Taking care of your teeth promotes a healthy mouth and beautiful smile. Daily cleaning at home and twice a year by a dentist combats plaque and tartar buildup. Here is what you need to know about these two substances that are found on teeth.

How Dentists Compare Tartar and Plaque 

Plaque

Plaque is a soft, clear or yellow film of bacteria living in the mouth, including teeth and gums. Signs of plaque include slimy or fuzzy-feeling teeth, and chronic bad breath from the bacteria-forming plaque. Sticky yellow or white residue when using dental floss is another indication of plaque. Brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and hand flossing daily can remove plaque. When plaque sits on the teeth too long, it traps the calcium in saliva, which calcifies the plaque, and makes it hard. This material becomes tartar.  

Tartar

Tartar, which dentists also call calculus, is a hardened material that usually has a darker color than plaque. Signs of tartar include spots of discoloration on or between teeth and near the gums. Painful, swollen, or bloody gums and rough patches on the teeth are other indications. Chronic inflammation due to gum infections puts individuals at risk for illnesses, including heart disease. 

Prevention and Removal

Tartar requires removal by a dentist or dental professional. If you try to take it off yourself at home, you can damage your teeth. If you have plaque or tartar under the gumline, you might need scaling and root planing to remove the buildup and keep more from occurring. Regular visits to your dentist for exams and teeth cleaning will help you maintain good oral health.

When you want a professional teeth cleaning, make an appointment at Mark Stephens, DMD, in Richmond, KY. This experienced dentist offers high-quality oral care services to improve your health and smile while minimizing patient discomfort. For details about their services, visit the dentist online. To schedule your appointment, call (859) 626-0069 today. For up-to-date dental tips, visit the practice on Facebook.