Understanding Plaque and Tartar: Causes and Prevention

Have you ever wondered why your dentist always stresses the importance of brushing and flossing regularly? The answer lies in the build-up of plaque and tartar on your teeth. Understanding these oral culprits is crucial for maintaining a healthy smile.

Plaque and tartar are two common dental issues that can lead to serious problems if not properly addressed. Despite their similar appearance, they differ in terms of formation and impact on oral health. By gaining insights into what causes these pesky substances to develop, you can take proactive steps to prevent their harmful effects.

Your oral hygiene routine plays a significant role in combating plaque and tartar build-up. From the foods you eat to your brushing techniques, every choice you make can either contribute to or prevent the accumulation of these dental foes. By delving deeper into the causes and prevention strategies for plaque and tartar, you can effectively safeguard your smile and oral health. Let’s explore the essential knowledge you need to keep your teeth and gums happy and healthy.

What is Dental Plaque?

Dental plaque is a sticky, colorless film of bacteria that constantly forms on our teeth. When we eat or drink, the bacteria in our mouths combine with the sugars and starches from our food to produce acids. These acids attack our tooth enamel, leading to decay and cavities if not removed. Plaque starts to form within hours of brushing your teeth, so it’s essential to brush at least twice a day and floss regularly to remove it.

Plaque Leads to Tartar

Plaque can eventually lead to the formation of tartar if it is not removed through proper oral hygiene practices. When plaque is not removed from the teeth, it can harden and mineralize, turning into tartar or dental calculus. Tartar is a hard, yellowish deposit that forms on the teeth and along the gum line.

Tartar cannot be removed by brushing and flossing alone, and it provides a rough surface for even more plaque to build upon. This can lead to gum disease, inflammation, and other dental issues if not addressed promptly by a dentist.

Early Signs of Plaque on Teeth

It’s important to be aware of the early signs of plaque buildup on your teeth so that you can take action before it progresses into tartar and causes more serious issues. Some common signs of plaque on teeth include:

1. Sticky or fuzzy feeling on teeth: When plaque begins to accumulate on your teeth, you may notice a sticky or fuzzy sensation when running your tongue along your teeth.
2. Bad breath: The bacteria in plaque can produce foul-smelling gases, leading to bad breath even after brushing and using mouthwash.
3. Discoloration or yellowing of teeth: Plaque can cause your teeth to appear discolored or yellow due to the buildup of bacteria and acids.
4. Sensitivity or pain in teeth: As plaque builds up and leads to tooth decay, you may experience increased sensitivity or pain in your teeth when eating or drinking hot or cold foods.

Preventing Plaque and Tartar Build-Up

Preventing plaque and tartar build-up is essential for maintaining good oral health. Here are some tips to help you keep these dental culprits at bay:

1. Brush and floss regularly: Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily to remove plaque before it hardens into tartar.
2. Use fluoride toothpaste: Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel and prevents decay, so be sure to use fluoride toothpaste when brushing.
3. Limit sugary and starchy foods: Sugary and starchy foods feed the bacteria in plaque, leading to acid production that can harm your teeth. Limiting these foods can help prevent plaque build-up.
4. Visit your dentist regularly: Regular dental check-ups and cleanings can help remove any tartar that has formed and address any early signs of gum disease or other dental issues.
5. Consider using an antimicrobial mouthwash: Antimicrobial mouthwashes can help reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth, preventing plaque formation.

Let Us Give You an Audubon Smile

The staff at Audubon Dental is committed to providing you with prompt, professional, and personal service. Discover the possibilities of a radiant and confident smile by scheduling a consultation with us today. Your journey to a brighter, healthier, and more beautiful smile begins here!