Did you know that oral health directly impacts your overall health and well-being?
There are over 6 billion bacteria in your mouth, consisting of about 700 different species! But before you grab your toothbrush, it’s important to understand that not all bacteria are harmful. Many promote health and protect us from diseases. However, certain bacteria can be detrimental to our oral and general health. When combined with a high sugar intake and poor hygiene, these bacteria thrive and form what we know as plaque. Interestingly, much of these oral bacteria don’t stay confined to our mouths. They can be swallowed with saliva, potentially leading to infections in other parts of our body.
Fortunately, our teeth act as a natural barrier against oral bacteria. By maintaining consistent and proper oral hygiene practices, we can prevent bacteria from thriving and lingering in our mouths, preventing the formation of plaque and tartar. But what exactly are plaque and tartar, and how do they form? If you’re concerned about your oral health and find yourself unsure about the differences between plaque vs tartar, we’re here to clarify things for you. Join us as we explore the buildup of plaque and tartar, discuss effective prevention strategies, and delve into available treatment options.
What is Plaque?
Plaque is a sticky, colourless or pale yellow film on the teeth consisting of bacteria, food particles, and saliva. When you consume food or drinks, especially those containing sugars or carbohydrates, the bacteria in your mouth feed on these substances and produce acids. Plaque acts as a reservoir for these bacteria and acids, which can attack the tooth enamel, leading to tooth decay and cavities.
Plaque buildup gives a fuzzy or slimy feeling to the teeth and is often accompanied by yellow teeth, persistent bad breath and swollen, tender or bleeding gums. It generally accumulates in hard-to-reach areas, such as along the gumline, back of your mouth and between teeth. Plaque formation occurs naturally as your mouth responds to the sugars in the foods you consume. But if not removed, it can lead to lasting damage to your teeth, increasing the risk of cavities and gum diseases.
What is Tartar?
Tartar or dental calculus is a hard, calcified deposit that forms on the teeth when plaque is not removed properly. It can mineralise and harden over time, forming a yellow or brownish crusty layer on the teeth and along the gumline.
Unlike plaque, which is soft and can be removed with proper oral hygiene practices, tartar cannot be eliminated by brushing or flossing alone. It requires professional dental cleaning with scaling or root planning to scrape the tartar and smoothen the teeth surface to prevent future tartar deposits.
Oral Health Risks of Plaque and Tartar
Plaque and tartar increase the risk of oral problems, affecting oral hygiene, overall health, and aesthetics. Some of the oral health risks of plaque and tartar include:
- Plaque bacteria produce acids that attack tooth enamel, leading to cavities and tooth decay.
- Plaque and tartar buildup can irritate the gums, causing inflammation and gum disease, such as gingivitis and periodontitis.
- The bacteria in plaque and tartar can release foul odours, contributing to persistent bad breath (halitosis).
- If gum disease progresses, it can damage the tissues supporting the teeth, leading to tooth loss.
Plaque Vs Tartar: What’s the Difference
Some of the key differences between plaque and tartar include:
Formation Process
Plaque formation generally begins within hours after brushing. It happens because of the natural accumulation of bacteria, food particles, and saliva on the tooth surfaces. Tartar formation, on the other hand, is a more advanced stage that occurs when plaque is not adequately removed and allowed to remain on the teeth. As plaque sits on the tooth surfaces, the minerals present in saliva interact with the plaque and cause it to harden into tartar. This process, known as mineralisation, gradually transforms the soft plaque into a hard calcified deposit.
Appearance
Plaque is a sticky, thin layer and is either colourless or pale yellow. Whereas tartar is darker yellow or more brownish, thicker, and crustier, like a solid buildup on teeth.
Removal Process
Plaque can be removed through regular oral hygiene practices, such as brushing and flossing. Tartar can only be removed with professional cleaning and scaling.
Impact on Oral Health
Plaque harbours bacteria and causes dental problems, while tartar promotes further plaque buildup and adds to dental issues.
How to Avoid Plaque and Tartar
Plaque and tartar buildup is easy to prevent and avoid with some of these oral hygiene practices:
Brush your teeth twice a day
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth twice daily for at least 2 minutes.. Pay attention to all tooth surfaces and gently brush along the gumline. Brushing for two minutes ensures the effective removal of plaque and bacteria from your teeth.
Daily Flossing
Flossing is crucial for removing plaque between teeth and along the gumline that a toothbrush cannot reach. Take a piece of dental floss and gently slide it between each tooth, moving it back and forth to clean the sides. Regular flossing helps remove food particles that attract bacteria, preventing plaque formation.
Eating Healthy
Limit your intake of sugary and starchy foods as they can contribute to plaque formation. Opt for a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Consuming foods high in fibre can stimulate saliva production, which helps wash away plaque.
Visit the dentist
Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings are essential for preventing plaque and tartar buildup. Dentists can remove any hardened tartar and identify early signs of dental issues. Schedule dental appointments every six months or as recommended by your dentist.
Treatment Options
Some of the treatment options for plaque and tartar buildup include:
- A dental cleaning with scaling and root planning helps remove tartar and plaque from the teeth and below the gum line. This procedure helps restore oral health and prevents further progression of gum disease.
- Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. They act as a barrier, preventing plaque and bacteria from settling into the grooves and crevices of the teeth.
- Using an antimicrobial mouthwash can help reduce plaque and bacterial growth in the mouth.
- Our friendly dentists and hygienists can provide personalised oral hygiene education, including proper brushing and flossing techniques.
With specific oral care products and a hygiene program tailored to your dental needs and lifestyle, we can help you achieve optimal oral health.
Maintaining Proper Oral Hygiene is Easy with a Partnership Between You & Boon Dental
At Boon Dental, we believe preventive dentistry is the foundation of a healthy and beautiful smile. It keeps most dental problems at bay and ensures early intervention of oral issues, saving you from expensive and lengthy treatments. Whether you’re looking for dental cleanings to maintain your oral health and remove plaque and tartar buildup or cosmetic solutions to improve your smile, we’ve got you covered. Book an appointment at our Wentworth Point or Ropes Crossing Clinic today.
