

It is normal, but if it isn’t removed by brushing, flossing, and regular visits to the dental hygienist, it can lead to cavities. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that builds up on your teeth.
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By having an oral hygiene routine and by seeing your dentist for professional cleanings, you can keep your smile healthy for years! What is Plaque? And according to the CDC, 26% of American adults have untreated tooth decay. If you don’t remove plaque and tartar, they can cause tooth decay or gum disease. The difference between plaque and tartar is that tartar has become mineralized over time, making it more difficult for you to remove it with regular brushing or flossing at home. Both contain a mixture of living and dead bacteria and food particles such as sugar (or “ dental plaque “). Plaque and tartar are remnants of oral plaque that adhere to the tooth surface after eating. RELATED: HOW MUCH DOES A TEETH CLEANING COST? Plaque vs. This is exactly why you should know the difference. But can you remove plaque and tartar from home? The answer is: sometimes- but it’s more difficult to remove tartar than plaque. If you want to prevent plaque from turning into tartar, it’s important to do what you can on your own. However, one is more serious than the other. DOI: 10.1111/idh.There’s not a huge difference when it comes to plaque vs. The efficacy of baking soda dentifrice in controlling plaque and gingivitis: A systematic review. The clinical effectiveness of post-brushing rinsing in reducing plaque and gingivitis: A systematic review. Cranberry polyphenols: Natural weapons against dental caries. Comparative evaluation of the efficacy of probiotic, herbal and chlorhexidine mouthwash on gingival health: A randomized clinical trial. DOI: 10.7860/JCDR/2017/23891.9462

The use of mouthwash containing essential oils (LISTERINE®) to improve oral health: A systematic review. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. It’s important to note that while these results are promising, they took place in a lab setting, so the effects of cranberries on plaque in the human mouth haven’t yet been confirmed. Lab studies have shown that polyphenols in cranberries are effective deterrents to two of the mouth bacteria most likely to lead to cavities: Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus. Talk to your dentist about including cranberry products in your diet. Some rinses contain ingredients that can be harmful if swallowed in large enough amounts. Be Careful Where You Store your mouth RinseĪlways store mouth rinses someplace children cannot get to them. Listerine Cool Mint, for example, contains small amounts of menthol, thyme, wintergreen, and eucalyptus oils, and a 2017 review of studies found it reduces both plaque and gingivitis. Some studies have also found that rinse products containing essential oils result in less plaque buildup than brushing and flossing alone. A 2016 study showed both types significantly improve plaque levels without the staining that can occur with a CHX rinse. If you want a rinse that won’t cause staining or other side effects, you might consider a probiotic or herbal rinse. While it is effective for reducing plaque buildup and overall gum health, it can stain teeth, increase tartar buildup, and change the way food tastes to you. Mouth rinses have lots of different active ingredients: Chlorhexidine (CHX), probiotic, herbal, and essential oil mouth rinses have all been studied.ĬHX is available by prescription only. In a 2016 review of the medical literature, researchers concluded that when mouth rinses are used along with brushing and flossing, there’s a significant reduction in plaque and gingivitis. To get at the bacteria between your teeth, consider a mouth rinse product when you rinse and floss. And a vital part of good oral health is visiting your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups. It’s also very important to floss your teeth daily since plaque can form in the tight spaces between teeth. To learn an effective technique for removing plaque while you brush, try the method recommended here:

The American Dental Association recommends that you brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes.

Brush your teeth twice a day, and brush after eating sugary foods. To keep the bacteria in plaque from harming your teeth and gums, the most important thing you can do is clean your teeth every day.
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How to prevent plaque Practice good oral hygiene
