What is Plaque vs Tartar?
Everyone of any age has dental plaque. This sticky film collects on teeth when the bacteria in your mouth mix with any sugary or starchy foods. Daily tooth brushing and flossing removes the plaque. If you do not remove the plaque, it will harden into tartar. Plaque will lead to cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss. Regular preventative dental checkups every six months will allow your dentist to professionally remove the plaque and to protect your teeth.
What is the Source of Plaque?
Plaque forms when the bacteria in your mouth mix with sugary or starchy foods, such as soft drinks, milk, juice, fruit, bread, and pasta. These bacteria then release acids that break down the carbohydrates. If you do not brush your teeth soon, the combination of bacteria, acids and carbohydrates will create the sticky, colorless film called plaque.
What Is Plaque?
Dental plaque is a soft, sticky film that collects and builds up on your teeth and around your gums throughout every day. The plaque contains millions of bacteria. When you eat carbohydrates or sugar you are providing fuel for the bacteria on your teeth. These bacteria produce acids that erode your tooth enamel and cause cavities.
This is why the health industry strongly suggests that good daily oral hygiene is essential in preventing tooth decay and protecting your smile. To prevent this plaque buildup, simply brush at least twice a day and floss once a day. Drinking water, rinsing your mouth, and chewing sugar-free gum after meals and snacks can help.
What Is Tartar?
If that is plaque, then what is tartar? Tartar is the continued accumulation of plaque on your teeth when not removed. If plaque is left on your teeth, it will harden into tartar and is far more difficult to remove. Tartar can only be removed by your dentist or hygienist; you can no longer remove it with regular brushing and flossing. Tartar removal is one of the primary reasons that seeing your dentist every six months is so important.
Plaque buildup that hardens into tartar will cause more than just cavities. It will cause tooth discoloration and increased sensitivity as well as gum disease and gum recession. To reduce both plaque buildup and tartar from forming, just remember to brush and floss every day.
How can You Prevent Plaque and Tartar?
Good tooth and gum care is essential to impeding plaque buildup. You should:
* Brush twice a day- Brush your teeth for two minutes, each time, with a soft-bristled toothbrush or an electric toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Brush at least twice a day, preferably after every meal.
* Floss daily- Floss once a day with dental floss or a water flosser to remove food particles and plaque stuck between your teeth. Studies prove that flossing before brushing removes more plaque.
* Choose healthy foods- Cut back on sugary, starchy foods and drinks. Choose nutritious foods and snacks such as plain yogurt, cheese, raw vegetables, or fruit.
* Chew sugarless gum- If you cannot brush soon after eating or drinking, then chew sugar-free gum.
* See your dentist- Get preventative dental checkups at least twice a year.
* Use mouthwash- Rinse with an over the counter or prescription antiseptic mouthwash.