Keep Your Teeth Healthy at Trusted Dental Care
At Trusted Dental Care, we’re committed to helping you maintain a healthy and vibrant smile. Plaque and tartar buildup can lead to serious dental problems if not addressed in time. Our Wylie, TX, dentist offers professional plaque and tartar removal services designed to keep your teeth clean, bright, and free of harmful bacteria.
To schedule a dental cleaning in Wylie, TX, contact our dentist today at (214) 702-0446.
What Are Plaque and Tartar?
Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth. It is invisible and primarily composed of food particles, bacteria, and saliva. Over time, plaque can harden and turn into tartar (also called dental calculus), which forms above and below the gum line and can only be removed by a dental professional.
How Plaque Develops
Plaque begins to form on your teeth after you eat or drink, especially foods high in sugar and carbohydrates. The bacteria in plaque produce acids that attack tooth enamel, leading to tooth decay and gum disease. Plaque can build up on your teeth quickly, especially in hard-to-reach areas.
Why Is Tartar Harmful?
Tartar can cause several dental issues, including:
- Tooth decay: Tartar can make it difficult to properly clean your teeth, leading to cavities.
- Gum disease: The bacteria in tartar irritate the gums, causing inflammation, which can develop into gingivitis or periodontitis if left untreated.
- Bad breath: Bacteria trapped in tartar can cause chronic bad breath (halitosis).
- Stained teeth: Tartar can absorb stains from food and drinks, resulting in a discolored smile.
The Benefits of Removing Plaque and Tartar
Plaque and tartar removal has numerous benefits, including:
- Prevents tooth decay and cavities
- Prevents gum disease
- Reduces bad breath
- Keeps teeth looking and feeling clean
- Maintains overall dental health
When Plaque and Tartar Removal Is Necessary
Regular removal of plaque and tartar is essential for maintaining a healthy mouth. Here are a few reasons why it should be part of your oral hygiene routine:
- Prevents Cavities: Removing plaque and tartar helps stop the acid produced by bacteria from eroding your tooth enamel, which can lead to cavities.
- Fights Gum Disease: Gum disease can develop if plaque and tartar are allowed to accumulate along the gumline. Regular cleanings can help prevent this from happening.
- Fresher Breath: Bacteria trapped in plaque and tartar can cause bad breath. Regular cleanings will keep your mouth fresh and clean.
- Whiter Smile: Tartar buildup can cause stains on your teeth. Professional cleanings help remove surface stains, giving you a brighter smile.
Professional Plaque and Tartar Removal at Trusted Dental Care
- Oral Examination: Before the cleaning process begins, our dental hygienist will examine your mouth to identify any areas that require special attention. This may include checking for signs of cavities, gum inflammation, or other issues.
- Plaque and Tartar Removal: Using a specialized tool called a scaler, the hygienist will carefully scrape away plaque and tartar from your teeth, both above and below the gumline. This is a critical step in preventing gum disease.
- Teeth Polishing: After the plaque and tartar are removed, the hygienist will polish your teeth using a gritty toothpaste-like substance. This smooths the surface of your teeth and helps remove surface stains.
- Flossing and Rinsing: The cleaning session concludes with flossing between your teeth and a final rinse to remove any remaining debris.
- Fluoride Treatment (Optional): To further protect your teeth from decay, a fluoride treatment may be applied to help strengthen your enamel.
Caring for Your Teeth After Plaque and Tartar Removal
After plaque and tartar removal, it’s essential to care for your teeth properly to maintain good oral health. Here are some tips for caring for your teeth after the procedure:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss daily to remove any remaining plaque and food particles.
- Use mouthwash to kill bacteria and freshen your breath.
- Avoid smoking or using tobacco products.
- Limit your intake of sugary or starchy foods and drinks.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, plaque removal is typically painless. However, some people may experience mild discomfort or sensitivity during the procedure. This is because the dental professional is scraping away plaque and tartar from your teeth, which can cause some sensitivity or discomfort. Should you experience severe pain during the dental cleaning procedure, let your dentist know immediately.
While brushing and flossing can help prevent plaque and tartar buildup, it’s not possible to remove tartar at home. Tartar is a hardened form of plaque that can only be removed by a dental professional using specialized tools. However, you can prevent tartar buildup by brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and following a healthy diet.
Yes, there’s evidence to suggest that poor oral health, including hardened plaque and tartar buildup, can contribute to other health problems such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The bacteria in dental plaque can enter the bloodstream and cause inflammation, which can lead to these and other health problems.
You may experience some sensitivity or soreness in your gums for a day or two following the procedure. It’s also common to experience some bleeding when brushing or flossing. However, if the bleeding persists or you experience any severe pain or swelling, you should contact your dentist.
Our Wylie Dentist Can Keep Your Smile Clean and Healthy
Don’t let plaque and tartar harm your oral health. If it’s time for your next dental cleaning or you’re experiencing symptoms of gum disease, contact our Wylie dentist at Trusted Dental Care today by calling (214) 702-0446. Our dental team is here to help you maintain a clean and healthy smile.