Plaque, Tartar, and Dental Care in Salem OR

by | Oct 16, 2019 | Dental Care

When a person seeks Dental Care in Salem OR, two words they don’t want to hear are plaque and tartar. Both of these things can cause gum disease and tooth decay. While most people know this, they may not be aware what these substances are.

Plaque

Plaque is a colorless, sticky, and soft biofilm that is made up of saliva, food particles, and bacteria. It can build up between and on the teeth and under the gums each day. If a person has ever forgotten to brush in the morning, or at night, they have likely felt that unappealing texture.

Plaque is full of bacteria. The bacteria digest leftover starches and sugars from the food that is eaten and then excretes acid on the teeth. Since plaque is soft, it’s able to be removed by flossing and brushing; however, a consistent oral health care routine must be followed.

Tartar

One of the most important reasons it is so important to scrub away plaque is because when it sits on the teeth for too long, it is going to turn into tartar. Tartar is a brown or yellow substance that becomes bonded to the enamel on the teeth and is only removed by a professional.

The transformation occurs when the acid that is excreted by the oral bacteria comes into contact with minerals in the saliva. This causes a chemical reaction that gets hard and transforms the plaque into tartar. The risk of tartar is something that is higher for people who have crowded teeth, dry mouth, braces or other problems.

Eliminate Plaque and Tartar

Proper Dental Care in Salem OR is necessary to eliminate the possibility of plaque and tartar. The best way to prevent these substances from forming is by brushing and flossing daily.

When it comes to a person’s dental care, there are more than a few factors to consider. To ensure that a person maintains good oral health throughout life, they need to make sure they brush and floss daily. It’s also a good idea to visit the Idylwooddental.com website to learn more about proper oral healthcare.

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