How Plaque and Tartar Affect your Teeth

That sticky plaque that is left on your teeth after you eat and when you get up in the morning could turn into tartar. According to Gently Touch Family Dental, tartar, also called calculus, is hard plaque that has actually calcified. Unfortunately, once the plaque has turned to tartar it is virtually impossible to remove yourself. No amount of brushing or flossing will get rid of the tartar.

Growing Epidemic

Plaque and tartar is a growing epidemic with billions of people all over the world being affected. If you are one of those billions who are dealing with gingivitis, or periodontal disease, chances are you have plaque and tartar as well.

Good and Bad Bacteria

Your mouth is full of bacteria, and while most of the bacterium is good bacteria, harmful bacteria will start to overpower the good stuff if you do not practice good oral hygiene. The beverages and food that you consume will quickly convert to bacteria and plaque and can even affect your dental restorations.

Prevention

Gentle Touch Family Dentistry explains that brushing twice, flossing once each day along with regular checkups and professional cleanings can help prevent plaque and tartar build up. Make sure you watch your diet as well by avoiding sugar, acidic and starchy foods.

Tartar forms underneath your gum line and will irritate your gum tissue. Unfortunately, unless a dentist, who may recommend tooth scaling and planing, removes it the vicious cycle will continue as the tartar gives the fast growing sticky plaque a larger surface to grow on.

The Dangers of Plaque and Tartar

Uncontrolled tartar and plaque are dangerous, but can also be detrimental to your smile. Tartar absorbs stains, and if you drink coffee or tea, or smoke, you will have yellow or brown stains on your teeth and along your gum line. Tartar and plaque can also cause gum disease, tooth decay, and even tooth loss.

If plaque and tartar is affecting your smile, call or click and schedule a dental checkup with Gentle Touch Family Dentistry today. 

Conventional Braces or Invisalign for Straight Teeth

Conventional braces have changed over the years, but unfortunately, those old school wires and brackets can still cause pain and discomfort. However, these days, you don’t have to deal with two years worth of pain thanks to the revolutionary tooth straightening system, Invisalign. The clear answer to conventional braces could the answer that you have been looking for.

Gentle Touch Family Dental is a preferred Invisalign provider and can determine if you are a good candidate for Invisalign.

Why Braces Hurt

Pushing and Pulling-Conventional wires and brackets cause pain and discomfort because your mouth is being pushed and pulled 24 hours a day seven days a week, and in some cases, this could go on for 2 years. You will have to see your dentist or orthodontist regularly who will make the manual changes by tightening your wires and brackets according to your orthodontic plan.

Cuts and Abrasions-People who wear braces have a difficult time getting used to the new hardware. Cuts to the tongue, cheeks, and lips are common in people who wear braces. If a breakage occurs, you may also be injured.

Tooth Decay

People who wear braces have a higher risk of tooth decay. Because it is impossible to brush under the wires and brackets, plaque and acid will wear away the enamel eventually causing a cavity or two.

Invisalign

With the Invisalign Tooth Straightening System, you don’t have to be concerned with pain or discomfort. Invisalign is virtually pain free, convenient, and nearly invisible. The only people who will know you are having your smile fixed will be you and Gentle Touch Family Dentistry.

Invisalign is worn between 20 and 22 hours each day. You will take your aligners out when you brush and eat. Your clear plastic custom made aligners will be swapped out every week for your entire treatment time, which could take between 6 to 18 months. You will visit with Gentle Touch Family Dentistry every 6 weeks.

If you would like more information regarding Invisalign, the clear alternative to braces, call or click and schedule an appointment with Gentle Touch Family Dentistry today.