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
A deep teeth cleaning is a more intensive dental cleaning procedure that goes beyond the standard cleaning performed during regular dental visits. The treatment removes plaque, tartar, and bacteria from below the gum line, addressing issues or severe plaque buildup, which can lead to further oral health complications if left untreated.Several signs may indicate the…
Invisalign® aligners provide a discreet way to correct bite issues and align teeth. In contrast to traditional braces that are fixed over the teeth, Invisalign is removable, making it one of the most convenient orthodontic treatments available. Even though Invisalign aligners are convenient to wear, it is critical to clean them thoroughly every day. The…
A loose dental crown can make chewing feel awkward and leave the tooth underneath more exposed to damage. Because a dental crown covers and protects a weakened or treated tooth, it is important to address movement as soon as possible. Even if the crown has not fallen off, a loose fit may allow bacteria, food…
Invisalign is a popular method of straightening teeth because it uses a discreet set of aligner trays. To get the most out of the process, though, patients should understand how it works. Otherwise, they could be unintentionally sabotaging their own progress!Whether you are still considering Invisalign or already have an appointment set up, knowing what…