Dental plaque and tartar are similar in that they are both a type of buildup that accumulates on the surface of your teeth, causing a range of dental problems. We explore the distinctions between them and the risks associated with untreated dental buildup. We also offer practical tips for managing plaque at home between your regular dental visits.
For personalized advice and professional treatments, consider scheduling a visit with Affordable Dentures & Implants to effectively manage plaque and tartar buildup, ensuring your oral health is well-maintained.
What is Dental Plaque?
Plaque is a layer of film that develops on teeth 4-12 hours after brushing and is primarily composed of water, bacteria and food debris. The bacteria that live in our mouths break down the sugars and starches in our diets, creating acids that can erode enamel.
If you're finding it challenging to maintain your oral hygiene or notice plaque buildup even with regular care, it might be time to explore our general dentistry services. Our team can help you effectively manage and remove plaque, ensuring your teeth stay healthy and clean.
What is Tartar?
Tartar, also known as calculus, is a hardened form of plaque that adheres to the teeth and gums. If plaque isn’t completely removed during brushing, it can develop into tartar within 72 hours; highlighting the importance of thorough dental hygiene.
Studies estimate that at least 68% of Americans have tartar. Unlike plaque, it can’t be easily removed at home. It bonds firmly to the tooth surface, and while there are some tartar toothpastes on the market, your dentist will be able to remove it with specialized cleaning techniques. Take advantage of our free consultations & x-rays for a thorough exam and advice on oral health.
What Causes Plaque and Tartar Buildup?
There are a number of factors that can increase the likelihood of developing plaque that develops into tartar.
Diet
Eating sugary foods and drinks can contribute to plaque buildup. Snacking between meals can also encourage plaque to build up on your teeth, as each time you eat, it ‘feeds’ the bacteria in your mouth Drinking plenty of water and chewing sugar-free gum can help reduce plaque after a snack or a meal, but maintaining good oral hygiene by regular cleaning is the best way to protect your teeth. If you don't have natural teeth but still want to enjoy the foods you love, consider our all-in-one solution dental Implants. They provide a 95%+ bite force, allowing you to eat with confidence and savor every bite.
Ineffective At-Home Oral Hygiene Practices
Ineffective at-home oral care can significantly contribute to plaque and tartar buildup, leading to a range of dental issues. One common mistake is inadequate brushing time; many people brush for less than the recommended two minutes, which isn't enough to thoroughly clean all tooth surfaces. To effectively remove plaque, brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes, ideally with an electric toothbrush.
Flossing is equally important, as it cleans the spaces between your teeth and along the gum line, helping to protect these areas from buildup and decay. If you're dealing with a damaged or decaying tooth, our crown solutions can help stop further damage and protect you from losing the tooth altogether.
Braces
Braces can significantly contribute to plaque and tartar buildup due to the added surfaces and small spaces they create in the mouth. The brackets, wires, and bands associated with braces can easily trap food particles and bacteria, making it difficult to clean teeth thoroughly. People with dental braces may need to take extra care of their oral hygiene to prevent plaque and tartar buildup by flossing and having routine dental check-ups.
So, how often should you floss? To effectively combat plaque and tartar buildup, especially during orthodontic treatment, it's crucial to floss daily.
Infrequent Dental Visits
One key reason why it’s important to visit your dentist often is because they will be able to remove any tartar that has built up on your teeth. Tartar creates a rough surface that makes it easier for more plaque and therefore more tartar to accumulate. This buildup can be difficult to manage with at-home care alone, making professional cleanings essential for maintaining good oral health & overall health.
The Shape & Alignment Of Your Teeth
If your teeth are close together or crooked, it will be harder to clean between them, making it easier for plaque and tartar to develop in these tiny gaps. Additionally, the shape of molars makes them more prone to collecting plaque and tartar, as their position at the back of the mouth can make them harder to clean effectively.
Dry Mouth
People with dry mouth (xerostomia), often caused by medications, are more prone to developing plaque and tartar. For people affected by this, more frequent dental cleanings at may be necessary to maintain oral health.
Effects of Plaque and Tartar on Your Teeth
Cavities
Layers of plaque and tartar on your teeth mean that bacteria and acid are able to erode the outer layers of enamel, potentially leading to the formation of a hole known as a cavity. If left untreated, the decay can spread, causing significant damage to the tooth, which may eventually require extraction.
Gum Disease
Plaque is the main cause of gum disease; when it builds up around the gum line, it causes painful inflammation. The early stage of gum disease, known as gingivitis, is relatively easy to treat. However, if left untreated, it can develop into periodontitis, a more severe condition where the teeth start to pull away from the gums, leaving pockets where bacteria can grow. Understanding the differences between gingivitis vs periodontitis is crucial for effective treatment and prevention. Periodontitis may require advanced treatments like bone grafting, as it can damage the jawbone.
Periodontitis & Tooth Loss
Severe periodontitis caused by plaque buildup can cause significant damage to the supporting structures of the teeth, including the gums and jawbone.
As the disease progresses, the infection and inflammation can destroy the tissue and bone that hold the teeth in place. This deterioration can cause the teeth to become increasingly loose, leading to discomfort and difficulty with chewing. Left untreated, severe periodontal disease can also lead to systemic health issues, making early intervention and treatment critical.
Cosmetic Effects of Plaque & Tartar on Your Teeth
Bad Breath
Plaque and tartar buildup can cause persistent and embarrassing bad breath, often resulting from cavities or gum disease. The bacteria that thrive in these buildups produce foul-smelling compounds, leading to halitosis.
Maintaining proper dental hygiene is crucial, especially for those with dentures. For a secure and convenient option, our snap-in dentures offers a comfortable fit that allows for easy removal and cleaning, ensuring your dentures stay fresh and your oral health remains in top condition.
Tooth Discoloration
Tartar buildup not only affects oral health but also the appearance of your smile. As tartar hardens, it can cause noticeable discoloration, resulting in yellow, brown, or even black stains on the teeth. These stains are often difficult to remove with regular brushing and can detract from the overall look of your smile. Regular dental cleanings are essential to prevent and treat these cosmetic concerns, ensuring a brighter and healthier appearance.
Check out our smile gallery of real patient photos to see the amazing transformations and find out how Affordable Dentures & Implants can help you achieve your best smile!
Can Plaque and Tartar Affect Dentures, Crowns & Implants?
If you have dentures, crowns or implants, you should be mindful that plaque and tartar build up can affect them, just like your natural teeth.
Dentures
Dentures can be affected by plaque and tartar buildup, causing a bad taste in the mouth, bad breath, and gum irritation. For those with partial dentures, bacteria from plaque could spread and affect their natural teeth, too. It’s important to clean your dentures at home in between dental checkups, and denture adjustments or denture relines. Regularly brushing them with toothpaste and soaking them in a denture cleaning solution can help maintain oral hygiene and prolong the lifespan of the dentures.
Crowns
Plaque can build up around a crown, and might lead to tooth decay in the underlying natural tooth. In this situation, the crown may need to be removed to treat the decay and repair the tooth. After the necessary repairs, a new crown would be placed to protect the tooth and restore its function.
If you have a damaged or decaying tooth, a dental crown can be an excellent option to preserve your smile and restore your confidence without the need for dentures or implants. To find out more about the costs and options available, visit our dental crown cost page.
Implants
Gum disease from plaque and tartar buildup can negatively affect existing dental implants. If severe gum disease causes periodontal pockets to develop in a patient’s gums, it will create a space for bacteria to cause an infection around the implant. This infection can compromise the stability of the implant, potentially leading to implant failure and necessitating its removal.
Treatment and Prevention
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There are many ways that plaque and tartar can be managed and treated, to avoid any dental issues developing.
Managing Plaque At Home
Maintaining a good oral hygiene routine will help clean away plaque before it can harden into tartar. Brushing and flossing is your first line of defense, effectively preventing the buildup that can lead to more serious dental issues. at-home treatments, including proper oral hygiene and regular check-ups, can help prevent the progression of gingivitis and maintain healthy gums.
Tartar Removal At The Dentist
A deep cleaning at the dentist involves a procedure called scaling, where specialized tools are used to remove tartar from the surface of the teeth. However, if tartar has led to gum disease, the dentist may also perform root planing, which involves smoothing the roots of the teeth to eliminate buildup below the gum line.
Regular dental visits are important for removing any tartar that has built up since your last visit, and for assessing whether plaque and tartar have led to any oral health issues. If you have concerns about how plaque or tartar may be affecting your oral health, schedule an appointment with your local dental practice.