Plaque and tartar are the primary threats to the health of your teeth and gums. These invisible sticky films and buildups are constantly developing and must be combatted with good oral hygiene practices. If you don’t address plaque and tartar using dentist-approved hygiene techniques, you put yourself at risk for complications like sensitivity, cavities, and tooth loss.
What Is Plaque?
Plaque is a sticky biofilm that coats your teeth throughout the day. This colorless layer of bacteria (germs) is most noticed as a “fuzzy” or grimy sensation on your teeth. However, after 24 hours without brushing, plaque buildup may become visibly noticeable.
It is normal for the mouth to produce plaque, but when you eat and drink, particularly sugars and carbohydrates, the bacteria are fed. As the bacteria grow, a sticky acidic film develops, and this is known as “dental plaque.”
What Is Tartar?
When plaque buildup is left on the teeth it quickly begins to harden. When the buildup has hardened to the point that it can’t be removed with a toothbrush, the plaque has transformed into tartar, also known as dental calculus.
Braces, aging, smoking, and dry mouth can increase your chances of developing tartar, which starts the hardening process 24-72 hours after the formation of unchecked plaque. 68% of adults have tartar, and the presence of this hardened outer layer makes it even more likely that plaque gets trapped, continuing a vicious cycle that can damage your oral health.
Results of Plaque and Tartar
Beyond plaque’s fuzzy feeling, or the yellowing that results from tartar, there are more serious conditions that can result from plaque and tartar.
- Bad breath
- Cavities
- Gingivitis
- Periodontitis
Preventing Plaque and Tartar Buildup
It’s true that some toothpastes advertise tartar-fighting abilities, but they are actually “controlling tartar” preventatively by removing plaque. Once plaque has hardened into tartar, it can only be removed by a professional dental cleaning.
Contact Hospitality Dental today to have our team of experts stop plaque and tartar in their tracks.