What Is Plaque & Tartar? (2022)

Excerpt: The plaque on your teeth is a layer of bacteria that forms a sticky film...

Posted on: May 10, 2022

The plaque on your teeth is a layer of bacteria that forms a sticky film. If plaque isn’t cleaned regularly, it can get harder and harder to remove, which ultimately can lead to gum disease and tooth decay. In this article we will talk about what plaque is, how it affects your teeth and gums, how to stop plaque from building up in the first place, and how dental professionals can help keep your teeth clean.

What is Plaque?

If you have dental plaque, it’s important to know what it is and how to remove it. Dental plaque is a sticky mixture of bacteria, food particles, and saliva that forms on the teeth and gums. It’s a major cause of tooth decay and gum disease. The good news is that plaque can be easily removed with proper oral hygiene techniques. Here are some tips for cleaning your teeth and gums:

Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
Use a pea-sized amount of floss every day to remove dental plaque from between your teeth.
Spit out your gum chewers after every meal.
Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings to remove all the plaque buildup.

Symptoms of a Plaque Buildup

Infections in the mouth can lead to plaque build-up, which is a collection of bacteria, food, and saliva on teeth. This sticky film can cause tooth decay and other oral health problems.

Plaque can form on any part of the teeth, but it commonly accumulates on the surfaces of the teeth near the gum line and in between teeth. Saliva helps to cement the plaque together and can also contain toxins that can damage tooth enamel.

If you have any of the following symptoms, you may be struggling with plaque buildup: persistent bad breath, sensitivity to hot or cold food, brown patches on your gums, or pain when chewing. If you think you may have plaque build-up, schedule an appointment with your dentist to get checked out:

If you experience bad breath consistently.
If your gums are brown or inflamed.
If you experience pain when chewing.

How to Remove Plaque

If you are like most people, you have dealt with plaque at some point in your life. Plaque is a build-up of bacteria and food on the inside of your teeth. It can cause tooth decay and gum disease, and can be difficult to remove.

Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste on a soft brush. Swish it around in your mouth for two minutes, then spit it out. fluoride toothpaste is effective in removing plaque because it forms a hard film on the teeth that bacteria cannot penetrate.

Rinse your mouth with warm water and use a pea-sized amount of baking soda to scrub your teeth. Be gentle; overuse of baking soda can irritate your gums. Spit out the suds after scrubbing. Baking soda is also effective in removing plaque because it neutralizes acidity in the mouth and kills bacteria.

Make an oral rinse using water and white vinegar mixed together to the consistency of milk. Stir well before using it to rinse your mouth. Vinegar is acidic, which helps to dissolve plaque and kill bacteria.

What Is Tartar

Tartar is a form of calculus that forms on the teeth and gums. It is composed of mineral deposits from food and drink that accumulate over time. The deposits can harden and cause tooth decay or gum disease.

Prevention is the best policy when it comes to tartar. Make sure to brush and floss regularly, and avoid eating food and drink with high sugar content. If you do develop tartar, you can try to remove it with a toothbrush and water or a pea-sized amount of baking soda mixed with water.

How Can I Remove Tartar

You can’t remove tartar at home, you will need professional treatment to remove the tartar. A common method to remove tartar is referred to as a deep cleaning.

Brushing your teeth as part of your daily routine

There’s a lot of debate on whether or not brushing your teeth daily is actually good for you. But the benefits of brushing your teeth are undeniable: plaque and bacteria can build up on your teeth, leading to tooth decay and even gum disease. Here’s how to brush your teeth correctly so that you can achieve these benefits:

Start by using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Try to avoid using harsh bristles, as they can damage your gums.
Brush in circular motions around all of your teeth, using light pressure. Don’t forget to brush in between your teeth and around the back of your jaw.
Rinse off your toothbrush immediately after brushing, and make sure to spit out the toothpaste.

Conclusion

Plaque is a build-up of proteins, sugar, and other substances in the arteries that can lead to cardiovascular disease. If you’re having trouble understanding what plaque is or why it’s important, read on for a little more information. In this article, we’ll explore what plaque is, how it forms, and what you can do to reduce its effects on your heart health. Hopefully, after reading this article you will have a better understanding of what plaque is and how it affects your cardiovascular health. Let us know if you have any questions in the comments below!