To eliminate all plaque, a person must be thorough, as it tends to accumulate between the teeth and sometimes on the gums. Regular brushing and flossing can remove plaque. Managing gum disease can also improve dental health and may lower a person’s risk of chronic diseases. Removing plaque and tartar may help treat gum disease and prevent it from getting worse. The chronic inflammation of periodontitis is also a risk factor for other illnesses, including cardiovascular disease. This can trigger bleeding, pain, redness, and in some cases, infections. Plaque and tartar increase the risk of gingivitis and periodontitis, both of which are forms of gum disease.Ĭhronic exposure to the bacteria in plaque causes inflammation in the gum tissue. It can also trap plaque, increasing the risk of developing more tartar. Tartar can stain the teeth and make them look discolored. Dentists call hardened plaque tartar or calculus. If a person does not remove plaque, it calcifies by trapping calcium or other minerals from the saliva, causing it to harden. The slimy, sticky white or yellow film that a person sees on their teeth or between their gums is plaque. Many of these bacteria can join together to form a biofilm.īiofilms are thick, sticky substances that protect bacteria, making them stronger and harder to remove. They can live on the teeth, gums, tongue, and throughout the mouth.Īpproximately 700 species of tiny organisms, including bacteria, live on and around the teeth. Plaque is a collection of bacteria that stick together. Share on Pinterest Image credit: Getty Images
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