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Introduction
Dental plaque or tooth plaque is a microbial plaque and soft, sticky film that form upon the teeth when bacteria in the mouth mix with sweet or starchy foods.
Saliva, food & juices unite to generate bacteria deposits, which collect where the teeth and gums meet.
Composed of bacteria, which produce acids that attack your tooth enamel and can damage your gums, Plaque can destroy tooth enamel and cause cavities and gingivitis.
Plaque, if not removed, hardens into tough-to-remove tartar and can also develop under the gums on tooth roots and break down the bones that support teeth.
Proper oral hygiene, brushing and flossing can help get rid of plaque. Regular dental checkups protect teeth and can fight tartar.
How Is Dental Tartar Formed?
Rough and porous and yellow or brown, tartar is also known as dental calculus, which forms below and above the gum line.
Deposited on the teeth it traps stains which in turn, cause discolouration. Foods like milk, soft drinks, cake, and candies that contain sugars or starches are big contributors to the growth of plaque.
The stains can also be caused by certain foods like blueberries, coffee and other colour-rich foods.
The bacteria in the mouth release acids that break down carbohydrates present in food and drinks.
Inappropriate brushing of teeth combined with bacteria, acids and carbohydrates mix to form a sticky, colourless film called plaque.
How Common is Dental Plaque or Tartar?
Quite common, dental plaque is present in everyone to some extent. The murky feeling on the teeth when you run your tongue over them is plaque.
When the plaque hardens, a yellow or brown colored deposit called tartar or dental calculus builds up on your teeth.
Improper or irregular brushing and flossing can cause plaque to harden into tartar which can be removed only by a dental professional.
As the tartar buildup on teeth is strongly attached to the tooth enamel, only dental professionals can remove it.
People with braces, dry mouth, crowded teeth, smoking and ageing have a greater risk of developing tartar.
Who May Be More Likely to Get a Plaque?
Though everyone gets plaque there are more chances of developing plaque if you:
Eat foods or drinks rich in starch or sugar.
Have dry mouth due to medications
Have undergone head/neck radiation in the past.
You are a regular smoker
What Are the Symptoms of Dental Tartar?
A fuzzy feeling on the teeth is the topmost sign that you have plaque. Other signs are Chronic bad breath (halitosis), Red, swollen, tender gums that bleed after brushing.
What Are the Complications of Plaque and Tartar?
Plaque and tartar can lead to:
Cavities.
Gingivitis and periodontal (gum) disease.
Severe gum infection (periodontitis).
Tooth decay and loss.
Tooth infection (abscessed tooth).
How Is It Diagnosed?
During regular dental checkups, the dentist or dental hygienist uses instruments to find and remove plaque, which can cause cavities. Dental X-rays can also help to check for cavities.
How Are Plaque and Tartar Managed or Treated?
Maintaining optimal oral hygiene with regular brushing and flossing, removes plaque and prevents tartar buildup.
The dental professional can scrape plaque and tartar from teeth during a routine examination.
Dental sealants can also help keep plaque from forming on the top chewing surfaces of teeth.
Dry mouth medications can be prescribed to increase saliva production.
Fluoride treatments can also help slow the growth of plaque-causing bacteria & stop tooth decay.
The process of removing the tartar is called scaling. Special instruments and methods are used to remove the tartar by dentists, who are well trained for the process.
When Should I Call the Doctor?
You should consult your dentist in case you experience:
Persistent bad breath.
Facial swelling.
Lose tooth.
Pain or difficulty chewing.
Redness around or inside the mouth.
Swollen gums that bleed or any other signs of gum
For more information visit: kirklandpremierdentistrydotcom
What else can I help you with?
What is subgingival calculus?
Calculus is calcified dental plaque, commonly called tartar, and subgingival calculus is tartar found on the roots of the teeth below the gumline.
In addition to being a field of mathematics calculus also refers to what dental condition?
tartar
What is the hardened deposit that forms on the teeth and irritate the surrounding tissues known as?
The hardened deposits that form on the teeth and can irritate the surrounding tissue, is called tartar or dental calculus. If good oral hygeine is not practiced, tartar can build up on the teeth and become hardened. This can irritate the gums and cause them to bleed.
What are the benefits of using tartar control water additive for dogs?
Tartar control water additives for dogs can help prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar on their teeth, reducing the risk of dental issues like gum disease and tooth decay. This can lead to better overall oral health and potentially lower vet bills for dental care in the long run.
What do dental hygienists do?
Tools of dental hygienist include: dental lasers for teeth whitening and cleaning, dental and scalers to remove plaque and tartar and motorized dental polishers, according to the Occupational Information Network. Hygienists may also operate dental X-ray machines or use syringes to administer anesthetics.
What is the best remedy to get rid of dental tartar?
Keeping optimal oral hygiene with daily brushing and flossing, removes plaque and prevents tartar buildup. The dental specialist can scrape plaque and tartar from teeth during a routine examination. Dental sealants can also help keep plaque from building on the top chewing surfaces of teeth. Dry mouth medications can be prescribed to increase saliva production. Fluoride treatments can also help slow the growth of plaque-causing bacteria & stop tooth decay. The method of removing the tartar is called scaling. Special instruments and methods are used to remove the tartar by dentists, who are well trained for the process For more information visit: kirklandpremierdentistrydotcom.
Why was Trident gum named after Poseidon's Trident?
Trident Gum was not named for Poseidon's Trident. The original Trident gum was made to contain three enzymes which were thought to soften dental tartar, so the name Trident comes from three enzymes (Tri) to promote dental health (dent).
What are the benefits of using a dog tartar control water additive for maintaining your pet's oral health?
Using a dog tartar control water additive can help maintain your pet's oral health by reducing tartar buildup, preventing bad breath, and promoting overall dental hygiene.
How can you remove tartar at home?
I have used Periogen for about two years to keep tartar off of my teeth. A little slow to get tartar removed at first (about two months) but now I use it everyother day and my hygentist tells me there is never a trace now. Most people will tell you that you can't, but if your purchase a "Dental scaler" you can get some of it. A Dental scaler is that hooked pick your dentist uses, but not the pointy (Dental pick) one. A Scaler has a semi-flat edged surface. Use the hand mirror to identify areas of tartar buildup and then carefully set the scaler against these areas and draw it up. You literally scratch the tartar away, much as you dentist would. Be careful not to go below the gum line, as you may damage your gums. It may still be necessary to visit the dentist after this, but you can remove a lot of surface tartar with the scaler.
Does periogen work?
Tartar is a stubborn substance that remains even after most dental cleanings. Periogen progressively dissolves tartar when fresh solution is applied daily for a period of time depending on age and thickness of tartar formations. A single application will not dissolve tartar. Original Respondent Comment: I scraped a little tarter off my teeth and put it in a small solution of water and periogen. None of the tartar dissolved at all. I would say it does not work.
The herd crust like substance that forms your teeth when plaque hardens is?
The hardened form of plaque that forms on teeth is called tartar or calculus. It is a hard, yellowish substance that can contribute to decay and gum disease if not removed by a dental professional. Regular brushing and flossing can help prevent tartar buildup.
What are the benefits of using dental gel for cats to improve their oral health?
Using dental gel for cats can help improve their oral health by reducing plaque and tartar buildup, preventing gum disease, freshening their breath, and promoting overall dental hygiene.
