Will Hardened Plaque Go Away?
Plaque has built up over time. Bits of leftover food has clung to your teeth, created a breeding ground for bacteria, and has now hardened into Tartar. Since it developed over time, will it eventually go away with proper hygiene? Not necessarily–especially hardened or stuck on plaque like tartar.
What Is Plaque?
Plaque is the end result of years of dental neglect. When you do not regularly brush and floss, bits of food–some that are even microscopic–will attach to the teeth. Once this stuff is stuck on, your bacteria can eventually get rid of it. However, the saliva also makes it sticky, and the sugars and fats inside the food will attract bacteria, of which millions thrive in your mouth. Once the bacteria takes hold, its bad news. The bacteria feeds on your leftover food, and breed. Small communities of many bacteria fester on the tooth and enter the gumline, leading to infection. Plaque is the precursor to dental infection, disease, and tooth loss.
What is Tartar?
Tartar is what happens when you neglect plaque buildup. Plaque buildup is a big enough problem, but once the plaque is there, the slurry that helps accumulate the organic material begins to harden. Once this shell is complete, it requires a dental professional to remove. The hardened plaque must be physically removed, but it must be done so delicately. The Tartar will attack the enamel, dentin, and overall structure of the tooth. The tartar will most likely be scraped using surgical instruments, like drills, picks, and pressurized water picks.
How Can You Stop It Before It Starts?
Use proper dental hygiene. Every day you should strive to floss. Flossing is the premier method for removing plaque buildup. It physically shifts around cumulus, and help to curtail the edges of plaque buildup. Leaving space for your toothbrush to brush away the remaining bacteria.
Brush often, at least twice a day, preferably after meals. Brush is conscious firm circles away from the gumline and up the surface of the tooth. This should help to pull bacteria and plaque away from the gumline, helping to prevent infection while you recover. Use the toothpaste you and your dentist prefer. You should also use mouthwash regularly. Besides providing a positive, refreshing feeling after, mouthwash is great to cover large surface areas within the mouth. Mouthwash is great to reduce bacteria throughout your mouth.
What Can You Do Once It Starts?
See your dentist. Make an appointment for a cleaning and examination. Begin with a thorough cleaning, with your hygienist. They will probably work through a flossing, fluoridated cleaning, and then move to precise surgical tools for more concentrated removal. You can then discuss what areas are in the worst shape, and will require the most attention moving forward. Ask about different techniques and recommendations to create a healthy dental lifestyle moving forward. Make an appointment within the next 6 months for a cleaning and try your best to maintain your dental hygiene along the way.