Oral health is maintained when dental hygiene is observed. Two common terms you often hear at your dentist’s office are plaque and calculus. However, they have different characteristics and implications for oral health.
What is Plaque?
Plaque is a soft, sticky film that contains bacteria and food particles. It also forms constantly on teeth and gums as a result of the combination of saliva, food particles, and bacteria in the mouth. Failure to remove plaque through regular brushing and flossing may lead to its hardening into a more stubborn form referred to as tartar.
Plaque harbours unfriendly bacteria in your mouth that produce acid when sugars from the foods we consume mix with them. If not addressed properly, these acids may erode the tooth enamel, resulting in permanent cavities.
Understanding Calculus (Tartar)
Calculus, or tartar, is mineralized and hardened plaque that has been allowed to remain on the teeth for long enough. This can occur in as little as 24 hours, up to 72 hours, or longer. The presence of minerals in saliva causes this solidification upon penetrating into the surface of plaque. Unlike the soft, sticky nature of plaque, calculus takes on a rough shape with a porous texture. This makes it difficult to clean using normal methods like brushing teeth regularly or flossing alone.
To remove calculus after it has formed, a dental professional will need to use special instruments during professional cleaning procedures. These procedures should be done at least twice a year. Calculus buildup could eventually irritate gum tissue, leading to periodontitis or other oral conditions if left unattended.
Key Differences between Plaque and Calculus
Makeup: Plaque consists of bacteria and food particles. Conversely, calculus results from the mineralization of hardened plaque that adheres to the teeth.
Occurrence: Throughout each day, plaque continuously develops within the mouth, including on the gums. Calculus begins to form only if plaque remains long enough for the minerals in the saliva to solidify it.
Erasure: Plaques can be removed through routine brushing and flossing. However, only professional dental cleanings can remove calculus.
Prevention and Treatment are Vital
Avoiding the accumulation of plaque is necessary to minimize the risk of calculus and other oral issues. Maintaining oral health requires good practices like brushing the teeth twice a day using fluoridated toothpaste, cleaning between your teeth daily with dental floss, and seeking regular dentist checkups.
Once you notice marks that could be plaque or calculus, such as yellowish or brownish deposits near your gums, sensitivity, or foul breath, do not delay in contacting your dentist. By addressing these issues early, you can avoid more serious problems and preserve the health of your mouth.
