Both at-home and professional teeth cleaning are crucial for a bright and healthy smile. When you neglect proper dental care, plaque and tartar begin to form. Though both of these can damage your smile, many people are unaware of what they are and how they are different. Below is a guide to plaque and tartar—and how you can prevent their growth.

Plaque Forms Throughout the Day

Plaque is a sticky film rife with bacteria that forms on teeth after eating. The bacteria feed on food particles, which causes them to create acids on the surface of your teeth. These acids break down tooth enamel, which exposes the sensitive inner recesses of a tooth. As a result, cavities are more likely to form. 

Plaque can also damage gums. This causes swelling, redness, and even bleeding while brushing, which should be taken as a serious issue. With proper at-home dental care and teeth cleanings at your dentist, the early signs of gum disease can be reversed. If left untreated, gum disease may result in receding tissue and tooth loss.

Luckily, plaque can be removed with brushing and flossing. By maintaining your oral care routine, you can eliminate the bacteria-filled film before it hardens.

Untreated Plaque Turns Into Tartar

Your saliva contains minerals. When these minerals interact with plaque, they harden and turn to tartar. Tartar is a hard substance that can’t be removed by brushing and flossing alone. Additionally, tartar is often brown or yellow, which discolors your teeth.

If tartar has already formed on your teeth, you’ll need a professional teeth cleaning to remove it. Dentists have special tools that are needed to remove hardened tartar deposits. Once tartar is removed, patients will need to maintain results by removing plaque daily. Generally, it is enough to brush and floss twice a day, use fluoride toothpaste, and drink plenty of water to prevent plaque from sticking to teeth.

Whether you want to learn more about how to remove plaque during your daily oral care routine or have tartar that needs to be removed, turn to Main Street Dental in La Crosse, WI. In addition to teeth cleanings, this dental clinic offers other services, including ultrasonic scaling, oral cancer screenings, sealants, tooth extractions, fillings, root canals, and dental crowns. They even offer teeth whitening. Schedule an appointment by calling (608) 784-4063. You can also learn more about dental services by visiting the website.