While talking to your dentist, shopping for toothpaste, or even watching a tv commercial you cannot avoid hearing about the importance of tooth enamel. Enamel coats your teeth, making them strong and durable. Your tooth enamel makes your teeth able to withstand wear and tear for many years. Tooth enamel is very important which is why you should protect it. Going to regular dental cleaning appointments allows for your dentist and hygienist to remove plaque and tartar.
If you allow plaque to build up and harden on your tooth enamel, it will increase your chance of acquiring tartar and other oral health problems (like gum disease).
Plaque and tartar are the enemies of your tooth enamel, but what are the differences between them?
What Exactly Is Plaque?
Plaque is a soft, sticky film that forms on your teeth as bacteria, saliva, and food combine together. Plaque, according to the American Dental Association (ADA), contains over 500 bacteria species, some of which are beneficial to your dental health and others which are harmful.
After you drink or eat, harmful bacteria usually create acids, especially if you ingest sugary foods or beverages. These acids then destroy your teeth's enamel, causing more significant dental and overall health problems. Plaque can harden on your teeth and grow into tartar if left untreated, causing your gums to swell and become sensitive - an early sign of gum or periodontal disease.
The following are some of the most prevalent plaque symptoms:
Bad Breath
Your teeth feel like they have a film on them
Gums that are tender, swollen, or red and may bleed when brushed
What Exactly Is Tartar?
When plaque remains on your teeth for an extended period of time, it interacts with minerals in your saliva to form tartar. Tartar hardens on the outside of your teeth or collects below the gum line, making it more difficult to clean them.
To prevent periodontal disease, a dental health practitioner (hygienist) or dentist must remove tartar below the gumline as soon as possible. Periodontal disease, often known as gingivitis, causes swollen, bleeding, or red gums in its early stages.
Gingivitis can proceed to periodontitis if left untreated, causing your gums to peel away from your teeth. In more severe cases, it may cause your teeth to loosen and possibly fall out over time.
The following are some of the most prevalent tartar symptoms:
Gum tissue is swollen
You have crusty yellow or brown-colored deposits on your teeth
Gums that are prone to bleeding
Prevention and Treatment
Plaque can be removed from your teeth by brushing and flossing on a daily basis. Tartar, on the other hand, must be removed by a dental professional during cleanings.
Here are some tips for preventing plaque and tartar accumulation:
Every six months, go to the dentist for a routine checkup and cleaning
Limit your intake of sugary foods and beverages, and brush your teeth afterward
A dentist may recommend alternative treatment options, such as dental sealants and fluoride treatments, in addition to regular oral hygiene and expert cleanings
If you have a history of cavities, you should talk to your dentist about dental sealants. A sealant is a thin covering that is put to the backs of your teeth to help prevent cavities for two to four years.
Conclusion
Allowing plaque to linger on your teeth for an extended period of time can cause tartar to build, eroding your tooth enamel and increasing your risk of gum disease. Fortunately, you can prevent plaque accumulation and reduce the chance of tartar forming on your teeth and gums by practicing basic dental hygiene. More importantly, see a dental health expert for routine dental checkups and cleanings.