Both the dental plaque and the tartar are part of the basic problems in dentistry. Besides the negative effects on the aesthetic aspect of teeth and breathing, they can degenerate into serious dental conditions, with time (dental caries, periodontal diseases). Because many patients confuse these concepts and know too little about the methods of removing bacterial plaque and tartar, for good oral hygiene, you need to know all the truth about them.
What is the bacterial plaque and how it can be removed
The bacterial plaque is a soft, colorless film on the surface of the teeth, made up of bacteria and their metabolic products. It is formed in 3-12 hours after using the toothbrush. It is dangerous because when it is not effectively removed, it favors the development of dental problems: unpleasant breathing, gingivitis, and periodontal diseases, dental caries, mouth ulcers and a series of infections.
The bacterial plaque can be removed by rigorous oral hygiene. Using the toothbrush daily, twice, more than 3 minutes per session, is the basic measure. A quality toothbrush and a well-chosen toothpaste combined with mouthwash with an anti-bacterial agent work well. Dental floss completes the daily routine and is a necessity, not a fad. Those who really appreciate dental prophylaxis can also opt for a mouth irrigator. Removed every day, the bacterial plaque is no longer an environment conducive to the development of tartar.
The dentist can help you with a professional brush, very effective if you follow the prophylactic visits regime at the dental office.
What is dental tartar and how it can be removed
In dentistry, calculus or tartar is a form of hardened dental plaque. The calcium, sodium, magnesium and zinc salts of saliva are deposited in the dental plaque. In just 2 days of poor oral hygiene, the bacterial plaque is mineralized to 50%, and after 12 days the tartar is completely formed. The process may be slowed down by sanitation measures. In addition to the above-mentioned diseases, which promote the persistence of tartar in the oral cavity, the latter is visible – the teeth are visibly colored. Often removing dental tartar successfully replaces the procedure of teeth whitening because it removes the colored deposit from the surface of the teeth and under the gum. At the same time, removing dental tartar refreshes your breathing considerably.
Tartar can only be completely eliminated by the dentist by a procedure with ultrasonic tools or dental hand instruments (such as a periodontal scaler). It can be done in 3 variants: ultrasonic dentistry; manually removing or scaling; airflow. Completed by professional brushing and daily hygiene, scaling and root planing will save you time and money (you will avoid a lot of more complicated and expensive interventions for the treatment of caries or periodontal disease).
How do you know if you have dental plaque or bacterial plaque?
If more than 4 hours have passed since the toothbrush is used, you can be sure your teeth are already covered by the bacterial plaque. Although invisible, it can be felt if one passes lightly with the tongue on the surface of the teeth. Changing pH from the oral cavity is another sign of the presence of the bacterial plaque.
Dental tartar can also be seen with the naked eye. Ranging from pale yellow to brownish hues, the tartar is quite visible.
Even if you can’t fully get rid of the development of dental plaque and tartar, your dentist will surely draw your attention to these phenomena. A responsible doctor will put more emphasis on dental prophylaxis rather than dental treatments and dental services. An extremely important role is to educate children who do not yet understand the importance of oral hygiene. Make sure you make healthy choices for both you and your loved ones.
