When it's time for your regular dental visit, your dentist will perform a number of different steps to ensure that your teeth and gums stay healthy. One of the most important things they will do is remove plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth. This blog post takes a look at how this process works.
What Is Plaque?
Plaque is a film of bacteria that can build up on your teeth over time. It's made up of saliva, food particles and other organic matter that can get trapped along the gum line and in between your teeth. This bacteria can harm your oral health as bacteria feed off sugars in your diet and produce acids that can erode tooth enamel and cause cavities. It's important to use a soft-bristled toothbrush when brushing so that you don't damage the enamel on your teeth or irritate the gums. Flossing regularly helps remove food particles between teeth where plaque can accumulate quickly, and this should be done regularly for optimal results.
What Is Tartar?
Tartar, also known as calculus, is hardened plaque accumulated on the teeth' surface over time. It's made up of hardened deposits of minerals, bacteria and organic matter. Tartar can be difficult to remove with brushing alone, so it's important to have it removed by a dentist during regular check-ups. If left untreated, tartar buildup can lead to serious oral health issues like gum disease or tooth decay.
How Does My Dentist Remove Plaque And Tartar?
Your dentist uses special tools called scalers and curettes, which are designed specifically for removing plaque and tartar buildup from teeth surfaces without damaging them in any way. The scaler tool is used to scrape away hard deposits, while the curette tool is used to clean softer areas around the gums where plaque may have built up over time. Your dentist may also recommend using an anti-plaque solution such as fluoride mouthwash or toothpaste to help reduce the further accumulation of plaque in-between visits.
Summary
Good dental hygiene habits such as brushing combined with regular dental check-ups are essential for maintaining healthy gums and preventing plaque and tartar buildup in between visits to the dental office. Removing built-up plaque and tartar helps keep your smile looking its best while reducing the risk for common oral health problems like cavities or gum disease down the line. Visit a dentist soon for treatment or for more info.
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