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Plaque and Tartar build up: Causes, Prevention and Treatment

Do you have plaque and tartar buildup on your teeth?

Plaque and tartar build up

As we all know that maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for overall health. Plaque and tartar buildup is a common dental problem that can lead to serious dental issues like gum disease, dental decay and loss of teeth if left untreated. In this blog, we will discuss the causes, prevention, and treatment of plaque and tartar buildup. Our team strongly recommends seeing a dentist every 6-12 months to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Looking for a gentle experienced dentist in Indooroopilly? Get in touch with our team on 07 38783384 for more information.

We now use EMS Airflow for teeth cleaning. Airflow is gentle, reduces sensitivity, less invasive and gives better results than traditional teeth cleaning methods.

What is Plaque?

Plaque is a sticky, colorless film of bacteria that forms on teeth and gums. When we eat or drink, the bacteria in plaque produce acids that attacks tooth enamel, leading to tooth decay and cavities. Plaque can also cause gum inflammation and infection, leading to gum disease and tooth loss.

What is Tartar?

Tartar, also known as calculus, is a hard, yellowish deposit that forms on teeth when plaque hardens due to mineral buildup. Tartar buildup can lead to tooth decay and gum disease and can only be removed by a dental professional.

Causes of Tartar and Plaque Buildup

  • Poor oral hygiene is the primary cause of plaque buildup.
  • Failure to brush and floss regularly allows bacteria to accumulate and form plaque.
  • Not seeing your dentist regularly for professional cleans.
  • Consuming a diet high in sugar and starches can also contribute to plaque buildup.

Prevention of Tartar and Plaque Buildup

Preventing tartar and plaque buildup requires a commitment to good oral hygiene practices. Brushing twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and using an antibacterial mouthwash can help prevent plaque buildup. Reducing sugar and starch intake and increasing water consumption can also help prevent plaque formation. Seeing your dentist for professional clean every 6-12 months is must.

Treatment of Tartar and Plaque Buildup

EMS Airflow Teeth cleaning 

The most effective way to treat tartar and plaque buildup is by scheduling regular dental cleanings. A dentist will use specialized tools like EMS Airflow handpieces to gently clean and remove plaque and tartar from teeth and gums. In cases of advanced gum disease, a dentist may recommend a deep cleaning procedure called scaling and root planning to remove plaque and bacteria from deep gum pockets.

See our gentle dentist Dr Singh at Heritage Dental Group for regular dental check-up and cleans.

Get in touch with our team on 07 38783384 for more information.

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