Are you wondering what tartar is? Tartar is a deposit that forms when plaque hardens on the tooth. Individuals vary greatly in their susceptibility to tartar buildup.

Plaque

Plaque is a sticky, colorless deposit of bacteria that is constantly forming on the tooth surface. The buildup of plaque can trap stains on the teeth, and it is also the primary factor in gum problems. Fighting plaque buildup on teeth is a life-long part of good oral care.
Plaque begins forming on teeth 4 to 12 hours after brushing, which is why it is so important to brush at least twice a day and floss daily as a part of oral care.

Tartar

Tartar buildup on teeth, also called calculus, causes teeth discoloration and stains on your teeth. Calcium and phosphate bind to form crystals on the teeth. These calcium phosphate crystals eventually harden within plaque buildup on teeth, forming calculus.
Certain types of chemicals called pyrophosphates help to decrease calculus build-up by stopping the growth of crystals on the tooth surface and preventing new crystals of tartar from forming. For many of us, these deposits build up faster as we age.
Tartar buildup on teeth creates a strong bond that can only be removed by a dental professional. Its formation may also make it more difficult to remove new plaque bacteria, thus potentially creating problems further down the road.

Understanding Calculus

Calcium and phosphate bind to form crystals on the teeth. These calcium phosphate crystals eventually harden within plaque, forming calculus, i.e. tartar buildup on teeth. Certain types of chemicals called pyrophosphates help to decrease calculus buildup by stopping the growth of crystals on the tooth surface and preventing new crystals from forming.

Dental Hygiene for Plaque and Tartar Buildup

Plaque and tartar do not affect everyone in the same way; individuals vary greatly in their susceptibility and resistance. There are, however, several ways in which you can alter your dental hygiene practices to help protect your teeth from the build-up of plaque and tartar.

• Having your teeth cleaned professionally in the process of plaque and tartar removal every 6 months, or more frequently as recommended by your dentist or hygienist.
• Brushing teeth with a toothpaste that contains pyrophosphate, which adheres to the tooth surface and inhibits the formation or growth of calculus crystals.
• Brushing with a Sonicare toothbrush can help agitate and prevent the tartar from adhering to the surface of your teeth.

Conclusion

Brushing teeth, although necessary as a part of dental hygiene, is not enough. Make sure to floss your teeth every day in order to get those hard-to-reach places between teeth to help prevent the build-up of plaque.
We know you have many choices when choosing a dentist. Island Coast Dentistry works with patients who live in the finest Florida neighborhoods and cities in Naples, Bonita Springs, Marco Island, Port Royal and Estero.