When you don’t regularly brush your teeth, you are taking a huge risk to your oral health. Your Tampa dentist can provide cleanings to remove build up on your teeth, but regular brushing can prevent buildup of plaque and tartar. The real question is this: are plaque and tartar the same? Establishing a relationship with your Tampa dentist is important to keep your teeth healthy and remove tartar and plaque buildup. This is the time to set up a plan to maintain your oral hygiene and set up a routine to prevent these issues.

Plaque VS Tartar

Prevent These Issues With Tampa Dentist

Plaque
When you skip brushing and flossing, the bacteria in your mouth begin to wreak havoc. When we eat and drink, bacteria enters the mouth and settles in. The bacteria start working with the acids in your mouth to form plaque, which is a sticky, colorless substance that is found on the teeth and edges of your gums. The good news is that plaque can be removed by brushing and flossing, something your Tampa dentist will tell you to do.

Tartar
If you haven’t been brushing your teeth, your plaque is going to harden onto the teeth. This hardened substance on the teeth has now turned into tartar. The bad news is, that tartar annoy be removed by regular brushing and flossing. You will need your dentist to perform a cleaning to get all the tartar build up off the teeth. If you don’t schedule regular cleanings, the tartar can lead to things like cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay.

When your dentist recommends cleanings every six months, it’s not for no reason. Cleanings are good times to check up on our teeth and rid them of tartar build up. A healthy smile is just one part of a healthy and happy lifestyle. Make your next cleaning appointment today a North Pointe Dental.