Difference between Plaque and Tartar

These two terms are often used interchangeably, but there are a few key differences which can, in turn, impact your health.

Both of these begin with eating, that’s for sure. Plaque and tartar are all something that happens when you eat, and it happens during digestion. Whenever we chew, saliva mixes with crushed food in order to break it down so that it does absorb the nutrients.  This is where the bacteria grows, and the truth is, you have 500 different bacteria species waiting for what you’re going to eat next.  One way to put an end to this is to stop eating, but that’s definitely not what you can stop, so you need to look at other options.

Plaque is a clear and sticky residue that forms on the teeth during the night and day. Plaque will develop within hours after we eat. These food particles, bacteria, and saliva all combine to make this film, and that’s what makes your teeth feel “dirty” when you wake up in the morning or between brushes. The bacteria within the mouth are having a field day,w which is the big problem, and it can cause acids to form, which then attack the gums and teeth, and this is the same bacteria which produces cavities, gingivitis, and tooth decay. The main purpose of brushing and flossing is to hamper the bacterial growth, and it is important to realize that if you don’t take care of this, it can become tartar.

Tartar is something that mineralizes on the teeth within 72 hours, and it tends to bind very strongly to the enamel of the tooth, and usually, this occurs in the areas next to the salivary glands, such as the lower front teeth, along with the upper molars that are near cheeks. it’s tough, and this crusty, hard material will trap the stains, making them brown, and as we age, we are more prone to this, and you have more risk of developing this when you have crowded teeth, smoke, or dry mouth.  We have tartar for the most part building up.

Of course, this can cause gum disease, and it can produce a big inflammatory effect throughout the body, especially the cardiovascular system.  The best way to fight this is to reduce the formation of the plaque and from there, you can prevent the tartar from building up. You will need help from a professional if it gets to that point.  We need to make sure that we see the dentist that we have in the area since it can help with preventing this from happening.

Remember to always see your dentist twice a year, and from there, you should also make sure that you take the time to ensure that you have the best dental health that you can, and from there, you can prevent this from building up, and prevent future cleanings from happening as well, keeping your teeth even better and healthier than you have.