PLAQUE comes from bacteria.
The gooey material is created when bacteria mix with sugar or starch found in those sweet drinks and delicious foods. Mix with acids and carbs and, voila, the goo.
Bacteria are voracious. They hunger for carbohydrates that are found in your softdrinks, coffee, milk and tea, from fruit juices, pasta, bread, ice cream and cake. To break down the carbs, the bacteria release acid. And this is where the trouble gets serious.
Acids plus carbohydrates plus bacteria equals plaque. A gooey film then envelopes the teeth on where it stays.
The invasion of the plaque doesn’t end there. Like some primordial slime, it breaks down the enamel that protects the teeth. Without that protection, cavities form.
Not unless you brush your teeth regularly and deny the plaque the environment it requires.
Here comes the scarier part. Plaque that is not removed by regularly brushing your teeth hardens into tartar.
This metamorphosis is a lot more difficult to treat. In fact, only a dentist can remove tartar. Meaning, if you want to avoid the dental chair, brush your teeth and remove plaque before it hardens into tartar.
You will know that plaque has formed into a more malevolent tartar by feeling the surface of your teeth with your (clean) fingers. At the start, the teeth will feel rough.
That’s the start. When tartar forms into a lot more threatening version, gums may become swollen and bleed easily.
Your friendly neighborhood dentist can diagnose tartar (for that matter, plaque as well). It’s a fairly simple process of probing your teeth and gums. A bit of probing may be needed to spot the cavities that may or may not have formed.
If it’s plaque, not to worry too much as it is easily treatable (at home even) with simple oral tools: the toothbrush and the toothpaste.
Tartar is different. You need to sit on a dental chair. That’s because tartar requires professional removal that can only be performed by a dentist. You can’t get rid of tartar by brushing your teeth.
If cavities are involved, dental sealants and fluoride treatments may be necessary. The dentist will be able to advise the best treatment option for you.
Now there you have it. Tartar removal is a little bit expensive and requires a visit to the dentist. Plaque removal is as easy as brushing your teeth at least twice a day and doesn’t require going to the dentist.
The choice is yours.
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Dr. Joseph D. Lim is the former Associate Dean of the College of Dentistry, University of the East; former Dean, College of Dentistry, National University; Past President and Honorary Fellow of the Asian Oral Implant Academy; Honorary Fellow of the Japan College of Oral Implantologists; and Honorary Life Member of the Thai Association of Dental Implantology. For questions on dental health, e-mail jdlim2008@gmail.com or text 0917-8591515./PN
