Prevention is key! So what is The Difference Between Dental Plaque and Calculus? Dental plaque and calculus will happen, to keep your teeth happy and healthy, it's important to brush and floss (or use a water flosser instead of string floss) regularly.

Dental hygienists can help by cleaning away calculus during regular 6 month cleanings.

If calculus builds up too much, it can lead to more serious issues, so regular dental hygiene visits for teeth cleanings are key!

1. Dental Plaque:

   • Imagine your teeth are like a neighborhood for bacteria in your mouth.

   • Plaque is a sticky film made up of bacteria, food particles, and saliva.

   • These bacteria produce acid when they interact with sugars from the food you eat.

   • Plaque is the bad guy because it can lead to cavities and gum problems if not removed.

2. Dental Calculus (Tartar):

   • If plaque isn't removed regularly through brushing and flossing, it hardens over time.

   • This hardened plaque becomes dental calculus or tartar.

   • Think of tartar as the stubborn, crusty layer on your teeth that regular brushing can't remove.

   • Tartar can irritate your gums and make it easier for more plaque to accumulate.

Helpful Resources:

Water flosser - click here for more info.

-Andrea Twarowski, www.thetoothlady.com