Plaque and tartar get a lot of press. You likely hear about them in ads for toothpaste or mouthwash.
Removing them is the key theme...and for good reason. Plaque and tartar build-up on your teeth is a leading culprit for tooth decay and gum related issues - such as gum disease.
Protecting your teeth and gums relies on understanding the unique characteristics of plaque and tartar and how they're actually different.
What is dental plaque?
Plaque is a sticky, colorless film that consistently forms on your teeth and gums. Worse is that plaque is a colony of bacteria made up of food particles, saliva, and the bacteria that feed on the sugars and starches in the food you consume.
Eating is such a normal part of your routine that you probably don't consider what's happening in the process. As you eat, bacteria in your mouth produce acids that launch an attack on your tooth enamel.
When those bacterial attacks hit their intended target (your teeth) the potential for cavities increases.
Dental plaque can also irritate your gums causing them to be inflamed and lead to the first stage of gum disease known as gingivitis.
What is tartar?
This oral health issue is the result of what happens when you allow plaque to harden on your teeth. Plaque that's not removed by consistent and effective brushing and flossing creates tartar build-up on your teeth.
The clincher is that tartar is much more difficult to remove than plaque. A professional teeth cleaning by a licensed dental hygienist is the primary solution for tartar removal.
Damage potential is the key difference between plaque and tartar
Both plaque and tartar alone can cause significant damage to your teeth and gums if they're not removed.
The damage caused by plaque
The damage caused by tartar
These alarming indicators of plaque and tartar damage are good motivation for their consistent removal.
How to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth and gums and prevent its development
Plaque removal starts with you
Brush your teeth a minimum of twice per day using a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Floss your teeth daily to remove plaque build-up from between your teeth and down into your gum line (where a toothbrush can't reach).
Rinse with mouthwash to help reduce the growth of plaque bacteria in your mouth.
Tartar removal requires professional help
A professional teeth cleaning during your routine dental check-ups is your primary solution for removing tartar build-up.
Scaling and root planing is a treatment solution that a dental hygienist can use to remove tartar if your build-up is severe and reaches beneath your gum line.
Preventing plaque and tartar build-up is an ongoing process
Start with a good oral hygiene routine that includes consistent and thorough brushing and flossing .
Eat healthy and limit the amount of sugary and starchy foods that feed plaque bacteria growth.
Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings to deal with the early build-up of plaque and tartar before it worsens.
Now that you know the difference between plaque and tartar you're better prepared to remove it from your teeth and prevent it from increasing.
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Stay consistent with your dental care and prevent decay related oral health issues
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