Plaque
A plaque is a thin film of clear sticky layer of bacteria that forms on your teeth, gums and tongue. 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.
Tartar and Calculus
Calculus is a dentist’s term for tartar. If Plaque is not removed, it hardens to a mineralized visible mass, which is called Calculus or Tartar. It is in a form of hard yellowish deposits above or below the gums, on the inner or outer surface of teeth and can only be removed by a Dentist or Oral hygienist. A tartar starts as a yellowish white deposit which in due course of time left in place changes to greenish white I color and later black colored deposits. These are highly harmful as they contain infective bacteria which can cause tooth decay and gingivitis (gum inflammations).
These being deposited between the gums and the teeth, gums starts to loosen its attachment from the teeth, on further deposition, gums starts recede and bone reabsorbs. Thereby, a tooth looses its major supports, which, ultimately ends up in a mobile tooth.
Removal of tartar/calculus is very important. Professional cleaning is the only remedy when they are formed. Professional cleaning with minimal interval of six months will do good to maintain oral hygiene.
