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About Us
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Here at our offices, our dentists are always looking for ways to educate the public about proper health care for your teeth and gums.
Dental plaque forms on your teeth each and every day. The bacteria in the plaque react with the sugar in your diet to form an acid, which attacks tooth enamel, causing cavities. It can also irritate gum tissue, causing inflammation (gingivitis), which may lead to periodontal disease. If you want your teeth to last a lifetime, you should remove plaque at least twice a day after meals.
Dentists and hygienists recommend specific techniques for plaque removal. Not only can incorrect brushing miss plaque, it can also damage sensitive gum tissue. Over time, it can even erode tooth enamel.
What is the Difference Between Plaque and Tartar?
People often confuse plaque and tartar and how they are related to each other.
Plaque is a sticky film (deposit of bacteria) that constantly forms on all areas of your teeth and where the teeth and gums meet (gumline). It is a primary factor in gum disease. Plaque is produced by:
Plaque begins forming on teeth 4 to 12 hours after brushing, which is why it is important to brush twice a day and floss daily.
Tartar, also called calculus, is a crusty deposit on the teeth that results when the minerals in saliva combine with plaque. Tartar formation may make it more difficult to remove new plaque and bacteria.
Your toothbrush and toothpaste cannot remove tartar once it has formed. Only a dental professional can remove tartar.
Tips for Fighting Plaque and Tartar
To help reduce the formation of plaque and tartar:
- Have your teeth professionally cleaned every 6 months, or more frequently as recommended by your dentist or hygienist.
- Use fluoride toothpaste with tartar protection, which protects against cavities and reduces tartar formation.
- Brush your teeth twice a day. Proper brushing helps remove plaque from the outer, inner and chewing surfaces of your teeth.
Floss daily. Flossing thoroughly helps remove plaque and debris from between the teeth, especially in hard-to-reach areas at and slightly under the gumline. Flossing is essential in preventing gum disease.
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