Plaque and Tartar Removal: Get Your Teeth Squeaky Clean With Our Northridge Dentist
Visiting your dentist twice a year is essential for keeping your smile squeaky clean and beautiful. They can clean areas of your mouth that are easily missed at home and can remove hardened tartar that’s formed and plaque buildup.
Find out how the plaque and tartar removal process works with our Northridge dentist below. Call our dental office at 818-709-8645 to schedule an appointment.
Understanding Plaque and Tartar
Plaque and tartar are two common oral health issues that can have serious consequences if left untreated. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth after eating or drinking. This film can lead to cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems if not properly managed. On the other hand, tartar, also known as dental calculus, is hardened plaque that has been left on the teeth for too long and can only be removed by a dental professional.
Understanding the difference between plaque and tartar is crucial for maintaining good oral hygiene. While plaque can be managed with regular brushing and flossing, tartar requires professional intervention. By keeping up with good oral hygiene practices and visiting your dentist regularly, you can prevent the buildup of both plaque and tartar, ensuring a healthier smile.
What Is Plaque and Tartar Removal?
Plaque and tartar removal is performed during routine dental cleanings. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth after eating or drinking. If plaque buildup isn’t removed, it can harden into tartar, also known as calculus, which can only be removed by a dental professional. Plaque and hardened tartar buildup can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems.
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends regular dental cleanings to prevent plaque and tartar buildup.
Only a dental professional can remove tartar from the teeth, and without removal, it can create unwanted problems.
Symptoms of Oral Health Issues
Oral health issues can often become serious before symptoms appear, making regular dental check-ups essential. However, there are some common signs and symptoms to look out for, including:
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Loose teeth
- Changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
- Pus around the teeth and gums
- Yellow or brown stains on the teeth
- Noticeable tartar buildup on the teeth
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s essential to visit a dental professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment. Early detection and intervention can prevent more severe oral health problems down the line.
Causes of Plaque and Tartar
Plaque and tartar are caused by a combination of factors, including:
- Poor Oral Hygiene: Not brushing and flossing regularly can lead to plaque and tartar buildup.
- Diet: Consuming sugary and starchy foods and drinks can contribute to the formation of plaque and tartar.
- Genetics: Some people may be more prone to plaque and tartar buildup due to their genetic makeup.
- Smoking: Smoking can increase the risk of gum disease and tartar buildup.
- Diabetes: People with diabetes are more susceptible to gum disease and tartar buildup.
Preventing plaque and tartar buildup requires a combination of good oral hygiene practices, a healthy diet, and regular dental check-ups. By understanding the causes of plaque and tartar, you can take proactive steps to prevent these oral health issues and maintain a healthy smile. Regular visits to your dentist and following their recommendations can help you stay on top of your oral health and avoid complications related to plaque and tartar buildup.
The Benefits of Removing Plaque and Tartar
Plaque and tartar removal has numerous benefits, including:
- Prevents tooth decay and cavities
- Prevents gum disease
- Reduces bad breath
- Keeps teeth looking and feeling clean
- Maintains overall dental health
When Plaque and Tartar Removal Is Necessary
Plaque and tartar removal is necessary for anyone who wants to maintain good dental health. While most patients need dental cleanings twice a year, some may need it more than others, including:
- People who smoke or use tobacco
- People with braces or other dental appliances
- People with a history of gum disease or cavities
- People who have a dry mouth
- People with a diet high in sugar or carbohydrates
How the Plaque and Tartar Removal Process Works
Removing plaque and tartar typically takes place during routine dental cleanings. The process works as follows:
- Examination: The dentist or dental hygienist will examine your teeth to determine the extent of plaque and tartar buildup.
- Scaling: Using a special tool, the dentist or dental hygienist will remove plaque and scrape away the tartar from the surface of your teeth. This process is called scaling. It is important to use dental floss to reach areas between teeth that a toothbrush cannot, to prevent plaque buildup.
- Polishing: Once the tooth plaque and tartar are removed, the dentist or dental hygienist will polish your teeth using special toothpaste.
- Fluoride Treatment: Finally, they may apply a fluoride treatment to help protect you from future tooth decay.
The length of the cleaning procedure can vary depending on the extent of buildup on your teeth. However, it typically takes around 30 minutes to complete.
Caring for Your Teeth to Prevent Tartar Buildup After Plaque and Tartar Removal
After plaque and tartar removal, it’s essential to care for your teeth properly to maintain good oral health. Here are some tips for caring for your teeth after the procedure:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss daily to remove any remaining plaque and food particles.
- Use mouthwash to kill bacteria and freshen your breath.
- Avoid smoking or using tobacco products.
- Limit your intake of sugary or starchy foods and drinks.
Additionally, dental hygiene schools often offer affordable dental care through clinics run by students and professors, which can be a valuable resource for maintaining oral health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is plaque removal painful?
No, plaque removal is typically painless. However, some people may experience mild discomfort or sensitivity during the procedure. This is because the dental professional is scraping away plaque and tartar from your teeth, which can cause some sensitivity or discomfort. Should you experience severe pain during the dental cleaning procedure, let your dentist know immediately.
Can I remove plaque and tartar at home?
While brushing and flossing can help prevent plaque and tartar buildup, it’s not possible to remove tartar at home. Tartar is a hardened form of plaque that can only be removed by a dental professional using specialized tools. However, you can prevent tartar buildup by brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and following a healthy diet.
Can plaque and tartar lead to gum disease and other health problems?
Yes, there’s evidence to suggest that poor oral health, including plaque and tartar buildup, can contribute to other health problems such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The bacteria in dental plaque can enter the bloodstream and cause inflammation, which can lead to these and other health problems. That’s why it’s essential to maintain good oral hygiene and have regular dental checkups.
What should I expect after the plaque and tartar removal procedure?
You may experience some sensitivity or soreness in your gums for a day or two following the procedure. It’s also common to experience some bleeding when brushing or flossing. However, if the bleeding persists or you experience any severe pain or swelling, you should contact your dentist.
Our Northridge Dentist Can Keep Your Smile Clean and Healthy
Removing built-up plaque and hardened tartar is an essential part of maintaining good oral health. By having your teeth cleaned regularly and following proper dental care habits, you can prevent plaque buildup, fight cavities, and prevent gum disease.
Remember to visit your local dentist at least twice a year and follow their recommendations for maintaining good oral health. Contact our Northridge dentist by calling 818-709-8645 to schedule your appointment today!
