What You Need To Know About Plaque And Tartar

Woman smiling. Caption: Learn how plaque and tartar can affect your smile.

WHEN MOST OF US HEAR WORDS LIKE sticky, bacteria, acid, and decay we tend to cringe a little…and with good reason! Unfortunately, all of those words are characteristics of plaque and tartar—two terms that you’ve probably heard us use when we visit with you about dentistry!

Don’t worry, there’s no need to panic—we have some handy tips on how to avoid plaque and tartar. But first, let’s back up a little. To figure out how to best prevent plaque and tartar we need to know exactly what they are, right?

What Is Plaque?

The best way to understand plaque is to think of it as a thin, invisible film of sticky bacteria (and other unfriendly materials) that coats the surfaces of your teeth. When sugars and starches come in contact with plaque, acid is created that can attack your teeth for up to 20 minutes after you finish eating. Repeated attacks can break down tooth enamel and lead to cavities, decay, and/or gum disease.

What Is Tartar?

Tartar, on the other hand, is a deposit that forms when plaque hardens on your teeth. For most of us, tartar deposits begin to build up faster as we age. Unlike plaque, tartar bonds quite strongly to tooth enamel and can only be removed by a dental professional like our dentists. Prolonged tartar buildup can cause a tooth’s enamel to break down, resulting in decay and/or cavities.

What Does This Mean and What Should I Do?

So… in order to avoid cavities we have to avoid tartar, and in order to avoid tartar we have to avoid plaque. Here are some recommendations from our dentists on the best ways to fight plaque and tartar buildup.

  • Floss once a day.
  • Brush your teeth at least twice a day with toothpaste that contains fluoride and fights plaque.
  • Use a quality toothbrush and remember to replace it every three months, or as soon as the bristles have worn down. Some toothbrushes have a blue indicator on the bristles that indicate when you should replace the toothbrush.
  • Add mouthwash to your routine to provide longer protection even after you’re done brushing.
  • Eat well-balanced meals.
  • Brush after snacks.
  • Visit one of our dentists regularly for oral exams and cleanings so that any tartar buildup you might have can be removed.

Take Care of Your Teeth

Your bank account and your smile will thank you for taking good care of your teeth. And since avoiding plaque altogether is impossible, don’t forget to schedule your regular dental appointments with us so we can help brighten your smile and keep your teeth healthy for life!

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