Plaque and tartar buildup on your tooth enamel can cause many problems that affect your dental health. Plaque and tartar buildup can contribute to cavity development, gum recession, bad breath, and more.
What is the difference between plaque and tartar? Which one is worse? What can you do to avoid plaque and tartar on your teeth?
Dental patients need answers to their questions about plaque and tartar. The more you know about your dental health, the better equipped you are to take care of your teeth. This is what you need to know about plaque and tartar in your mouth.
What Is Plaque?
Plaque is a soft, sticky film that forms on teeth throughout the day. It develops when bacteria mix with food particles and saliva. Plaque is generally tooth-colored, although it can be easily stained by dark-colored food and drinks. Wine, coffee, tea, berries, and sauces can affect the color of plaque.
Removing plaque is relatively easy, and you can remove much of it on your own with regular brushing and flossing. However, most people are unable to completely remove plaque from their teeth through brushing alone. Regular dental appointments prevent plaque from developing in hard-to-reach places.
What Is Tartar?
Tartar is hardened plaque that has been left on the teeth for too long. It’s often yellow or brown and has a rough texture that you can feel with your tongue. Tartar is too hard to remove through brushing or flossing.
Tartar usually develops along the gumline and, over time, can cause the gumline to recede. Gumlines that recede do not grow back. Over time, tartar can cause the gums to pull away from the tooth roots, leaving them exposed.
Tartar can only be removed by a dental professional.
Plaque vs. Tartar
Plaque and tartar are not the same thing. Here is a quick comparison between the two:
- Plaque: This sticky film forms on the teeth every day and can lead to cavities if ignored. You can remove most plaque on your own with good toothbrushing habits.
- Tartar: This hard layer on top of the tooth enamel is made up of calcified plaque. Tartar increases the risk of gum disease and other oral health issues.
How to Prevent Buildup
You can prevent a buildup of plaque and tartar on your teeth by brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and flossing every day. However, brushing alone cannot fully protect your teeth, because some plaque buildup is too hard to reach with a toothbrush. Going to the dentist for regular dental cleanings can protect your teeth by removing plaque and tartar. During the dental cleaning, your teeth will be polished, which helps prevent plaque from sticking to the enamel.
See A Trusted Tampa Dentist for Plaque and Tartar Removal
Plaque is a normal part of daily life, but it should be removed regularly to prevent tartar development. Good oral hygiene habits are the best defense against both problems. To manage your dental hygiene, contact Weninger Dentistry for dental cleanings in Tampa.