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The Dentistry in Naples

1001 Crosspointe Drive, Ste 2, Naples, FL 34110
Call for an appointment: 239-566-2422

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Home » Blog » What is the Difference Between Plaque and Tartar, Anyway?

March 25, 2017

What is the Difference Between Plaque and Tartar, Anyway?

 
“What is the difference between plaque and tartar?” Many people think they are the same thing. There is an important difference between the two, however, and it can help explain just why a daily oral hygiene routine is so crucial, as well as twice-yearly visits to your dentist.

What Is Plaque?

Dental plaque is that soft, sticky film that builds up on your teeth and under your gums throughout the day. And guess what? It contains millions of bacteria! When you eat—especially carbohydrates or sugar—you’re not the only one getting a meal, so are the bacteria on your teeth. After “eating,” these bacteria produce acids that erode your tooth enamel and cause cavities.

That’s why good daily oral hygiene is essential to preventing tooth decay and protecting your smile from the bacteria in plaque. To prevent plaque buildup, remember to brush at least twice a day and floss once a day. Drinking water and chewing sugar-free gum after meals and snacks can also help!

What Is Tartar?

So if that’s plaque, what’s tartar? Tartar is what accumulates on your teeth when plaque is not removed. If plaque is left on your teeth for too long, it will harden into tartar and is much more difficult to remove. In fact, tartar can only be removed by a dental professional–you can’t get rid of it with regular brushing and flossing. Tartar removal is one of the reasons that visiting your dentist every six months is so important!

Plaque buildup that hardens into tartar can cause more than just cavities. It can cause tooth discoloration and sensitivity as well as gum recession and periodontal disease. To reduce plaque buildup and tartar from forming, make sure you are brushing and flossing daily.

Come And See Us Every Six Months

No matter how great your oral hygiene is, plaque and tartar formation are inevitable. So come in to see us every six months! Our job is to help you maintain a beautiful, healthy smile that’s plaque and tartar-free!

It’s easy to prevent plaque buildup with proper care. Make sure to:

Brush thoroughly at least twice a day for 2 minutes to thoroughly remove plaque from all surfaces of your teeth.

  • Floss daily to remove plaque from between your teeth and under your gum line, where your toothbrush may not reach.
  • Limit sugary or starchy foods, especially sticky snacks.
  • Schedule at least two regular dental visits for professional cleanings and dental examinations each year.
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    • Home
    • Dental Care
      • Smile Makeover Gallery
      • Preventative
        • Routine Care is Prevention
        • Dental Cleaning
        • Oral Cancer Screenings
        • Periodontal Disease
        • Back
      • Restorative Solutions
        • Restorative Dentistry for a Beautiful Smile
        • Crowns and Bridges
        • Dental Implants Naples FL
        • All-On-Four Dental Implants in a Day
        • Prettau Implant Bridge
        • Implant, Partial, and Complete Dentures
        • Endodontics – Root Canal
        • Back
      • Cosmetic Solutions
        • Porcelain Veneers
        • Teeth Whitening
        • Tooth Colored Fillings
        • Clear Braces are Suresmile Aligners
        • Snap-On Smile
        • Back
      • Sedation Dentistry
        • Sedation Dentistry
        • Nitrous Oxide
        • IV Sedation
        • Oral Sedation
        • Back
      • Back
    • About Us
      • About Us – Meet Our Doctors
      • Dr. John Cancelliere, DMD
      • Dr. Sam Cancelliere, DMD
      • Blog
      • Technology
        • Cerec One Day Crowns and Bridges
        • Lightwalker Laser for Snoring and Sleep Apnea
        • Endoret Plasma Rich in Growth Factors
        • Orthophos CT Scanner
        • Picasso Dental Laser Pain Free Procedures
        • Piezotome Easy Tooth Extractions
        • Prettau Zirconia
        • Sapphire Oral Cancer Detection
        • Back
      • Back
    • Patient Info
      • Find Us & Contact Us
      • Your First Visit
      • Patient Information
      • Financial Options
      • Patient Portal
      • Back
    • Reviews