What Is the Difference Between Tartar and Plaque?

When it comes to maintaining good dental hygiene, keeping plaque and tartar off your teeth is one of the most effective things you can do to prevent gum disease. But what is plaque and tartar, and how can you prevent it? Working with your dentist in Katy and Houston, TX, can help. It’s also important to maintain a good oral hygiene routine at home. Here’s what you need to know.

What’s Plaque?

Dental plaque is a sticky, gummy substance that builds up on your tooth enamel when you eat food. Plaque builds up over time and can be difficult to remove when you’re brushing your teeth. However, it’s easy for your dentist to remove plaque when you come in for a routine dental cleaning. Plaque is usually white or yellowish, like your tooth enamel.

What’s Tartar?

Tartar is what happens to plaque when it combines with the minerals in your saliva. Tartar is a hard, crusty substance that sticks to your tooth enamel, usually near and below the gum line. Tartar can’t be removed when you’re brushing your teeth. Instead, tooth enamel must be removed by the dentist. Tartar is usually yellow or brown.

How Can You Avoid Plaque and Tartar Buildup?

The best way to avoid plaque and tartar buildup is to brush your teeth regularly and to see the dentist for dental cleaning every six months. Floss once per day. When you go to the dentist for your routine dental cleaning, ask the dentist for a brushing tutorial. Your dental professional can give you a demonstration to ensure that you’re brushing your teeth correctly.

When was the last time you came in for a dental cleaning in Katy and Houston, TX? If it’s been more than six months, call your dentist at Chloe Dental today to make an appointment.