Keeping your teeth clean and healthy isn’t just about a bright smile, although that’s the benefit that most people are looking for when they look into the mirror. But no, the point is that it’s essential for preventing issues like cavities and gum disease. Two common culprits in oral health issues are plaque and tartar. While they’re often confused, these two substances are quite different, and each impacts your teeth and gums in unique ways. Understanding the difference is important, especially since plaque is easy to manage at home, but tartar requires a visit with your dentist in Gilbert, AZfor removal.

What Is Plaque?

Plaque is that yucky stuff that you find on your teeth in the morning. It’s a soft, sticky film that forms on your teeth and in this case, it’s not just you. Everybody gets plaque. It’s a part of life, unfortunately. Made up of bacteria, food particles and saliva, plaque builds up on your teeth and gumline shortly after eating or drinking, and especially overnight when you’re not paying attention. If plaque isn’t removed through regular brushing and flossing, bacteria feed on the sugars in food particles, producing acids that can erode enamel and cause cavities. Though plaque is a normal part of life, it’s important to remove it to keep bacteria levels low.

How Does Tartar Form?

If plaque is left on your teeth, it has an excellent chance of hardening into tartar, also known as dental calculus. Unlike plaque, tartar is a hard, yellow or brown substance that’s a whole lot like cement. Tartar is a game changer. Once it forms, you can’t just brush it off, literally. It can’t be removed by brushing or flossing alone. Only a dental hygienist or dentist, using specialized tools, can effectively and safely remove tartar from your teeth, during a teeth cleaning in Gilbert, AZ.

Now that you know the difference, you can see the importance of both oral hygiene at home and regular dentist appointments. Contact Kathy Jacobsen Contemporary Dentistry to learn more!