Quick Summary
Plaque is a soft, sticky film containing millions of bacteria that builds up on your teeth daily and can be removed with brushing and flossing, while tartar is hardened plaque that can only be removed by a dental professional. Even with excellent at-home oral hygiene, plaque and tartar formation are inevitable, which is why professional cleanings every six months are necessary to prevent cavities, gum disease, and tooth discoloration.
Key Takeaways
- You should schedule dental cleanings every six months because tartar can only be removed by a dental professional, not by brushing and flossing at home.
- Brush at least twice a day and floss once a day to remove soft plaque before it hardens into tartar.
- Ask your dentist about tartar removal techniques during your cleaning, especially if you notice tooth discoloration or gum sensitivity.
- Book your preventive cleaning appointment before year-end to use dental insurance benefits that may expire and avoid more costly treatments later.
WE OFTEN GET THE QUESTION from our patients at McOmie Family Dentistry, “What’s the difference between plaque and tartar?” Many people think they are the same thing. There is an important difference between the two, however, and it can help explain just why a daily oral hygiene routine is so crucial, as well as twice-yearly visits to your dentist.
What Is Plaque?
Dental plaque is that soft, sticky film that builds up on your teeth and under your gums throughout the day. And guess what? It contains millions of bacteria! When you eat—especially carbohydrates or sugar—you’re not the only one getting a meal, so are the bacteria on your teeth. After “eating,” these bacteria produce acids that erode your tooth enamel and cause cavities. Plaque is soft you can scrap it off your teeth with your fingernails if you want. Brushing properly will remove it. Plaque is the precursor to tartar.
That’s why good daily oral hygiene is essential to preventing tooth decay and protecting your smile from the bacteria in plaque. To prevent plaque buildup, remember to brush at least twice a day and floss once a day. Drinking water and chewing sugar-free gum after meals and snacks can also help!
What Is Tartar?
So if that’s plaque, what’s tartar? Tartar is what accumulates on your teeth when plaque is not removed. If plaque is left on your teeth for too long, it will harden into tartar and is much more difficult to remove. In fact, tartar can only be removed by a dental professional–you can’t get rid of it with regular brushing and flossing. Tartar removal is one of the reasons that visiting your dentist every six months is so important! Scarlet, Ashley, and Kristin are literally pros at removing tartar without causing pain for the patient.
Plaque buildup that hardens into tartar can cause more than just cavities. It can cause tooth discoloration and sensitivity as well as gum recession and periodontal disease. To reduce plaque buildup and tartar from forming, make sure you are brushing and flossing daily.
Come And See Us Every Six Months
No matter how great your oral hygiene is, plaque and tartar formation are inevitable. So come in to see us every six months! Our job is to help you maintain a beautiful, healthy smile that’s plaque- and tarter-free! The old saying is true an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!
