Whether its Plaque or Tartar, Your Englewood Cliffs Dentist can Help You Fight Both

It is not a surprise that many people are confused about whether tartar and plaque are the same. More often than not, people tend to use these terms interchangeably. However, if you are keen on following the right dental tips to combat both plaque and tartar buildup, you need to know the difference between these two terms in order to execute the necessary dental care for proper oral health.

Your Englewood Cliffs Dentist Explains Plaque

We often hear this term used in ordinary conversation, but not all of us know the process behind why plaque exists. Plaque is the result of bacteria mixing with food remnants. When these two mixes, they produce harmful acids that not only damage your teeth but can also produce awful smells in your mouth. Plaque is usually described as the sticky, colorless substance in your mouth. It is usually found at or around the gum line.

Fortunately, plaque buildup can be controlled through everyday brushing and proper flossing. Experts say that plaque buildup happens within eight hours; thus, make sure to brush your teeth before sleeping!

Your Englewood Cliffs Dentist Defines Tartar

Tartar is, more or less, the lesser used term between the two. If a lot of people use tartar and plaque interchangeably, well that is because the two are related. As mentioned earlier, a plaque is a sticky, colorless substance usually found at the gum line. Tartar, on the other hand, is formed from plaque. When plaque buildup is not controlled properly, and these sticky substances remain around the gum line, they harden over time. The plaque that hardens is now yellowish in color and is crusty. The hardened plaque is actually what you call tartar.

Unlike plaque, tartar cannot be easily removed through simple brushing and flossing. You will need the professional help from your Englewood Cliffs dentist to get rid of this stubborn crust. Call our office today to schedule a cleaning!