Preventive dental care helps control two common but distinct dental concerns: plaque and tartar. Both of these develop naturally in the mouth and often lead to cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss if left untreated. Understanding how plaque and tartar are formed and how they impact your oral health will make caring for your smile, and avoiding emergency dentistry in Placerville, much simpler.
What Is Plaque?
Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria, food fragments, and saliva that develops on the surfaces of your teeth after every meal or beverage (excluding plain water). Oral bacteria feed on sugars and create acidic plaque as a result of this consumption. This acid attacks tooth enamel, weakening it and increasing the likelihood of tooth decay.
Plaque develops on the tooth enamel and also accumulates along the gumline. This causes irritation to the gum tissues and potentially causes gingivitis, which is early stage gum disease. The fact that plaque is almost impossible to see is one reason why it is so easy for it to build up and go unnoticed. Routine home care is one of the most important defenses against plaque. Daily brushing and flossing remove plaque before it turns into tartar or dental calculus.
When Plaque Turns into Tartar
As plaque sits on the surfaces of your teeth for extended periods of time, it combines with minerals present in the saliva and hardens, creating a deposit called tartar or dental calculus. Tartar differs from plaque in that it bonds directly to the surface of your teeth and cannot be removed simply by brushing or flossing. It is also extremely irritating to gum tissue and protects bacterial colonies from your tooth brush and toothpaste.
Tartar often has a yellow, tan, or brown appearance. Its rough surface attracts and holds even more bacteria. As tartar builds up on the surfaces of your teeth, the inflammation of your gums increases, your breath becomes worse, and staining becomes noticeable. When tartar buildup moves below the gumline, it contributes to worsening gum disease and causes bone loss to the jawbone surrounding your teeth. Professional dental cleanings remain the only effective way to remove tartar.
Protecting Your Smile Every Day
There are a few simple practices that help prevent plaque and tartar buildup:
- Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day.
- Floss your teeth daily.
- Avoid snacking and sugary beverages.
- Schedule professional cleanings and checkups at least every six months.
Even if who practice good home care, your teeth benefit from regular professional evaluations. Routine dental visits detect minor issues before they become painful and/or expensive. Avoid emergency dentistry with regular dental care.
A Quality Dental Team
At the Placerville Dental Group, we provide quality dental care with an emphasis on prevention, patient comfort, and overall long-term oral health. Whether you need a routine cleaning, are seeking treatment for gum concerns, or need immediate emergency dental care, the experienced team at the Placerville Dental Group is available to assist you in protecting your smile and restoring your comfort when you need it most. Contact us today!
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