questions we get is the difference between plaque and tartar (also known as calculus).
Plaque is the substance that is always forming on your teeth. Most people who practice good oral hygiene are able to remove plaque by brushing twice a day and flossing regularly. Bacteria live inside plaque and create a variety of acids that can be detrimental to your enamel and create decay.
If plaque isn’t removed by consistent brushing and flossing, then it hardens and can become tartar. Unfortunately, once you have tartar on your teeth, you can’t remove it with a toothbrush. A dental professional must remove it during a cleaning or other procedure. If left uncleaned and untreated, tartar can lead to gingivitis. causes gingivitis. Common gingivitis can still be treated by regular hygiene and visits to the dentist. However, once gingivitis becomes advanced, it leads to periodontitis, or periodontal disease, a significant problem that can require scaling, root planing, or surgery to fix.
If you have any questions about your dental health or if you would like to schedule a free consultation, please contact our team or make an appointment. Our incredible staff will give you the best dental care possible.