Dentists often talk about plaque and dental tartar. Although these two terms are often used interchangeably, they have very different meanings. Dental plaque is a soft film of bacteria that forms on your teeth when you eat or drink. It’s usually invisible to the naked eye, but it can be detected with special equipment. Plaque can be removed by brushing and flossing regularly, but if left untreated, it can harden into a harder substance known as dental tartar. The main difference between plaque and tartar is that plaque is less likely to cause pain or tooth decay than tartar, which makes it easier for dentists to detect before any serious damage has been done.
Dental Tartar is a Form of Plaque
Plaque is a sticky film that forms on your teeth, and it can be removed with regular brushing and flossing. If you don’t remove plaque regularly, it can harden into tartar, which can be more difficult to remove. This can cause gum disease and cavities in your teeth.
Plaque and Dental Tartar Can Cause Bad Breath
Bad breath can be caused by plaque and tartar accumulation. Plaque is the film that forms on your teeth and gums, while tartar is hardened plaque. Both bacterial deposits are a sign of gum disease, which can cause bad breath and other oral health issues.
Plaque and Tartar are Associated with Inflammation
Plaque and tartar are both caused by bacteria. While plaque is an accumulation of food particles on the teeth, tartar forms when plaque becomes calcified and adheres to teeth. Plaque and tartar share a lot of similarities: they both form in a biofilm, they’re made up of calcium deposits and they both indicate inflammation in your mouth.
Tartar Contributes to Gingivitis, Periodontitis, and Tooth Decay
The plaque that forms on your teeth is attached to the surface by fibers called “dental plaque.” Tartar develops when this plaque hardens into calculus (also known as tartar). Tartar can be removed by brushing and flossing with dental tools like an ultrasonic scaler or dental water jet. If your dentist finds large amounts of tartar on your teeth during an exam, they may recommend removing it before it causes gum disease or tooth decay.
Plaque Leads to Gum Disease
Tartar, especially calculus, is the hardened form of saliva and food debris that forms on teeth. It’s not uncommon for people with tartar buildup to have bad breath, but it can also cause gingivitis or periodontitis (inflammation of the gums) or even tooth decay.
Both Plaque and Tartar are Caused by Bacteria in the Mouth
Plaque forms on the teeth, and then hardens into a substance called tartar. Tartar buildup can cause tooth decay and gum disease, which both need to be removed with professional dentistry services.
Food Particles in your Mouth can Contribute to the Formation of Plaque and Tartar
Food particles can also contribute to the formation of plaque and tartar, as they get stuck in your teeth. They can stick to the front of your teeth, where they are visible. Therefore, it’s important to brush immediately after eating or drinking anything with sugar in it: to remove the food before it has a chance to harden into plaque or tartar.
About Dr. Fred Wong of Blue Ocean Dentistry in Glendora, California
Dr. Fred Wong and the staff at Blue Ocean Dentistry use the latest available dental treatments,equipment, and materials – all of which make a marked difference in our patients’ experiences. We help our patients achieve optimal dental health. We creatively combine dental science and artistry — which can literally redesign your smile. Since even a subtle change in your smile will help you to project self-confidence and high self-esteem, we love helping you feel good about yourself. We deliver the finest dental care at the most reasonable cost and accept most dental insurance plans as well as CareCredit. For more about the dental treatment plans we offer or to schedule an appointment, call today (626) 852-6999.