Q: What's the difference between plaque and tartar?
A: Plaque is the main enemy in the mouth. It is a colorless, sticky film that builds up on the teeth. Plaque that's allowed to stay in the mouth over time will combine with the minerals in your saliva to form tartar, which is also called calculus, a term derived from the Latin for "small pebbles." Tartar is a hard deposit on the teeth that can be removed only at the dentist's office. Plaque is alive with bacteria. When you eat, the bacteria transform the starch and sugar in food to acids that eat away your teeth's enamel. That's the process that begins decay. This is why brushing and flossing after every meal are so important.
The technique used to remove accumulated tartar, or calculus, is called scaling. Your dentist or hygienist will use a hand-held instrument shaped like a curved spoon, a sickle, a hoe or a file. The person doing the scaling will gently insert the instrument beneath the gum, press it firmly against the tooth and pull toward the crown to remove the hardened plaque. Talk with your dentist about ways to prevent the buildup of damaging plaque and tartar.
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