Dental plaque presents as a soft, sticky film forming on the teeth' surface over time. Plaque can eventually turn to tartar, making it difficult to remove from the tooth's surface. If not treated, tartar-up may result in enamel and gum damage. It is crucial you know the signs of tartar build-up so that you can seek help in time to avert further build-up and damage to the gums and teeth.
How Plaque Turns into Tartar
Your mouth is continuously receiving food and fluids which combine with saliva, allowing bacteria to grow in areas where the gums and teeth meet. Plaque is the combination formed from bacteria, food debris, fluids, and saliva. It is possible to remove plaque by brushing the teeth three times a day or after each meal.
Since saliva has minerals, if you don't brush the teeth, the minerals may deposit into the plaque biofilm, causing the plaque to become hard in just about 24 to 72 hours. When this happens, the plaque is said to have turned into tartar. You can remove plaque at home, but you can't remove tartar. Once plaque hardens, you can only remove it through professional cleaning. Not treated, tartar buildup may cause other issues such as cavities, gingivitis, bad breath, and advanced gum disease.
Signs of Tart Build up
It is easy to spot plaque since it has a pale yellow color covering the teeth. Sometimes, plaque can be colorless and is usually a soft biofilm. However, tartar is a hardened form of plaque and feels like a hard, crusty blanket covering the teeth. Since tartar can easily be stained by coffee, you are likely to have brown teeth if you drink coffee frequently. To remove tartar and plaque, visit our dentist for professional cleanings or root planing and scaling. Schedule an appointment today.
Randolph Center for Dental Excellence Dr. Bryan Freeman and Dr. Cheryl Freeman
Dental Blog | Dentist Asheboro, NC | Randolph Center for Dental Excellence Drs. Bryan Freeman & Cheryl Freeman are offering this educational blog as a resource to the great Asheboro, NC community. Click here to read our latest posts! Randolph Center for Dental Excellence, 134 Davis Street, Asheboro, NC 27203, (336) 444-2772, freemandds.com, 9/4/2024, Key Phrases: dentist Asheboro NC,
Dental plaque presents as a soft, sticky film forming on the teeth' surface over time. Plaque can eventually turn to tartar, making it difficult to remove from the tooth's surface. If not treated, tartar-up may result in enamel and gum damage. It is crucial you know the signs of tartar build-up so that you can seek help in time to avert further build-up and damage to the gums and teeth.