Plaque & Tartar Removal

Plaque is a fact of life. This common dental problem forms on everybody’s teeth daily. No one is immune from plaque, but we do have the power to control it. Removing plaque on your own at home is simple and can keep your teeth clean and healthy. But don’t be fooled into thinking that plaque is harmless; it can turn into tartar.

About Plaque and Tartar

• Everyday food and drink come together to foster the growth of the bacteria, or plaque, which looks like an icky white film and builds up right between the bottom of your teeth and your gums. If you don't remove plaque regularly, it can turn into tartar, a hard, yellowish build-up that sits right where the plaque used to be.

  You can prevent tartar with daily teeth cleaning. Some people are more susceptible than others, so tartar control toothpaste is always a good idea. Tartar can lead to gum disease, bleeding gums, visible roots and tooth decay. Gum disease can also affect other parts your body and make other medical problems worse. Avoiding gum disease means avoiding tartar, and avoiding tartar means avoiding plaque.

Removing Plaque and Tartar

• You can get rid of daily plaque buildup by simply cleaning your teeth on a daily basis. Brushing, flossing and mouthwash get rid of the unseemly and unhealthy stuff. Toothbrushes literally brush the plaque away from the surfaces of your teeth, while floss and mouthwash get rid of the plaque between your teeth. Plaque starts to form again 4 to 12 hours after brushing, so you really do have to brush twice a day (at least).

  Tartar is harder to remove. If requires a professional teeth cleaning, which is relatively simple and definitely important. Your dentist or oral hygienist scrapes away the tartar, giving you and your mouth a fresh start.

Dental Care

• Just because you are keeping plaque and tartar off your teeth does not mean you don't need professional dental care. It’s important to visit your dentist on a regular basis, no matter what, just as you need to brush and floss every day.