What’s the Difference Between Plaque and Tartar?

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Plaque and tartar are the bane of existence for people and dentists. Often, people mistakenly interchange these terms, not realizing that there’s a big difference between them. But knowing the difference can make a big…difference…in how well you can keep your teeth free from both. Here’s what you should know about plaque and tartar, from your dentist in Owensboro, KY.

What Is Plaque?

You know that feeling when you wake up all refreshed, ready to start your day, and then—ick—you feel this yucky substance on your teeth? You can’t wait to rush to the bathroom to brush—even before your morning coffee—and until you do, your teeth feel, well, grungy. That’s plaque. Plaque is the soft, sticky film made up of bacteria, food particles and saliva. Plaque has a yellowish tint, and leaving it on your teeth can make teeth look dingy. It’s the kind of tint that makes you want to get your teeth whitened. Plaque forms on the surface of the teeth throughout the day—and overnight—but especially after eating or drinking sugary or starchy foods. Left to its own devices, plaque can lead to cavities, gum irritation and bad breath. The bacteria in the plaque feed on sugars, producing acids that weaken tooth enamel and inflame the gums and potentially causing gingivitis.

What Is Tartar?

Tartar is actually the term for hardened plaque. So even though it’s technically the same thing, it’s very different. And that difference means that it must be dealt with in a completely different manner than plaque. You see, while you can get rid of plaque at home with brushing, you’ll never be able to brush away tartar. For tartar removal, you need to visit your dentist for a dental cleaning in Owensboro, KY.

Two things are needed to keep both tartar and plaque at bay. One, you need to brush and floss on a routine basis. Second, you need to visit your dentist at least every six months. Contact us with any questions or to book an appointment today!

What’s the Difference Between Plaque and Tartar?

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You may have heard that plaque and tartar are bad for your teeth, but do you know the difference? Plaque and tartar can lead to problems with oral health and hygiene.

You can stop plaque and tartar from forming on your teeth by brushing properly and seeing the dentist in Beaver Dam and Owensboro, KY, every six months. In this article, we’ll tell you about plaque and tartar to help you understand the difference. Here’s what to know.

What Is Plaque?

Plaque is a sticky substance made up of food particles and debris. Plaque forms on your teeth when you eat food. Brushing your teeth at the end of the day can help keep plaque off your teeth, but you can’t brush all plaque off your teeth all the time. Over time, plaque can build up on your teeth, especially near your gums.

What Is Tartar?

Tartar is a hard substance that forms from plaque on your tooth enamel. As plaque accumulates on your teeth, it mixes with saliva and other particles and eventually turns into a crusty yellowish substance that is very difficult to remove. Tartar can’t be removed with toothbrushing. To get rid of tartar, you’ll need to visit the dentist for teeth cleaning.

How Can You Avoid Plaque and Tartar?

The best way to keep your teeth free of plaque and tartar is to brush your teeth twice per day and see the dentist every six months. The dental professionals will clean your teeth and polish your tooth enamel. This helps keep your teeth smooth, so plaque and tartar can’t build up on your teeth.

Do you need to see the dentist for a dental exam and cleaning in Beaver Dam and Owensboro, KY? If so, call today to make your next appointment.

Why do I Have so Much Plaque?

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Upon waking up each day, you might often find a yellowish layer coating your teeth. This not only gives an unpleasant appearance and sensation but also contributes to the infamous “morning breath.” This dental plaque is a common occurrence every morning, though its extent varies among individuals. To learn more about how plaque build up affects your teeth, talk to yourdentist in Katy, TX. In the meantime, here are some things you should know about excessive plaque buildup.

Understanding Dental Plaque

Dental plaque is essentially a biofilm composed of living bacteria that accumulates on the surface of your teeth. It’s important to remember that your mouth and body naturally harbor various bacteria types. However, the bacteria in dental plaque are particularly detrimental to your dental health.

The acid produced by plaque when you eat or drink can erode your tooth enamel, lead to gingivitis and tooth decay, and potentially cause gum disease. Although regular brushing and flossing are common practices to remove plaque, there’s an additional concern.

Hidden Plaque Formation

Plaque also develops in less visible areas, such as beneath the gum line. While your dental hygienist plays a crucial role in eliminating plaque from your teeth and gums, maintaining regular dental check-ups at least twice a year is vital for effective plaque management.

Factors Leading to Excess Plaque

Certain factors might contribute to your heightened susceptibility to plaque, such as:

  • Consuming a diet rich in sugars
  • Experiencing dry mouth syndrome
  • Smoking or alcohol consumption

If you’re experiencing significant plaque buildup, consider scheduling more frequentteeth cleanings in Katy, TX. Preventative care can go a long way toward avoiding more serious dental health problems later on.

Don’t overlook your plaque-related issues. If you feel you have excess plaque buildup, contact us for an appointment for a cleaning and for lifestyle changes that may reduce the formation of plaque.