Learn the key difference between plaque and tartar in this informative article. Discover how to prevent dental issues with good oral hygiene practices.
Plaque and tartar are two common dental terms that often confuse people. While they both relate to dental hygiene, they are two distinct dental problems.
Plaque is a sticky, colorless film that forms on teeth, while tartar is a hard, yellow, or brown deposit that forms on the teeth and gums. In this article, we will discuss the differences between plaque and tartar in detail.
What is Plaque?
Plaque is a soft, sticky film that forms on the teeth when bacteria in the mouth combine with saliva and food particles.
It is colorless and difficult to see, but it can be felt on the teeth when you run your tongue over them. Plaque contains harmful bacteria that can cause gum disease and tooth decay. If left untreated, plaque can harden into tartar.
Plaque is easy to remove with regular brushing and flossing. Brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily can help prevent plaque buildup. Regular dental cleanings can also help remove any buildup of plaque on the teeth.
What is Tartar?
Tartar, also known as calculus, is a hard, yellow, or brown deposit that forms on the teeth and gums. Tartar forms when plaque is not removed through regular brushing and flossing. It is more difficult to remove than plaque and can only be removed by a dentist or dental hygienist.
Tartar buildup can lead to a number of dental problems, including gum disease, bad breath, and tooth decay. Regular dental cleanings can help prevent tartar buildup and keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Differences Between Plaque and Tartar
Plaque and tartar are two different dental issues with distinct characteristics:
- Appearance: Plaque is a soft, sticky film that is colorless and difficult to see. Tartar, on the other hand, is a hard, yellow, or brown deposit that is easily visible on the teeth and gums.
- Composition: Plaque is made up of bacteria, saliva, and food particles. Tartar is formed when minerals in saliva combine with plaque to create a hard deposit.
- Removal: Plaque can be removed with regular brushing and flossing, while tartar can only be removed by a dental professional. Tartar is much harder than plaque, and it cannot be removed with regular brushing or flossing.
- Damage: While both plaque and tartar can lead to dental problems, tartar can cause more damage to the teeth and gums. Tartar buildup can lead to gum disease, which can cause tooth loss and other serious health issues.
The main difference between plaque and tartar is that plaque is a soft, sticky film that forms on the teeth, while tartar is a hard deposit that forms when plaque is not removed through regular brushing and flossing.
Plaque can be removed with regular brushing and flossing, while tartar can only be removed by a dental professional. Plaque is colorless and difficult to see, while tartar is yellow or brown and can be easily seen on the teeth and gums.
Preventing Plaque and Tartar
The best way to prevent both plaque and tartar buildup is to practice good dental hygiene. Brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily can help remove plaque and prevent tartar buildup. Regular dental cleanings can also help remove any buildup of plaque or tartar on the teeth.
In addition to regular dental cleanings, it is important to eat a healthy diet that is low in sugar and avoid tobacco products. Drinking plenty of water can also help wash away food particles and bacteria in the mouth.
In addition to regular dental cleanings, there are some other things you can do to prevent plaque and tartar buildup, such as:
- Limiting sugary and starchy foods: Sugary and starchy foods can promote the growth of bacteria in the mouth, leading to plaque buildup.
- Drinking plenty of water: Drinking water can help rinse away food particles and bacteria in the mouth, preventing plaque buildup.
- Using a mouthwash: Mouthwash can help kill bacteria in the mouth and freshen breath, reducing the risk of plaque and tartar buildup.
Conclusion
Plaque and tartar are two dental terms that are often used interchangeably, but they are two distinct dental problems. Plaque is a soft, sticky film that forms on the teeth, while tartar is a hard, yellow, or brown deposit that forms on the teeth and gums. Both can lead to dental problems, but with good dental hygiene and regular dental cleanings, they can be prevented.
