Will Hardened Plaque Go Away?
If you’ve had plaque for a while, you may have noticed that it has begun to harden. You may be wondering if this will go away on its own. The answer, in short, is “no.”
Below is more information about hardened plaque and how it can be removed.
About Hardened Plaque
Hardened plaque is known as “tartar.” This is what happens when plaque is allowed to form for too long without being treated. Once plaque hardens into tartar, it becomes extremely difficult to remove and will require the help of a dental care professional.
To avoid tartar, consider these signs of plaque formation:
* Swollen gums
* Bad breath
* Bleeding gums
* Yellow teeth
If you notice these symptoms, schedule an appointment with your dentist. If they find it is simply plaque, it will be much easier to remove.
Can I Scrape Hardened Plaque Off My Teeth?
No. Even when you have regular plaque, you shouldn’t be using any tools to scrape the plaque from your teeth. These scraping tools are intended to be used by professionals that are properly trained. Do not attempt to use them on your own.
Can I Avoid Treatment?
You cannot avoid treatment for tartar. At this stage, an oral healthcare professional needs to remove it with special tools. If you avoid seeing the dentist, the following oral health issues can occur:
* Cavities/tooth decay
* Tooth discoloration
* Tooth loss
* Gum disease
* Gum recession
* Sensitivity
Can I Prevent Plaque and Tartar from Forming?
Proper oral care is essential to prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar. It can actually be relatively easy to avoid if you take proper care of your teeth.
The first step is to establish a consistent routine of brushing, flossing, and rinsing your mouth twice a day, every day. It is crucial to be thorough and take your time with each quadrant of your mouth. This means spending at least 30 seconds brushing each section. Flossing should also be done thoroughly but gently. You don’t want to damage your gums or cause them to bleed.
To further avoid plaque buildup, you may consider fluoride treatment and dental sealants. Fluoride treatment helps combat the bacteria responsible for plaque formation, while sealants help to prevent its development.
In addition to these measures, scheduling regular appointments with your dentist every six months is critical. During these checkups, your dentist can remove any plaque and tartar buildup and diagnose any oral health issues. They can then create a treatment plan to address these conditions and prevent further decay or infection.
Contact Us Today
If you discover hardened plaque on your teeth, schedule an appointment with us so we can remove it professionally. It will not go away on its own. It is extremely important that tartar is removed before a more serious oral health issue occurs.
We look forward to speaking with you and helping you with the removal of your tartar buildup.