Plaque
and Calculus
Plaque
Research has shown that controlling plaque is important in the control
of decay and gum disease. Plaque is neither food or food residue. Plaque
is a clear, sticky deposit of of bacteria that adheres to the surface
of teeth and gum tissue. It is so adherent that it can only be removed
by mechanical cleansing. Plaque contains a variety of different types
of bacteria. For this reason, certain types of plaque are associated
with dental decay, others with calculus formation, and others with the
inflammatory response of the gums (gingivitis).
Plaque begins forming on the teeth in as little as 4 hours after brushing.
This is why it is so important to brush your teeth at least twice a
day and floss daily. The rate at which plaque forms and the location
in which it develops can vary between individuals and even between different
teeth in the same mouth. One of the prime areas in which plaque accumulates
is at the gingival margin and sulcus where the tooth meets the gum.
Calculus
Plaque which is not removed regularly by brushing and flossing can harden
into calculus (also called tartar). Calculus is plaque that has mineralized,
forming a tough, crusty deposit that can only be removed by your dentist
or hygienist. These deposits can form above (supragingival) and below
(subgingival) the gum line. Calculus deposits are a significant contributing
factor in periodontal disease because it is always covered by a layer
of nonmineralized plaque. The calculus keeps the plaque close to the
gingival tissue and makes it much more difficult to remove the plaque
bacteria. Thorough removal of these deposits is necessary to prevent
the progression of periodontal disease.
Some people form heavy calculus deposits rapidly while others form little
or no mineralized deposits. This is due to differences in the saliva,
the types of plaque bacteria, and dietary factors. One can help reduce
the formation of calculus by brushing with and ADA-accepted tartar control
toothpaste and by having regular professional cleanings every 6 months
or more frequently as recommended by your dentist or hygienist.
The prevention of
gum disease and decay requires a life-long commitment to fighting plaque
and calculus formation
<<
back
|
