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Posted on 6/10/2019 by Doctor Schwei |
![]() Tartar Buildup Begins with PlaqueBefore tartar forms, plaque is the culprit that affects your teeth. Dental plaque is a soft, sticky film that accumulates on the oral surfaces. It forms regularly due to a combination of food, fluids, and saliva that produce bacteria deposits. These deposits collect along the gumline and between the teeth, and if plaque isn't removed with regular flossing and brushing, tartar buildup may occur.Failure to remove plaque can lead to tartar. If not removed within 24-72 hours, plaque can harden and turn into tartar. Unfortunately, while you can easily remove plaque on your own by caring for your teeth, tartar removal isn't so easy. You'll need to come into our office, and failure to keep up with your regular appointments will just allow more tartar to accumulate. What Exactly is Tartar?Most adults have tartar buildup to some extent. Also known as calculus, tartar is a brown or yellow-colored deposit that forms when the plaque hardens to the teeth. Tartar forms a strong bond to the enamel, and a regular toothbrush won't be able to scrub it away. People with braces are especially prone to tartar buildup, as are those who smoke or suffer from dry mouth.Additionally, tartar buildups are also associated with age, as older people tend to see these deposits build up faster than younger dental patients. Remember, the only way that you'll be able to remove tartar from your teeth is with a professional dental cleaning. Call us today to schedule your next visit. |