Plaque Vs Tartar { How to Remove Plaque on Teeth & STOP Dental Calculus }

Smile Influencers

16 Dec 202106:03

EducationalLearning

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TLDRThis informative video script discusses the differences between plaque and tartar, emphasizing the importance of plaque removal to prevent tooth decay and gum diseases like gingivitis and periodontal disease. It offers practical tips for maintaining oral hygiene, such as rinsing after meals, reducing sugary and starchy food intake, brushing and flossing twice daily, and scheduling regular dental cleanings. The video also highlights the role of dental professionals in treating advanced gum conditions and the benefits of regular check-ups for maintaining healthy teeth and gums.

Takeaways

🦠 Plaque is a sticky, colorless film of bacteria that forms on teeth and gums from bacteria mixing with sugary and starchy foods.
😣 Bacteria in plaque produce acids that can cause cavities, tooth decay, and gum inflammation known as gingivitis.
🔍 If left untreated, plaque can mineralize into hard tartar, also known as calculus, which is damaging and cannot be removed by regular brushing and flossing.
🦷 Tartar is yellow or brown, rough, and typically forms on the back teeth, leading to further dental issues if not professionally removed.
🩺 Regular dental check-ups, ideally every six months, are crucial for the removal of plaque and tartar buildup to prevent periodontal disease and bone loss.
💡 Dental professionals can diagnose the condition of your gums and teeth through pocket depth measurements, x-rays, and visual examination to determine the type of cleaning needed.
👨‍⚕️ In severe cases of gum disease, a general dentist may refer you to a periodontist for specialized treatments like pocket reduction surgery or gum grafts.
🍽️ Rinsing with water after meals helps remove debris and reduces plaque buildup and staining from dark-colored foods and beverages.
🚫 Reducing sugary and starchy food intake, including energy drinks, is essential to limit plaque development and protect tooth enamel.
🪥 Daily brushing and flossing with a soft-bristled toothbrush, at a 45-degree angle, ensures thorough cleaning and prevents dental issues in the long run.
📅 Regularly scheduled cleanings are vital for maintaining good dental health and preventing the recurrence of cavities and gum disease.

Q & A

What is plaque and how does it form?
-Plaque is a soft, sticky, colorless film of bacteria that accumulates on teeth and under the gums. It forms when the bacteria in the mouth mix with sugary and starchy foods, creating a combination that results in the production of acids and carbohydrates, which in turn leads to the formation of the sticky film known as plaque.
What are the potential consequences of not removing plaque?
-If plaque is not removed, the bacteria it contains can produce acids that attack the teeth, leading to cavities. Severe tooth decay can cause nerve infections, pain, and tooth breakage. Additionally, plaque can cause inflammation and irritation of the gums, known as gingivitis, which can lead to gum recession, sensitivity, and bone loss.
How does plaque transform into tartar?
-When plaque is left on the teeth for an extended period, it can mineralize into hard tartar, also known as calculus. This process is accelerated by the interaction of minerals in saliva with the plaque, leading to the formation of rough, yellow or brown deposits.
Why is it difficult to remove tartar with regular brushing and flossing?
-Tartar is a hardened deposit that has formed from plaque mineralization. Due to its hard texture and location (often on the back teeth and under the gums), it cannot be effectively removed by regular toothbrushing and flossing. Professional dental cleaning is required to manage tartar buildup.
What is the recommended frequency for dental cleanings?
-It is typically recommended to visit a dentist or hygienist for cleaning appointments at a minimum of every six months. This helps in the removal of buildup from both on and under the gums, preventing gum disease and promoting overall oral health.
What are the signs that a patient might need a deeper cleaning at the dentist?
-A dentist will diagnose the condition by performing various tests, examining pocket depths, reviewing x-rays, and assessing the redness around the gums. These measurements help identify whether a patient requires a deeper cleaning or a regular one.
What is periodontal disease and why is it harmful?
-Periodontal disease is a severe gum infection that occurs when tartar buildup gets under the gums. It can lead to bone loss, making the teeth wiggly or mobile, and may eventually result in tooth loss or severe pain.
What are some tips to help keep teeth plaque-free?
-Some tips include rinsing the mouth with water after meals to remove debris, eating less sugary and starchy foods to reduce plaque formation, brushing and flossing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush, and scheduling regular dental cleanings.
How can brushing and flossing at the correct angle benefit oral health?
-Brushing at a 45-degree angle between the gum and the tooth ensures that the bristles reach and clean under the gumline effectively. This technique helps prevent plaque buildup and gingivitis, contributing to better overall oral health.
What should one do if they suspect they have gum disease?
-If gum disease is suspected, a general dentist may refer the patient to a periodontist, a gum specialist. The periodontist can perform additional procedures such as pocket reduction surgery or gum grafts to ensure gum health is maintained and teeth are preserved.
How can maintaining good dental hygiene save on dental costs in the long term?
-By practicing good dental hygiene through regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings, one can prevent the development of cavities and gum diseases. This can save thousands of dollars in dental work, as untreated oral health issues can lead to costly procedures such as root canals, dental crowns, or even tooth extractions.

Outlines

00:00

🦷 Understanding Plaque and Tartar

This paragraph discusses the nature of dental plaque and tartar, highlighting their differences and the potential harm they can cause to teeth. Plaque is described as a sticky, colorless film of bacteria that forms on teeth and gums due to the combination of bacteria in the mouth with sugary and starchy foods. It emphasizes the importance of removing plaque to prevent tooth decay, cavities, gum inflammation, and potential bone loss. The distinction between plaque and tartar is made clear, with tartar being the mineralized form of plaque that is harder and more recognizable, and requires professional dental cleaning for removal.

05:01

😁 Tips for Maintaining Healthy Teeth

The second paragraph focuses on providing practical advice for maintaining good dental hygiene. It starts by emphasizing the significance of rinsing the mouth with water after meals to remove debris and prevent staining. It then advises reducing the intake of sugary and starchy foods, which contribute to plaque formation. The paragraph stresses the importance of regular brushing and flossing with a soft-bristled toothbrush, and the proper technique for effective cleaning. Finally, it underscores the value of regularly scheduled dental cleanings for maintaining oral health and preventing the progression of gum disease.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Plaque

Plaque is a soft, sticky, colorless film composed of bacteria that accumulates on teeth and under the gums. It forms when bacteria in the mouth react with sugars and starches from food, creating an environment conducive to tooth decay and gum disease. In the video, it is emphasized that plaque removal is crucial for maintaining oral health, as its buildup can lead to cavities, gum inflammation, and bone loss.

💡Tartar

Tartar, also known as calculus, is the hardened form of plaque that has become mineralized. It is yellow or brown, rough, and cannot be removed by simple brushing or flossing. The presence of tartar indicates advanced plaque buildup and requires professional dental cleaning. The video highlights that tartar formation is a result of prolonged plaque accumulation and can lead to serious dental issues such as periodontal disease.

💡Dental Hygiene

Dental hygiene refers to the practice of maintaining clean and healthy teeth and gums to prevent oral diseases. The video underscores the importance of good dental hygiene practices like brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups to avoid issues such as cavities and gum disease. It also provides tips on how to improve dental hygiene, emphasizing the role of individual responsibility in oral care.

💡Cavities

Cavities, or tooth decay, are holes in the teeth caused by the acids produced by bacteria in plaque. These acids break down the tooth enamel, leading to the formation of cavities. The video explains that if left untreated, cavities can grow large enough to infect the tooth's nerve, causing pain and potentially necessitating tooth extraction.

💡Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the inflammation and irritation of the gums, often caused by dental plaque buildup. It is characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums. The video emphasizes that gingivitis is a preventable condition that can be addressed through proper dental hygiene and regular professional cleanings, preventing it from progressing to more severe gum diseases.

💡Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a severe condition affecting the gums and the bone supporting the teeth. It occurs when tartar buildup leads to bone loss and tooth mobility. The video stresses that regular dental cleanings and good oral hygiene can prevent the progression of periodontal disease, which can result in tooth loss and severe pain.

💡Dentist

A dentist is a professional who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of oral health conditions. The video encourages regular visits to the dentist for cleanings and checkups, highlighting their role in removing plaque and tartar buildup, diagnosing dental conditions, and providing treatments to maintain oral health.

💡Flossing

Flossing is the practice of using a thin thread or tape to clean between the teeth and under the gumline, where a toothbrush cannot reach. It is a crucial part of dental hygiene that helps remove plaque and food debris, preventing cavities and gum disease. The video emphasizes flossing twice a day as a key measure in maintaining clean teeth and healthy gums.

💡Toothbrushing

Toothbrushing is the act of cleaning teeth using a toothbrush and toothpaste to remove plaque, food particles, and bacteria. The video stresses the importance of brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush, taking care to clean all areas of the teeth, including the backside and gum margins, to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

💡Dental Cleanings

Dental cleanings are professional procedures performed by dentists or dental hygienists to remove plaque and tartar buildup from teeth and gums. These cleanings are essential for maintaining oral health and preventing dental diseases. The video recommends regular dental cleanings, typically every six months, to keep teeth and gums healthy.

💡Sugary and Starchy Foods

Sugary and starchy foods are types of food that contain high amounts of sugars or complex carbohydrates. These foods contribute to plaque formation by providing the bacteria in the mouth with the nutrients they need to produce acids that can damage tooth enamel. The video advises reducing the intake of such foods to minimize plaque buildup and the risk of cavities.

Highlights

Plaque is a soft, sticky, colorless film of bacteria that develops on teeth and gums from bacteria mixing with sugary and starchy foods.

Bacteria in plaque produce acids that can cause cavities and damage tooth structure, potentially leading to infections and tooth loss.

Dental plaque also causes gingivitis, which can lead to gum recession, sensitivity, and bone loss around the teeth.

Tartar is hardened plaque that has mineralized and turned into a rough, yellow or brown substance.

Tartar develops quickly due to interaction with minerals in saliva and is not removable by regular brushing or flossing.

Regular dental cleanings, typically every six months, are recommended to remove tartar and prevent periodontal disease.

Severe tartar buildup can lead to periodontal disease, which may cause tooth mobility, pain, and tooth loss.

Dentists diagnose the need for deep cleaning or regular cleaning through tests, pocket depth measurements, x-rays, and gum redness evaluation.

In cases of severe gum disease, a referral to a periodontist for specialized treatments like pocket reduction surgery or gum grafts may be necessary.

Rinsing with water after meals can help remove debris and prevent plaque buildup and staining.

Reducing sugary and starchy food intake, including energy drinks, can minimize plaque development and protect tooth health.

Brushing and flossing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush at a 45-degree angle helps maintain clean teeth and prevent dental issues.

Regular dental cleanings are essential for maintaining good oral health and can save on costly dental work in the future.

The video provides tips on keeping teeth plaque-free and the importance of professional dental care.

A website is being developed to help find reputable, privately-owned dentists with good reviews.

The video aims to educate viewers on dental hygiene and promote better oral health practices.

Transcripts

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Plaque Vs Tartar { How to Remove Plaque on Teeth & STOP Dental Calculus }

Takeaways

Q & A

What is plaque and how does it form?

What are the potential consequences of not removing plaque?

How does plaque transform into tartar?

Why is it difficult to remove tartar with regular brushing and flossing?

What is the recommended frequency for dental cleanings?

What are the signs that a patient might need a deeper cleaning at the dentist?

What is periodontal disease and why is it harmful?

What are some tips to help keep teeth plaque-free?

How can brushing and flossing at the correct angle benefit oral health?

What should one do if they suspect they have gum disease?

How can maintaining good dental hygiene save on dental costs in the long term?