Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day removes plaque, a biofilm responsible for tooth decay. Regular oral care prevents plaque from hardening into tartar, or dental calculus, which only a dentist can remove. If you're ready to upgrade your oral routine, consult the guide below to learn the effects of plaque and tartar and learn why removal is so important. 

Plaque

When mouth bacteria make contact with starchy and sugary foods and drinks, they form plaque. This sticky, soft, colorless biofilm builds up on teeth and along the gumline throughout each day. The harmful bacteria in plaque “feed” on sugary and starchy particles, producing acids. These acids wear on tooth enamel, or the white, hard outer shell that protects sensitive underlying tooth materials. Decay-causing acids also irritate the gum tissue, causing redness, inflammation, and bleeding. 

Maintaining daily oral hygiene removes plaque so it cannot build up and harm your teeth and gums. Additionally, flush your mouth with water after eating, especially when consuming something sugary or starchy, to reduce plaque formation. Limiting your intake of anything starchy or sweet is helpful as well. 

Tartar 

Without regular plaque removal, the biofilm hardens into tartar. Dental calculus can coat the teeth, causing discoloration and build up under the gumline. Removal requires a dental hygienist or dentist who deep-cleans your teeth and gums with a scaler tool. 

Tartar appears as a white, yellow, brown, or black substance on the teeth. It contributes to tooth decay and causes serious gum irritation that can result in gingivitis or gum disease. Gingivitis is the reversible precursor to gum disease, with typical symptoms including red, swollen, bleeding gums. Without removal, tartar buildup causes the gums to recede and expose sensitive tooth roots. 

Excessive recession eventually loosens teeth because there is no longer a foundation to keep them in place. Tooth loss can result without dental services such as scaling and planing and gum grafting. Scaling and planing clean deep under the gumline and encourage tissue reattachment to the teeth. Gum grafting involves applying new gum tissue to receding gums. Preventing serious tartar buildup in the mouth requires maintaining your oral hygiene regimen and seeing the dentist every six months. Any small tartar deposits that have formed are removed for a clean, healthy mouth. 

For deep teeth cleaning and checkup services, make appointments with Craig A. Spletzer, DDS. This renowned family dentist in Fairfield, OH, provides general and cosmetic dentistry services, as well as orthodontics. From deep teeth cleaning sessions to teeth whitening solutions, this team can help improve your oral health. Call (513) 860-1133 to schedule a visit or learn more about services online.