Common Oral Problems

Whenever you browse through any oral health article/blog you might encounter the words Plaque, Tartar and Calculus with a brief definition that hardly renders any understanding.

You might have also been told by your dentist that you have calculus or tartar deposits and need to get them removed. Often people misuse the words either mistaking one for the other or lacking any understanding on them. So let me throw some light on this issue and the appropriate measures to remove them.

Successful build up of plaque leads to Tartar formation

Plaque:

This is a thin film of clear sticky bacteria that forms on your teeth, gums and tongue.

Plaque contains various types of bacteria and is a sticky layer. Hence, mechanical cleansing by toothbrush is essential to remove plaque.

Plaque begins forming 12 hours after brushing and thus brushing twice a day is very important to control it.

Mucoid Plaque(or simply Plaque) is harmful as it contains infective bacteria which can cause tooth decay and gingivitis.

Removal of Plaque