Plaque is one aspect of dental care that many people have heard of. From mouthwash commercials to toothpaste posters, the mention of plaque and tartar infiltrates our minds every day but what is not often known is the difference between the two.
Below this article touches upon some of the facts behind the word plaque and tartar alongside little tips on protecting your mouth from too much.
Hardened plaque.
To begin with it is important to understand that every single person has plaque within their mouth. This clear, sticky dental residue is filled with a whole variety of bacteria and is an entirely natural part of the body. However, whilst it is natural, at no point should the plaque be allowed to just remain heavy on the tooth as it will begin to harden. This may not sound like a big deal but as the plaque hardens it becomes tartar which can alter the shade of the tooth by leaving darkened stains on the tooth and overtime can damage the integrity of the tooth.
Is tartar easy to remove?
Keeping plaque at bay can be achieved with each thorough brush carried out at home but once it hardens you will need the assistance of your Dentist Soho and dental hygienist. By putting your dental health in experienced, well-trained hands you will be ensuring that your oral health remains on top form. With a scale and polish put in place, the tartar and plaque can be removed along the gum line and in between the teeth which are often the hard-to-reach areas when it comes to brushing.
Problems caused.
Whilst tartar may not be considered a big issue, the impact on your oral health can be rather detrimental. Once the plaque hardens the bacteria within it becomes trapped and begins to cause issues with the surrounding gum such as gum disease and other periodontal problems can begin to form.
Studies have also shown that there are strong correlations between plaque and tartar build ups to other cardiovascular problems and therefore dealing with the dental issue effectively will aid your overall health as well as the oral health. Visiting your dental hygienist for an appointment is therefore highly beneficial in more ways than one.
Monitoring diet.
Although it may feel that society is constantly going on about people’s diets, not only does a healthy diet benefit you in terms of weight but also in terms of your dental health. For those on high sugar diets or eating large amounts of starchy foods, the levels of plaque within the mouth are often higher and therefore tartar is more likely to take hold. Reducing the sugar and starch intake can therefore greatly benefit your overall oral health and help protect your teeth.
Discuss your diet and options to prevent the build up of tartar with your Dentist Soho as they are there to help. Creating efficient brushing and flossing techniques can greatly assist in preventing the build up and therefore taking tips from the professionals is your best step.