General dentists are the best resource to refer to when it comes to plaque and tartar. They specialize in treating both, while also making an effort to educate patients on ways to prevent development to begin with. Thankfully, there are a lot of ways that general dentists can help patients avoid this from occurring. One way is to provide information that allows for a better understanding of the dangers.
Below is a quick overview of what a general dentist thinks is important to know about plaque and tartar. Reviewing this information may prove to be helpful to those who are not sure how harmful both can be.
Plaque is the start of a bacterial infection. It is colorless and sticks to the surface of the teeth like a film coating. General dentists state that plaque needs to be removed when it is still sticky and soft. Otherwise, it turns into tartar. Tartar is hard and sticks to the surface of the teeth, as well as the gum line, making it very difficult to remove. It also appears colorless, making it difficult to see or notice, which is why other symptoms may occur. Tartar must be addressed as it can result in tooth decay and even loss.
Plaque can be dangerous because it can turn into tartar, which is where the real damage can take place. Once plaque does turn into tartar, the effects can be detrimental, resulting in the need for a lot of treatment. General dentists typically treat tartar build-up with restorative procedures. If decay occurs, fillings or crowns may need to be placed. In some cases, tartar can also affect the gums, which may result in the need to undergo more serious procedures, such as scaling and root planing. Scaling and root planing involves scraping the gum line clean to get rid of any buildup.
Both plaque and tartar can easily be prevented if regular visits to the general dentist take place. Check-ups and cleaning should be done at least every six months, if not more. Additionally, a good oral hygiene routine every day is important as it will ensure that the teeth remain in good shape. Good oral hygiene includes brushing twice a day, flossing at least once, and rinsing with mouthwash a few times a week.
Those who want more information on plaque and tartar can talk directly with a general dentist. It is important to have a good understanding of both in order to maintain good oral health. When suffering from plaque and tartar, it is also necessary to visit a general dentist. An evaluation can be performed to determine what type of treatment is necessary. From there, the patient will know what to expect as far as timeline and improvement. Reach out today to schedule an appointment!
Request an appointment here: https://www.bigwayfamilydental.com or call Bigway Family Dental at (210) 209-8418 for an appointment in our San Antonio office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentist in San Antonio, TX.
Routine checkups from your general dentist can maintain or even improve your dental health. It can be challenging to keep your dental appointments because of busy schedules and demanding lifestyles. But making an effort to keep them can be very rewarding. Here are the details on how regular appointments with your general dentist can maintain…
Whether you have not visited the dentist in a long time, have never been, or are simply switching general dentists, it is normal to have questions on your mind. Patients often want to ask about their current oral health, such as whether they need to be worried about cavities or persistent tooth sensitivity. They may…
General dentists are some of the most visited professionals in their field. The American Dental Association recommends that people as young as one year old maintain a biannual checkup schedule. Their primary aim is to preserve or improve patients' oral health, which they do in various ways. Let us look at six of them.Depending on…
When searching for an affordable dentist, balancing cost with quality care is crucial to maintaining optimal oral health. Many patients may not know what to look for, and often, their search is too vague or broad. Knowing what to consider and choosing the right dental professional ensures that patients receive effective treatments without compromising their…