Plaque and Tartar: Key Differences You Should Understand

Plaque and tartar form on your teeth every day. If you do not clean them, they cause serious dental problems. This guide explains the difference between plaque and tartar and why teeth cleaning keeps your mouth healthy.

What’s the Difference Between Plaque and Tartar?

Tartar and plaque are both things that stick to your teeth and can cause problems. They both come from bacteria in your mouth. But they are different in some ways. The best dentists in Kirkland believe that knowing the difference between tartar and plaque can help you take better care of your teeth. Below, we explain the main differences between plaque vs tartar.

Definition

Plaque is a thin film made of bacteria. It forms after eating and drinking and feels fuzzy when you touch your teeth with your tongue. Tartar is plaque that has hardened. It bonds tightly to your teeth and traps more bacteria.

Causes

Plaque forms from poor brushing, eating too much sugar, or not flossing. Tartar forms when plaque stays on your teeth for too long. Smoking and dry mouth can also speed up tartar buildup. You must keep a clean mouth to stop the plaque and tartar cycle.

Signs

The first sign of plaque is a soft, sticky film on your teeth. You can feel it with your tongue, especially if you forget to brush. It feels like your teeth are not smooth. Your breath may start to smell bad because of the bacteria in the plaque. Your gums might bleed a little when you brush or floss. You usually cannot see plaque because it is clear.

Tartar is different. It forms when plaque stays too long on your teeth and hardens. The tartar looks like a yellow or brown crust near your gums. You can see it when you smile or look in the mirror. Your gums may look swollen, red, or feel sore. They may bleed more and start to pull away from your teeth.

Complications

Plaque and tartar can both hurt your mouth if you don’t clean your teeth. Plaque can make your gums red, swollen, and bleed. This is the start of gum disease. If you leave plaque on your teeth too long, it turns into tartar. Tartar makes gum disease worse. It can make your teeth loose and cause cavities.

Prevention

You can stop plaque and tartar by keeping your teeth clean every day. Doing a few small things can help protect your teeth and gums.

• Brush your teeth two times every day with toothpaste.
• Floss every day to clean between your teeth.
• Rinse your mouth with water after meals.
• Use mouthwash to kill germs.
• Drink water during the day to keep your mouth clean.
• Eat less sugar and sticky foods.
• Don’t smoke or use tobacco.
• Go to the dentist in Kirkland, WA every 6 months for a cleaning.
• Let the dentist remove plaque before it turns into tartar.
• Brush your tongue to remove bacteria.

Treatment

You can remove plaque with brushing and flossing. If plaque turns into tartar, you need professional help. A dentist or dental hygienist will remove it with special tools. Regular dental cleaning Seattle is the only way to treat tartar. You must remove both plaque vs tartar to keep your teeth healthy.

How Does Teeth Cleaning Protect Your Gums?

Teeth cleaning takes away plaque and tartar from places your toothbrush can’t reach. This helps stop germs from hurting your gums. During the cleaning, your dentist also looks for signs of gum problems. Cleaning your teeth often helps you stay away from pain and bigger problems. When you remove plaque and tartar early, your gums stay healthy and strong.

How Often Should You Get a Dental Cleaning?

Getting regular teeth cleaning Seattle, WA helps remove plaque vs tartar and keeps your mouth healthy. The number of cleanings you need depends on your dental condition. Here’s a simple guide:

Dental Cleaning Near Me in WA

You can find expert dental cleaning at Kirkland Dental Excellence. Our team checks your teeth, removes plaque and tartar, and helps you stay healthy. Regular cleanings are the best way to stop plaque vs tartar from damaging your teeth. Book your appointment today to have a healthy smile.

Let’s Recap

Plaque and tartar can cause serious problems if you don’t take care of your teeth. Brushing, flossing, and regular dental cleanings help stop these issues. Knowing the difference between plaque vs tartar helps you keep your mouth healthy. Visit your dentist on time, follow simple daily care, and your smile will stay strong and clean.

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