Plaque and Dental Calculus

Blog Plaque and Dental Calculus

Achieving excellent dental health means more than brushing your teeth. Two major factors can negatively affect your teeth: dental plaque and dental calculus. These two issues are largely left untreated. This is a huge mistake if you want to avoid serious dental problems such as tooth decay and gum disease. In this article, we aim to explain what plaque and calculus are, how they form, and what you can do to prevent them from building up.

What is dental plaque?

Dental plaque is a soft, sticky film of bacteria in your mouth. Beginning by forming on your teeth, if the food you eat contains sugars, these bacteria in your mouth produce acids that can harm your tooth enamel–the protective outer layer of your teeth.

Plaque is the first stage of dental issues like tooth decay and gum disease, so it is crucial to remove it regularly through proper dental care.

How does plaque form on teeth?

As mentioned above, plaque forms when bacteria in your mouth mix with food sugars and saliva. This combination clings to the surface of your teeth, building up quickly if you do not brush twice a day and floss. Plaque needs to be removed; otherwise, it hardens and turns into dental calculus, which is much harder to get rid of.

What are the causes of plaque buildup?

The common causes of plaque buildup are:

  • Poor dental hygiene: Not brushing or flossing regularly allows plaque to stay on the teeth and gums.
  • Sugary and starchy foods: These foods must be avoided so that they stop feeding the bacteria in your mouth that create plaque.
  • Dry mouth: A lack of saliva makes it harder to wash away food particles and plaque.
  • Smoking: Tobacco can increase plaque buildup and lead to other dental issues.

How can I prevent plaque formation?

Preventing plaque formation is as simple as maintaining your typical oral health:

  • Limit your intake of sugary and starchy foods.
  • Rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash to kill harmful bacteria.
  • Use an electric toothbrush for effective cleaning.
  • Brush your teeth at least twice a day.
  • Keep up a regular cleaning schedule with your dentist to remove hidden plaque from your teeth.

What is dental calculus?

Dental calculus, or tartar, is hardened plaque that sticks to the teeth. If plaque is left untreated, it reacts with minerals in your saliva and hardens into tartar. Once this happens, you need a professional cleaning since it cannot be removed by brushing or flossing alone.

How does calculus form from plaque?

Calculus is the result of not removing plaque immediately. Calculus usually builds up near the gum line. This can lead to more severe dental issues like decay and gum disease. Once dental calculus forms, you’ll need a professional cleaning.

What are the differences between plaque and calculus?

The differences are often confusing, but the following should help explain the key differences:

  • Plaque is soft, sticky, and easily removed by regular brushing and flossing.
  • Calculus is hardened plaque that can only be removed professionally.
  • Plaque is the precursor to tartar; thus, it is harder to eliminate when plaque hardens into tartar.

How can I remove calculus from my teeth?

If you think the plaque on your teeth has hardened into calculus, set up an appointment with your dentist or dental hygienist. You cannot remove it without them. Trying to do it yourself is dangerous because it involves scraping the tartar off the teeth and gumline. If you get a yearly, professional cleaning, you will avoid and prevent more serious conditions like cavities and gum disease.

What are the health risks associated with plaque and calculus?

  • Tooth decay: The acids produced by plaque can erode tooth enamel, leading to cavities.
  • Gum disease: Plaque and calculus irritate the gums, causing gingivitis and eventually periodontitis if not addressed.
  • Bad breath: Bacteria from plaque and tartar can lead to persistent bad breath.
  • Tooth loss: severe gum disease caused by untreated calculus can result in tooth loss.

How often should I visit the dentist to manage plaque and calculus?

We recommend you visit your dentist at least twice a year for cleanings and regular checkups. Your dentist will ensure that any dental calculus that has formed can be removed and that your dental health is monitored. If you are at higher risk for cavities and gum disease, you may be required to visit the dentist more often.

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