Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth, contributing to various oral health issues. Attempting to scrape your own plaque is not recommended due to significant risks, as specialized tools and training are required for safe removal. Professional dental care, alongside proper home hygiene, is essential for maintaining oral health.
Understanding Plaque and Tartar
Plaque is a colorless or pale yellow biofilm of bacteria that forms on tooth surfaces when bacteria interact with sugars and food particles. If plaque is not consistently removed, the acids produced by these bacteria can attack tooth enamel, potentially leading to tooth decay and cavities.
Plaque can accumulate between teeth, on chewing surfaces, and along the gumline. When plaque remains on teeth, it can absorb minerals from saliva and harden into a substance called tartar, also known as calculus. Unlike soft plaque, which can be removed with daily brushing and flossing, hardened tartar cannot be removed by home oral hygiene methods alone and requires professional intervention. Tartar often appears yellowish or brownish and feels like a rough, hard shell on the teeth.
Risks of Attempting DIY Plaque Removal
Attempting to scrape plaque or tartar at home carries several dangers. One risk is damage to tooth enamel from improper tools or excessive pressure, leading to scratches that make teeth susceptible to sensitivity and decay. Enamel does not regenerate once damaged.
Injury to delicate gum tissue is another danger, which can result in cuts, irritation, or gum recession. Gum recession exposes sensitive tooth roots, increasing the risk of pain. Using unsanitized tools or improper techniques can introduce harmful bacteria, potentially causing infections or pushing plaque and tartar deeper under the gumline, which can lead to gum abscesses or more severe gum disease. Home methods often fail to remove all harmful deposits, especially below the gumline.
Professional Plaque and Tartar Removal
Dental professionals, such as dentists and dental hygienists, are equipped with specialized tools and training to safely and effectively remove plaque and tartar. During a professional cleaning, they use instruments like ultrasonic scalers and hand instruments to scrape away hardened deposits from tooth surfaces and below the gumline. Ultrasonic tools use vibrations to loosen tartar, while hand scalers are used for precise removal.
This process, called scaling, addresses plaque and tartar buildup that cannot be managed with home care. Dental hygienists undergo extensive training to use these sharp instruments safely and effectively. Professional cleanings are necessary to remove calcified tartar, preventing it from contributing to gum disease and tooth decay.
Effective Daily Oral Hygiene for Plaque Control
While professional cleanings are essential for tartar removal, daily oral hygiene practices are crucial for controlling plaque buildup at home. Brushing teeth at least twice a day for two minutes with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste helps remove plaque from tooth surfaces. Proper brushing involves angling the brush at 45 degrees towards the gums and cleaning all tooth surfaces, including the back and chewing areas.
Flossing daily is equally important for removing plaque and food particles from between teeth and under the gumline, areas a toothbrush cannot easily reach. Antimicrobial mouthwashes can supplement brushing and flossing by reducing bacteria, but they are not a substitute for mechanical cleaning. Limiting sugary foods and drinks also helps reduce the fuel for plaque-forming bacteria. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings, typically every six months, are important for monitoring oral health and removing any plaque and tartar that home care might miss.