A General Dentist Answers Questions About Plaque and Tartar

Your general dentist will probably mention plaque and tartar. Plaque is a colorless film of bacteria that coats the teeth. A person's diet can contribute to plaque buildup. Although plaque is sticky, it is easy to remove with a good oral hygiene routine. When plaque builds up and sits on the teeth and gums, it can harden and calcify into tartar. Tartar is difficult to remove at home, and usually the general dentist must remove it during a deep cleaning. While plaque is not visible, tartar is usually a yellowish or brown color and can irritate the gums or cause gingivitis. The good news is that people can prevent tartar with a thorough oral care routine at home — brushing and flossing regularly to remove plaque before it hardens. Tartar control toothpaste and antiseptic mouthwash are additional helpful tools. Once tartar deposits are present, the general dentist must scrape them off with a tool during a professional cleaning.