We’ve all heard of plaque and tartar at the dentist, but what are this dynamic duo of doom? The sneaky duo destroys your mouth in tandem, yet few know the difference between the two—or why they’re so awful. The good news? Knowledge is half the battle when it comes to protecting your smile and keeping your mouth healthy.
What’s the Big Deal about Plaque?
Plaque is similar to an annoying friend who will not get out of your way. It is this sticky, clear layer of bacteria that simply refuses to stop building up on your teeth. You brush just a short while back, and there it is again—chomping up your snack foods’ starches and sugars and turning them into acids that break down enamel.
You can occasionally spot plaque as a fuzzy or sticky film on your teeth, typically in the morning or after consuming some sugary food. The good news? It’s soft and brushable enough with some good brushing and flossing. Let it alone, however, and plaque turns rotten and is a whole different and worse thing.
Enter Tartar, the Overstaying Houseguest
Tartar or calculus is what develops when the plaque has been building up for some time and has had a chance to become adherent. Plaque, if not washed away within 24 to 48 hours, mineralises and turns into tartar—a yellowish or brownish rough deposit that sticks quite tenaciously to your teeth.
Tartar, though, can’t be brushed away. It’s adhesive and requires a professional touch to get it off. You’ll find it lingering around the gum line or between teeth, especially between lower front teeth and upper molars. To add insult to injury, tartar provides the perfect haven for even more plaque, and a cycle is established that’s hard to break short of a dentist’s chair.
Why Plaque and Tartar Are Bad News
Don’t be misled by their small size—plaque and tartar are dynamos of dysfunction. Far more than just ugly, these bacterial accumulations have the potential to create some very, very serious oral health problems that extend far beyond your smile.
Gum Disease: The Sneaky Saboteur
Gum disease has two offenders: plaque and tartar. Toxins in plaque annoy your gums and cause gingivitis, which is the prelude to gum disease. Think red, swollen gums that bleed when brushing or flossing.
Allow gingivitis to happen, and it will turn into periodontitis—a more painful form of gum disease in which your gums recede from your teeth and form pockets that become infected. Periodontitis results in tooth loss and has been linked to other diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. Looking for Taree dental services to prevent these problems? Great decision.
Cavities: Small Holes, Big Problems
Bacteria that form plaque give off acid that harms tooth enamel, and the weakened areas turn into cavities. Tartar only makes matters worse by providing the bacteria with additional surfaces to adhere to and making it that much harder to thoroughly clean your teeth. Translation: more cavities, more trips to the dentist, and more pain.
Bad Breath: The Silent Offender
Nobody desires to be that person with foul breath, yet the most common culprits of foul breath are plaque and tartar. Bacteria in these buildups emit sulphur compounds, which don’t smell so sweet. Mouthwash will hide the odour temporarily, but you’ll be left with it until you brush off the tartar and plaque.
How to Keep Plaque and Tartar in Check
A good defence is the best offence. Twice-a-day brushing, daily flossing, and regular cleaning by your dentist are your weapons to remain one step ahead of plaque and tartar. But once it has developed, you will need to call in the dental pro to assist you in removing it.
Don’t allow plaque and tartar to get the better of you. Get control of your smile today—schedule an appointment with a dentist, and show these smile saboteurs who’s in charge!
