Patients often confuse plaque and tartar buildup in their mouths. What is the difference?
Plaque is:
Soft;
Sticky;
Made up of bacteria and their byproducts;
Made up of Food Debris;
Harmful to the Teeth and Gums; and
Easily Removed with Brushing, Flossing and Rinsing.
Tartar is:
Hard;
Non - sticky;
Porous (bacteria attach to the rough surface easily);
Made up of mineral deposits from saliva;
Harmful to the teeth and gums because of the bacteria it harbors; and
Can only be removed professionally during your checkup and cleaning visits with the dentist.
The good news is that patients can exert a great deal of control on the plaque in their mouths through good home oral hygiene techniques. On the other hand, since tartar is a hard deposit it will continue to build until removed by a dentist or dental hygienist. So, stick with your biannual checkups and cleanings, and you will keep your mouth clean and healthy!
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