How to remove PLAQUE versus TARTAR

Teeth Talk Girl
11 Jul 201704:48
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThis informative video by Whitney, a dental hygiene expert, clarifies the difference between plaque and tartar, emphasizing their distinct roles in oral health. Plaque, a colorless bacterial film, forms constantly and is removable through proper brushing and flossing, whereas tartar, or hardened plaque, requires professional dental cleaning. Both can lead to gum diseases if not managed, highlighting the importance of regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene practices to prevent such conditions and maintain healthy teeth and gums.

Takeaways
  • 🦷 Plaque and tartar are both bacterial formations in the mouth, but they differ in their composition and effects.
  • 📌 Plaque is a colorless, sticky substance that forms constantly on teeth and around the gum line.
  • 🪥 Plaque can be removed through proper brushing and flossing, as demonstrated in educational videos.
  • 🎵 The formation of plaque is a natural process as bacteria are always present and growing in our mouths.
  • 🚫 It's unrealistic to expect perfect plaque removal after every meal or drink due to human limitations.
  • 🦷🔴 Untreated plaque can lead to gingivitis, characterized by bleeding, red, and swollen gums.
  • 🔄 If gingivitis progresses untreated, it can develop into periodontal disease, a more serious condition.
  • 💎 Tartar, also known as calculus, is hardened plaque that forms over time and is more difficult to remove.
  • 🦷🩹 Tartar removal requires professional dental intervention, such as a dentist or dental hygienist.
  • 📈 Some individuals are more prone to plaque hardening into tartar, but regular dental visits can manage this.
  • 🗓 Regular dental check-ups and cleanings every six months are essential to maintain oral health and prevent tartar buildup.
Q & A

  • What is the main difference between plaque and tartar?

    -Plaque is a colorless, sticky form of bacteria that forms constantly on teeth and around the gum line and can be removed with proper brushing and flossing. Tartar, also known as calculus, is mineralized or hardened plaque that has become rock-like and can only be removed by a dentist or dental hygienist.

  • Why is it important to understand the difference between plaque and tartar?

    -Understanding the difference is crucial because while plaque can be managed with daily oral hygiene practices, tartar requires professional dental intervention to prevent further complications such as gum disease and bone loss.

  • How often should one visit the dentist for a cleaning?

    -It is recommended to visit the dentist every six months for a professional cleaning to remove any hardened tartar and maintain oral health.

  • What are the potential consequences of not properly managing plaque?

    -If plaque is not managed daily, it can lead to inflammation and irritation of the gums, known as gingivitis, and if left untreated, it can progress into periodontal disease, which can result in bone loss around the teeth.

  • What is the scientific term for tartar?

    -The scientific term for tartar is calculus.

  • Why does tartar formation require professional dental intervention?

    -Tartar is hardened plaque that has become rock-like and cannot be removed effectively by brushing at home. It requires specialized dental tools and procedures performed by a dentist or dental hygienist to be safely and effectively removed.

  • How can one tell if they have tartar above the gum line?

    -Tartar above the gum line is visible as a mineral build-up, often appearing as hard deposits on the teeth. If tartar is below the gum line, it may not be visible without a dental examination.

  • What happens when tartar is not removed from the mouth?

    -If tartar is left untreated, it can lead to the destruction of gum tissue and bone, causing serious oral health issues such as periodontal disease and tooth loss.

  • What is the role of bacteria in plaque and tartar formation?

    -Bacteria in the mouth thrive on food and drink residues, producing acids that attack the tooth surface. This process contributes to plaque formation, which, if not managed, can mineralize into tartar.

  • What is gingivitis and how can it be prevented?

    -Gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease characterized by bleeding, red, and swollen gums. It can be prevented by practicing good oral hygiene, including regular brushing, flossing, and professional dental cleanings to remove plaque and tartar before they cause inflammation.

  • If someone has excessive tartar formation despite good oral hygiene, what should they do?

    -If an individual has excessive tartar formation, they may need to schedule more frequent dental cleanings, such as every four or three months, to ensure proper removal of tartar and prevent further oral health complications.

Outlines
00:00
🦷 Understanding Plaque and Tartar

This paragraph discusses the difference between plaque and tartar, emphasizing that they are both bacterial formations in the mouth but have distinct characteristics and effects. Plaque is described as a colorless, sticky substance that forms constantly on teeth and around the gum line, which can be removed with proper brushing and flossing. However, if not removed daily, plaque can lead to gum inflammation and gingivitis. Tartar, also known as calculus, is mineralized plaque that hardens over time and can only be removed by a dental professional. The video aims to educate viewers on the importance of regular dental cleanings and maintaining good oral hygiene to prevent the formation of tartar and subsequent dental diseases.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Dental Hygiene
Dental hygiene refers to the practice of maintaining good oral health through regular cleaning and care of the teeth and gums. In the video, the host Whitney emphasizes the importance of dental hygiene by discussing the differences between plaque and tartar, which are key aspects of maintaining a healthy mouth. Proper dental hygiene helps prevent issues such as gingivitis and periodontal disease.
💡Plaque
Plaque is a colorless, sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth and around the gum line. It is a natural occurrence in the mouth, but if not properly managed through brushing and flossing, it can lead to inflammation and gum disease. The video explains that plaque is removable through proper dental care routines.
💡Tartar
Tartar, also known as calculus, is hardened plaque that has become mineralized. Unlike plaque, which can be removed through regular brushing and flossing, tartar is a harder, rock-like substance that requires professional dental intervention to be removed. The formation of tartar can lead to more serious gum irritation and, if left untreated, can contribute to bone loss in the jaw.
💡Gingivitis
Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease characterized by inflammation, redness, and swelling of the gums. It often occurs when plaque is not regularly removed from around the gum line, leading to irritation and infection. The video emphasizes the importance of proper dental hygiene to prevent gingivitis and the progression to more severe periodontal disease.
💡Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a severe gum infection that can damage the soft tissue and bone supporting the teeth. It is often a progression from gingivitis if left untreated. The video discusses the dangers of periodontal disease and the necessity of regular dental check-ups to prevent its development.
💡Bacteria
Bacteria are microscopic organisms that are naturally present in the mouth. They can contribute to the formation of plaque and tartar when they accumulate and interact with food particles. The video highlights the role of bacteria in oral health, emphasizing the importance of controlling bacterial growth through good dental hygiene practices.
💡Brushing and Flossing
Brushing and flossing are essential dental care practices that help remove plaque and food debris from the teeth and gum line. The video underscores the importance of these practices in preventing the buildup of plaque and tartar, as well as the development of gum disease. However, it also acknowledges the human tendency to not be perfect in these routines, which is why regular dental cleanings are necessary.
💡Dental Cleanings
Dental cleanings are professional dental procedures performed by a dentist or dental hygienist to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth, especially in areas that are difficult for an individual to reach. The video stresses the importance of regular dental cleanings every six months to maintain oral health and address any potential issues before they become more serious.
💡Inflammation
Inflammation is the body's response to harmful stimuli, such as pathogens or injury, and is characterized by redness, swelling, and pain. In the context of the video, inflammation of the gums is a result of plaque buildup and can lead to gingivitis if not properly managed. Proper dental hygiene and regular professional cleanings can help prevent gum inflammation.
💡Mineralized Plaque
Mineralized plaque refers to the process where plaque hardens and turns into tartar or calculus over time due to the minerals in saliva. This hardened plaque is more difficult to remove and can cause more severe gum irritation and bone loss if not addressed by a dental professional. The video discusses the formation of mineralized plaque as a step beyond regular plaque buildup.
💡SRP Scaling and Root Planing
SRP (scaling and root planing) is a deep cleaning dental procedure that involves removing tartar from both above and below the gum line. This procedure helps to treat periodontal disease by smoothing the root surfaces of the teeth, allowing the gums to reattach and heal. The video mentions SRP as a necessary treatment for individuals with significant tartar buildup, especially when tartar is located under the gum line.
Highlights

Plaque and tartar are not the same thing, both being types of bacteria in your mouth but having different effects.

Plaque is a colorless, sticky form of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth and around the gum line.

Proper brushing and flossing can remove plaque, which is essential for maintaining oral health.

Bacteria in the mouth grow constantly, making it impossible to see plaque with the naked eye and necessitating regular dental cleanings.

If plaque is not removed daily, it can cause inflammation and irritation to the gums, leading to gingivitis.

Gingivitis, characterized by bleeding and swollen gums, can progress into periodontal disease if left untreated.

Tartar, also known as calculus, is mineralized or hardened plaque that forms when plaque sits on the teeth for too long.

Removal of tartar requires a dentist or dental hygienist, as it cannot be effectively removed by brushing alone.

Some individuals are more prone to plaque hardening into tartar, but regular dental visits can manage this.

Tartar, especially when below the gum line, can lead to bone loss if not addressed through professional cleanings.

Understanding the difference between plaque and tartar is crucial for effective oral hygiene and preventing dental diseases.

A cycle of poor oral hygiene can lead to increased plaque and tartar formation, emphasizing the importance of daily brushing and flossing.

Regular dental check-ups every six months can prevent the harmful effects of plaque and tartar buildup.

The terms tartar and calculus are interchangeable, but they are distinct from the math subject calculus.

Maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental visits can prevent excessive tartar formation and related dental issues.

The importance of knowing the difference between plaque and tartar lies in their distinct roles in oral health and disease prevention.

Transcripts

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Dental HygienePlaque vs TartarOral HealthGingivitis PreventionPeriodontal DiseaseBrushing TechniquesFlossing TipsDental CleaningsHealthy GumsTartar Removal