Dental plaque and tartar: Prevention and treatment

For centuries, a wonderful smile has been considered a sign of physical health and well-being. A beautiful smile and healthy teeth play an important role in modern life. However, almost everyone has dental problems. The most common are dental caries and periodontal tissue diseases. The development of these diseases is very dangerous for dental health. Therefore, it is important to start treatment as quick as possible.

Plaque is a sticky, colorless film formed by bacteria on our teeth. If teeth are not brushed, and plaque is not removed every day, plaque can harden and turn into tartar. Plaque, as a rule, is not visible, because it is a kind of film that appears on the teeth after each meal. Plaque can be visible due to food colouring (tea, coffee) and nicotine. In this case, plaque appears as dark spots, often on the inside of the teeth.

The main reasons that contribute to the formation of plaque on our teeth may include:

• smoking;
• alcohol use;
• a large amount of carbohydrate-containing products (soda, sweets);
• frequent use of soft food;
• internal diseases of the body, which are accompanied by a significant number of bacteria;
• antibiotics and some medications;
• food containing a large number of dyes and sweeteners.

Tartar, also known as dental calculus, is a crusty deposit that forms at the base of the dental crown and sometimes under the gums. There are two types of dental calculus: supragingival and subgingival. Teeth tartar is a plaque that has hardened over time due to poor and irregular oral hygiene. It often has a yellow or brown color. Teeth tartar removing can prevent tooth loss. 

Tartar, or dental calculus, can appear if a person:

• doesn’t brush the teeth regularly  or doesn’t brush them correctly;
• uses poor-quality toothpastes and brushes;
• eats only soft food;
• chews with only one side of the jaw (right or left);
• suffers from metabolic disorders.

Prevention is always better that treatment, and cheaper, by the way. Preventive dentistry will help you keep your teeth and gums healthy. Toothbrush is the easiest way to avoid dental problems. Dental floss is designed to clean the interdental space from food debris. You should also choose the right toothpaste. For everyday use, the usual preventive toothpaste is suitable. A good idea is to use different toothpastes. For example, in the morning you can use strengthening with calcium, before going to bed toothpaste against inflammation with medicinal herbs. Bleaching agents should be used with caution, as they can damage the enamel. You should always rinse the mouth after each meal. And, of course, if you want to have a healthy smile, you should visit the dental office every six months for a dental examination.  

Plaque and tartar that appear on your teeth and gums can lead to serious problems, such as gingivitis and periodontitis. While plaque can be removed by thorough brushing and flossing at home, tartar must be removed by a dentist or dental hygienist.

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Dental exam and teeth  cleaning in Kyiv, Ukraine will help you protect your oral health and general well-being. Let us know if you need professional oral hygiene or teeth whitening (teeth bleaching). Contact UA Destination in order to find the best dentist in Kyiv or Lviv, Ukraine. 

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