Plaque VS Tartar
If plaque and tartar are a concern consider an appointment with a dental hygienist. Contact Yorkshire Dental Suite today to discuss options, pricing and to book your appointment in one of our 9 nationwide private dental clinics.
Plaque and tartar are dental terms that you have probably heard of, but may not entirely understand what they mean or what differentiates the two. Let’s explore the plaque versus tartar debate in more detail.
Plaque VS tartar – what’s the difference?
Dental plaque is a sticky biofilm that coats the teeth. Usually colourless, this film naturally forms on the teeth throughout the day. It can be removed through brushing and flossing. When plaque is not removed, it begins to harden and turn yellow or brown in colour. This is called tartar (or dental calculus). As it is much more difficult to remove, the assistance of a professional is required. Tartar has the ability to cause many oral health issues if left untreated. These issues include gum disease, cavities, bad breath, tooth decay and staining. Plaque can also develop under the gum and on the roots of the tooth, resulting in bone loss in severe cases.
What causes plaque and tartar?
When the bacteria in your mouth mixes with food and drink debris, it leaves a gunky film on your teeth. Plaque cannot be avoided, as bacteria is always present, and we need to eat and drink to survive. Other causes of plaque are tobacco and a lack of brushing, alongside conditions such as dry mouth. As mentioned earlier, tartar is a hardened form of plaque, and forms on the teeth when plaque is not brushed away. It is therefore essential to maintain good oral hygiene habits in order to stop tartar from developing.
What are the worst foods for plaque?
The bacteria in your mouth is particularly fond of a sugary and starchy diet. These foods cause the bacteria to release acids, which then attack the tooth enamel. We have compiled some food and drinks that are recognised to contribute to plaque development:
- Bread
- Citrus fruits
- Dried fruits
- Crisps
- Fizzy drinks
- Fruit juices
- Sweets
- Chocolate
- Chips
- Pasta
- Coffee
- Tea
- Potatoes
Certain elements of your diet may actually cause any tartar on the teeth to darken. Coffee, tea, red wine and tobacco are just some examples. Once your tartar has been removed however, you are able to undergo teeth whitening treatment to restore your white, gleaming smile.
How to remove plaque and tartar
In order to minimise the risk of tartar, it is essential that you know how to effectively remove plaque.
How to remove plaque at home
Make sure you are brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes. Remember to floss as this will remove the food particles and bacteria from between the teeth. Finish with an antiseptic mouthwash.
How to remove tartar with a dentist
A question we often receive at Yorkshire Dental Suite is, can you remove tartar at home? The answer is no. While tools such as plaque scrapers exist, they should not be used by someone who isn’t a trained dental professional. This is because they have the potential to damage your enamel and gum tissue. Therefore, tartar needs to be removed in a private dental practice. Treatments include GBT, scaling and root planing, laser periodontal therapy and routine dental cleanings with a hygienist.
How to prevent plaque build-up and the formation of tartar
Plaque is found at every age. Here are just some ways in which you can prevent plaque build-up and tartar:
- Maintain a great oral hygiene routine: This removes the sticky film on your teeth and stops it from hardening.
- Visit your dentist: You should see your dentist 1-2 times per year, and attend at least two hygiene appointments annually too. The team will be able to make sure your teeth are in good condition, spot potential signs of tartar and offer treatment if needed.
- Consider your diet: If you are able, consider limiting your intake of sugary or starchy foods to protect your teeth against plaque and enamel-harming acids.
- Chew sugar-free gum after meals: This causes your mouth to produce more saliva which, in turn, washes away some of the acids left behind by eating.
- Do not smoke: Alongside other serious health issues, smoking also causes plaque build-up and tooth discolouration.
FAQs
Allow us to answer some more common questions about plaque and tartar.
Why is tartar breaking off teeth?
This often happens when you brush your teeth too hard or eat certain foods. When tartar breaks off, it may leave behind a jagged edge. Please contact your dentist if this begins to happen so they can safely remove the tartar for you and repair your teeth if needed.
How long does it take for plaque to turn into tartar?
Usually between 24 and 72 hours. If you smoke or have dry mouth, the time taken for plaque to turn into tartar may be even shorter. This is why regular, effective brushing is so important!
Black tartar on teeth – is this normal?
Yellow tartar on teeth turns black due to numerous reasons. For example, if tartar is left too long on the teeth untreated, it can become darker. Another contributing factors is if you eat lots of staining food and drinks.
What are the common signs of plaque to look out for?
Sticky or ‘fuzzy’ feeling teeth is a common sign of dental plaque. Bad breath, discolouration and swollen, tender gums that are prone to bleeding are more symptoms to look out for.
Is an electric toothbrush better than a manual toothbrush for removing plaque?
Yes, a good quality electric toothbrush provides a better clean. Its oscillating abilities ensures every area of the tooth is reached and that any plaque and bacteria is effectively removed. Conclusion: Plaque is unavoidable, whereas tartar is preventable. Maintain a nutritious, balanced diet, quit smoking and clean your teeth twice a day to keep your teeth healthy and clean. Yorkshire Dental Suite provides multiple procedures to treat plaque and tartar. Book an appointment today!