The Plague of Plaque

Everyone has dental plaque. In fact, this sticky film of bacteria is constantly forming in your mouth, especially in between your teeth and along your gum line. If plaque is not removed through proper oral hygiene practices, it can build up and harden, which leads to a variety of dental problems such as tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. At Carolina Commons Dentistry, we help patients realize the “plague” of dental plaque and how to keep this substance from ruining your smile health. While regular brushing and flossing can help to prevent the formation of plaque, our Indian Land office also offers professional cleanings and other treatments to remove it before it causes harm to your teeth and gums. This makes it imperative that you attend your routine dental visits every six months.

How Can You Remove Plaque at Home?

If plaque hasn’t hardened into tartar, you should be able to remove it effectively on your own (or without a dentist’s help). In general, plaque can be removed with brushing by following these steps:

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
• Wet your toothbrush with water and apply a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.
• Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your teeth and brush in circular motions, making sure to cover all surfaces of your teeth and gums.
• Use the tip of the brush to clean the inside surfaces of your front teeth, using a gentle up-and-down stroke.
• Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.
• Rinse your mouth thoroughly with water after brushing.
• It’s important to brush at least twice a day for two minutes each time and to replace your toothbrush every three to four months or sooner if the bristles become frayed.
• Don’t forget to floss daily to remove plaque and food particles from in between your teeth, where your toothbrush can’t reach.

What Happens When Plaque Hardens?

When plaque is not removed through regular brushing and flossing, it can harden into tartar, also known as dental calculus. Tartar is a hard, yellowish or brownish deposit that forms on teeth and can cause gum inflammation and lead to gum disease. Once tartar has formed, it cannot be removed by brushing and flossing alone, and a professional cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist is needed to remove it.

How Long Does It Take for Plaque to Become Tartar?

The time it takes for plaque to harden into tartar varies from person to person and can depend on a number of factors such as diet, oral hygiene habits, and genetics. In general, it can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks for plaque to harden into tartar. However, the longer plaque is allowed to remain on teeth, the more likely it is to harden into tartar. This is why it’s important to practice good oral hygiene habits and to have regular dental cleanings to prevent the buildup of tartar and other dental problems.

Need help conquering the plague of plaque in your mouth? Call Carolina Commons Dentistry for help. We offer a full menu of preventative dental care services as well as restorative treatments when your smile has already been compromised by plaque buildup.