A General Dentist Shares What You Should Know About Plaque and Tartar
General dentists are the best resource to refer to when it comes to plaque and tartar. They specialize in treating both, while also making an effort to educate patients on ways to prevent development to begin with. Thankfully, there are a lot of ways that general dentists can help patients avoid this from occurring. One way is to provide information that allows for a better understanding of the dangers.
Quick guide to plaque and tartar
Below is a quick overview of what a general dentist thinks is important to know about plaque and tartar. Reviewing this information may prove to be helpful to those who are not sure how harmful both can be.
The difference
Plaque is the start of a bacterial infection. It is colorless and sticks to the surface of the teeth like a film coating. General dentists state that plaque needs to be removed when it is still sticky and soft. Otherwise, it turns into tartar. Tartar is hard and sticks to the surface of the teeth, as well as the gum line, making it very difficult to remove. It also appears colorless, making it difficult to see or notice, which is why other symptoms may occur. Tartar must be addressed as it can result in tooth decay and even loss.
Dangers
Plaque can be dangerous because it can turn into tartar, which is where the real damage can take place. Once plaque does turn into tartar, the effects can be detrimental, resulting in the need for a lot of treatment. General dentists typically treat tartar build-up with restorative procedures. If decay occurs, fillings or crowns may need to be placed. In some cases, tartar can also affect the gums, which may result in the need to undergo more serious procedures, such as scaling and root planing. Scaling and root planing involves scraping the gum line clean to get rid of any buildup.
Prevention
Both plaque and tartar can easily be prevented if regular visits to the general dentist take place. Check-ups and cleaning should be done at least every six months, if not more. Additionally, a good oral hygiene routine every day is important as it will ensure that the teeth remain in good shape. Good oral hygiene includes brushing twice a day, flossing at least once, and rinsing with mouthwash a few times a week.
Find out more from a general dentist
Those who want more information on plaque and tartar can talk directly with a general dentist. It is important to have a good understanding of both in order to maintain good oral health. When suffering from plaque and tartar, it is also necessary to visit a general dentist. An evaluation can be performed to determine what type of treatment is necessary. From there, the patient will know what to expect as far as timeline and improvement. Reach out today to schedule an appointment!
Request an appointment here: https://mbdentalcarenj.com or call MB Dental Care at (908) 442-8389 for an appointment in our Dunellen office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentist in Dunellen, NJ.
Related Posts
Do you think your wisdom teeth may need to be removed? Wisdom teeth extraction, whether complete or partial, is a standard procedure that comes by recommendation of a dentist. Sometimes, it could be because they were coming in crooked or placing too much strain on your jaw or neighboring teeth. If you have undergone a…
Invisalign® is a popular orthodontic treatment that uses clear aligners to straighten teeth without the need for metal brackets or wires. While the aligners are designed for comfort, some patients may experience minor discomfort, typically when starting a new tray. Fortunately, with a few simple tips, patients can enhance their comfort throughout Invisalign treatment.Invisalign is…
Research reveals that many people prefer Invisalign® to traditional braces. The undeniable features of the former are more appealing than the latter. Knowing why the clear aligners are popular can convince you to begin treatment. Here are the details on why Invisalign is well-known for dental straightening.Traditional braces are fixed to the teeth with brackets…
Straightening your teeth with Invisalign® is more comfortable than wearing traditional braces. Aside from realigning your teeth, this dental straightening system enhances your oral wellness. Understanding how this is possible can convince you to see your dentist about this treatment. Here are the details about how Invisalign can enhance your oral health.Crooked teeth create areas…